28 February 2006
The Minister of Science and Technology Mosibudi Mangena will deliver a
keynote address at an international symposium on "Evidence-based advice". This
will be hosted by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) on Friday, 3
March, at the CSIR Conference Centre from 09h00.
In his address Minister Mangena will consider some of the following
issues:
* What is evidence?
* Is evidence overrated? and
* How can government and the nation at large best draw on the knowledge and
skills of the science community?
The symposium aims to bring together South African scientists and policy
makers to a dialogue on the potential role of science academies in supporting
government decision making through the use of evidence-based advice. The
symposium will also provide opportunities for relationship building, networking
and shared learning on the potential for evidence-based advice to inform South
Africa's national public policy making process.
The turn to evidence-based action is especially vital in developing
countries requires closer co-operation between governments, research based
organisations, and science academies, so that policy making and planning
increasingly draws on the best wisdom available.
It is common practice for developed countries to rely on national science
academies for examining pressing issues that require the gathering, analysis
and weighing of evidence. Science academies are based on high merit, are
multidisciplinary and are well connected internationally. They are also
independent and elect their own leadership and members. As a result, their
findings and recommendations are deemed objective.
For media enquiries please contact:
Ms Nthabi Maoela
Cell: 073 648 2876
E-mail: Nthabiseng.maoela@dst.gov.za
The Ministry of Science and Technology
Mr Nelvis Qekema
Cell: 082 571 2571
E-mail: Nelvis.qekema@dst.gov.za
Academy of Science South Africa (ASSAf)
Dr Xola Mati
Cell: 083 502 5009
E-mail: xola@assaf.nrf.ac.za
Academy of Science South African (ASSAf)
Professor Wieland Gevers
Cell: 082 491 0379
E-mail: wieland@telkomsa.net
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
28 February 2006
Source: SAPA
