The three-yearly General Conference of the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS), themed "Science for Africa's Development" takes place in Durban from 19 to 23 October. Over 400 guests are scheduled to attend the event.
Hosted by the Department of Science and Technology and the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), an entity of the Department of Science and Technology, the conference is intended to mobilise the scientific community to generate collective, evidence-based solutions to national problems, and to play a critical role in global endeavours to promote science and technology.
TWAS, an autonomous international body, was founded in Italy in 1983 by a distinguished group of scientists from the South. Its aim is to promote scientific excellence and capacity in the region for science-based sustainable development.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, will participate in a symposium on the "Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on Research and Education in Developing Countries" with her counterparts from India, Brazil and China.
Other symposia in which South Africa will feature strongly include "Astronomy in Developing Countries" and "Science and Technology Education for Development".
The programme features distinguished scientists such as Michael Atiyah, who will deliver a lecture titled "Truth and beauty in mathematics and physics".
ASSAf will launch The State of Science in South Africa at the conference. The book provides an overview of all academic disciplines in South Africa and highlights the teaching of these at universities, as well as examining their uses in industry.
In an attempt to promote science and careers in science among grade 10 and 11 learners, TWAS fellows, South African scientists and other role models will meet teachers and learners in Empangeni, Port Shepstone and Durban. This "Meet the Scientists" initiative will be launched as a side event on 24 October by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA).
About the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) is the official national academy of science and represents the country in the international community of science academies. As a collective resource, the Academy enables the generation of evidence-based solutions to national problems.
The strategic priorities of the Academy are closely matched to those of the nation, focusing particularly on the need for the greatly enhanced availability of high-level human capital and an increased use of the country's best intellectual expertise in generating evidence-based policy advice that is practical and feasible.
About the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS)
TWAS represents the best of science in developing countries. Its main mission is to promote scientific excellence and capacity in the South for science-based sustainable development.
The Academy's strength resides in the quality and diversity of its membership – internationally renowned scientists elected by their peers. TWAS fellows, who make up 85 percent of the membership, are citizens of the South, while TWAS associate fellows are citizens of the North who have made significant contributions to the advancement of science in the South. TWAS currently has 902 members from 90 countries.
A Council, elected every three years by TWAS members, is responsible for the Academy's broad policy and programmatic directions. The Secretariat headed by an executive director and located on the premises of the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, Italy, assists the Council in the administration and coordination of the programmes.
For more information, please contact:
Veronica Mohapeloa
Tel: 012 843 6788
Cell: 083 400 5750
E-mail:veronica.mohapeloa@dst.gov.za
Patricia Scholtz
Tel: 012 349 6618
Cell: 082 550 0757
E-mail: patsy@assaf.org.za
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
8 October 2009
Source: Department of Science and Technology (http://www.dst.gov.za)
