The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, has congratulated newly elected President of the International Council for Science (ICSU), Prof. Daya Reddy.
Prof. Reddy was elected by representatives of ICSU's 120 national members and 31 scientific unions attending the organisation's 31st General Assembly in Auckland, New Zealand.
ICSU is a non-governmental organisation with a global membership of national scientific bodies (121 members representing 141 countries) and international scientific unions (31 members).
Prof. Reddy obtained his PhD degree in civil engineering from the University of Cape Town, and a PhD degree from Cambridge University. He is President of the Academy of Science of South Africa and serves as Co-chair of the InterAcademy Council, a body which produces reports on scientific, technological and health issues for governments and global organisations.
Prof. Reddy's research interests lie at the intersection of applied mathematics and engineering sciences. Much of his work is concerned with analysis and computational simulation in solid and fluid mechanics, and concerns the development of mathematical models of material behaviour, analysis of these models, and the construction and implementation of algorithms for their numerical solution.
Minister Pandor joined the science community in congratulating Prof. Reddy: "It means a lot for South Africa and for Africa; it shows that our continent is being recognised for its skills, ability to lead and the role we are playing in global science. It is a great honour for South Africa, because it recognises the excellent work of our researchers and scientists and their contribution to global bodies."
Prof. Reddy said, "ICSU is in a special position to promote the values of science and provide leadership in seeking scientific approaches to the world's problems."
He added, "I look forward very much to working with my colleagues in ICSU on the task of realising these goals. I am particularly keen to ensure that ICSU becomes as inclusive as possible, so that, as the 'voice' of science, we are in fact able to involve the entire community worldwide."
Enquiries:
David Mandaha
Cell: 076 520 5647
Email: David.Mandaha@dst.gov.za
