In a rapidly developing country such as South Africa, the development of human capital poses one of the greatest challenges, particularly the development of the next generation of highly skilled young individuals who can contribute towards the growth of the economy and the improved quality of life.
Recognising the importance of nurturing young talent, the Department of Science and Technology has embarked on a number of initiatives to mobilise the youth.
Building on these initiatives, ASSAf, DST and NRF will host the first annual Young Scientists' Conference focusing on young male and female scientists resident in South Africa who are under the age of 40, and in possession of at least a masters degree.
This will be a conference for young scientists, presented by young scientists, a first of its kind in South Africa.
The conference will primarily attract PhD, Postdoctoral, and young, early career researchers and scientists.
This year, the theme of the first young scientists' conference is aligned to the international year theme for 2010, biodiversity; and all subsequent conferences will be aligned to the international year theme.
Conference objectives
The main objectives of the conference are to:
- provide an opportunity for young scientists in their early careers to showcase their work and to share information on their research fields
- provide an opportunity for networking among young scientists
- enhance the implementation of the activities of the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS) and the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) National Chapters, which are hosted by ASSAf
- provide a platform for young scientists to discuss issues related to the establishment of a framework of collaboration and representation within the science system in the country
- provide an opportunity for young scientists to engage with ASSAf, DST, NRF and other key stakeholders.
Date: 12 to 13 October 2010
Venue: Diep in die Berg Conference and Function Centre, Pretoria, South Africa
Theme: Biodiversity in Focus: Exploring the Opportunities for South Africa
Venue address: 929 Disselboom Street, Wapadrand, Pretoria
Tel: +27 12 807 4630
E-mail: info@diepindieberg.com
Web page: http://www.diepindieberg.com/
Kindly indicate your attendance by contacting: patsy@assaf.org.za
Key speakers at the conference are the Director-General: DST, Dr Phil Mjwara; President: ASSAf, Prof Robin Crewe; and Chief Executive Officer and President: NRF, Dr Albert van Jaarsveld will open the conference by addressing young scientists on 12 October 2010. A keynote address by Dr Belinda Reyers (Chief Researcher, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, CSIR) entitled 'Biodiversity science in South Africa' will also be presented on 12 October 2010.
86 young scientists have registered to attend and participate at the conference. Conference participants represent eight science councils, 13 higher education institutions in South Africa as well as young scientists based within government departments and the private sector.
Of these, 23 will present oral papers while 12 will present posters. The presentations will address the following sub-themes:
- Biodiversity and policy in South Africa
- Biodiversity and ecosystem services
- Biodiversity and climate change
- Biodiversity and socio-economic development and
- Biodiversity conservation and management.
Some abstracts will be selected during the conference by the editors of the South African Journal of Science (SAJS), published by ASSAf, as special submissions to the journal.
Presenters of these abstracts will be mentored in the process of writing a scientific paper prior to the submission of the paper and its peer review.
The full programme of the young scientists' conference is available on http://www.assaf.org.za/.
