[AstroNet] 2nd African Science Communication Conference 2009

Wed Jul 23 10:42:42 SAST 2008

SAASTA 
        

                  QUICK LINKS:  
                  INTRODUCTION 
                  BACKGROUND  
                  Conference objectives  
                  Conference committee members 
                  Contact details  
                    
           2ND AFRICAN SCIENCE COMMUNICATION CONFERENCE
            SHAPING AFRICA'S FUTURE

            18-21 February 2009
            Gauteng 

            Science Communication's contribution to Science, Technology and Innovation, and the development of democracy in Africa.


            INTRODUCTION 

            As Africans, we need to define our destiny and change our mindset with respect to science, engineering and technology, as well as research. For the success of our continent and its people, it is imperative that significant investment in the popularisation and public understanding 
            of Science and Technology development is made. It was this realisation that lead to the development of Africa 's Science and Technology Consolidated Plan of Action (August 2005). 

            The specific objectives of this consolidated plan are to strengthen the African flagship 
            research and development clusters. These include: 

            .  Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Indigenous Knowledge;
            .  Energy, Water and Desertification;
            .  Materials Sciences, Manufacturing, Laser and Post Harvest Technologies;
            .  Information, Communication and Space Science Technologies;
            .  Improving Policy Conditions and Building Innovation Mechanisms; and
            .  Implementation, Funding and Governance. 

            With these flagship R&D clusters in mind, the objectives of the consolidated plan includes: 

            .  Build African scientific and technological capacity by increasing the number of scientists, technicians and engineers;
            .  Ensure that regional economic communities mainstream science and technology for socio-economic development and competitiveness;
            .  Promote innovative ways and means of financing science and technology in Africa;
            .  Support the development and harmonisation of science and technology policies on the continent; and
            .  Promote Research and Development to achieve specific Millennium Development Goals. 

            The African Union realised that key to achieving these objectives, is the participation and 
            support of the populace and their political Institutions. If the African public and politicians can speak about the benefits of science, not only will the investment in Africa improve but the 
            public opinion on matters of science and technology will be enhanced. Given the continent's science, technology and innovation needs and challenges, SAASTA will be hosting its 2nd African Science Communication Conference bringing together individuals across the various sectors in realising Science Communication's role in driving economic growth and long term sustainable development. 

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              BACKGROUND 

            The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancements (SAASTA, is a 
            business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF)). SAASTA is to take a leadership 
            position in promoting broad public awareness, appreciation and understanding of science, 
            engineering and technology in South Africa.

            In December 2006, the SAASTA hosted the first African Science Communication Conference 
            focusing specifically on the need to develop the field of Science Communication and establish collaborative networks on the African continent engaging academics, universities, the public, 
            science centres and private research centres, as well as industry, the media, the education 
            field and professional practitioners.

            Communicators, ICT specialists, science centres, educators, discipline specific researchers and science communicators, and many more found a platform for promoting science communication. 
            The delegates represented 20 countries from around the world and from more than 17 different 
            fields. Of the 149 delegates who attended the conference, the majority rated the overall value
            of the first ASCC and the experience as excellent and highly commendable.

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              CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

            The conference objectives are to: 

              a.. Mobilise experts, civic groups and policy-makers to investigate how Science Communication can be used as a pillar for the democratisation of science in Africa. 
              b.. Showcase international benchmark activities where Science Communication is used to 
                a.. link industry with academia, science and technology institutes and 
                R&D activities; 
                b.. link science and policy in order to strengthen the decision making process 
              c.. Consider strategies where Science Communication can assist in strengthening the continent's human skills base by supporting initiatives such as The African Science Academy Development Initiative, and ensuring that more Women enter SET. 
              d.. Identify the role Science Communication can play in facilitating inter- and trans-disciplinary research and entrepreneurial activities. 
              e.. Advance Science Communication in order to build a strong political and civil society constituency for science and technology in Africa. 
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              CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS 

            Ms. Beverley Damonse - SAASTA Executive Director(South Africa) 

            Mr. Diran Onifade - health and environment science reporter on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). Vice president of the World Federation of Science Journalism (WFSJ)(Nigeria) 

            Prof. Sospeter Muhongo - Executive Director ICSU Africa Regional Office (Tanzania) 

            Mr. Andrea Bandelli - Coordinator of the 1st ASCC programme (Europe) 

            Prof. Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan - Palaeobiologist at the University of Cape Town (UCT)
            (South Africa) 

            Mr. Lorenzo Raynard - Manager, Science Communications Unit (SAASTA)

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              CONTACT DETAILS

            Enquiries can be sent to:
            Ms Maphefo Chauke, Project Officer 

                  Email address:  maphefo.chauke at saasta.ac.za  
                  Telephone number: +27 12 392 9300  
                  Facsimile number:  +27 12 320 7803  

                  Physical address:  Didacta Building    Postal address:  P.O. Box 1758  
                    211 Skinner Street      Pretoria Central  
                    0002     0001 

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              For more information, please visit the 2nd ASCC page at saasta.ac.za  
     
     
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