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Table of ContentsNews
Prioritizing Food Security Policies for Health and Development in Africa: Science Academy-Policymaker Interaction for Evidence-Based Decision Making |
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Study of final HIV/AIDS, TB AND NUTRITION Report (2 MB) Summary of HIV/AIDS, TB AND NUTRITION Report (689 KB) Click here for details Click here for Press release International media coverage on the recent released study report by the Academy of Science of South Africa on the links between nutrition and treatment. The Guardian, New York Times, The Washington Post, BBC Online, and others. 
National Code & Terms of Reference Booklets
 There are currently NO vacancies at ASSAf |
ROYAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA OCTOBER 2008 NOTICE OF MEETINGThe meeting will be held at the South African Astronomical Observatory* (SAAO), Observatory Road, Observatory on Wednesday 22nd October at 17h00. Tea will be served from 16h30 A G E N D A 1. Minutes: Approval of the Minutes of the meeting held on 17th September 2008. 2. New Members: 3. Address (co-hosted with the Academy of Science of South Africa): Professor E D Sturrock FRSSAf, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town will deliver a lecture entitled ‘New drugs for hypertension: From ACE to Aliskiren’ ‘High blood pressure, or hypertension, is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease which accounts for an estimated 22% of deaths worldwide. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and renin are two major targets for cardiovascular therapies. ACE inhibitors have been on the market for more than 25 years. ACE is a central component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which controls not only blood pressure and fluid and electrolyte homeostasis, but also kidney and vascular function. The use of ACE inhibitors is hampered by common side effects such as persistent cough. Moreover, we now know that ACE actually consists of two parts (called the N- and C-domains) that have different functions. Therefore, the design of specific domain-selective ACE inhibitors is likely to produce next-generation drugs that might be safer and more effective. Our research has focused on the structural features of current inhibitors and how next-generation ACE inhibitors could be designed by using the three-dimensional molecular structure of human ACE. The ACE structure provides a unique opportunity for rational drug design, based on a combination of computer modelling using existing inhibitors as scaffolds, and iterative lead optimization to drive the synthetic chemistry. More recently, the renin inhibitor aliskiren or rasilez was approved for the treatment of hypertension by the US Food and Drug Administration. The development of this drug has been a remarkable story considering it too is a key component of the RAS and was discovered almost 100 years ago. The fascinating development of these two drug targets will be discussed.’ All welcome. Booking not required. For further information phone 021.650 2543 Email: royalsociety@uct.ac.za *Directions to SAAO Auditorium : Coming from the N2,turn off to the M57 – Liesbeeck Parkway; turning in the direction towards Cape Town and continue to the traffic lights with Hartleyvale (hockey and football) on your left. Turn right at traffic lights into Observatory Road, pass the River Club; the S A Astronomical Observatory (SAAO/SALT)) is next on the left. Once through the security gates bear left and continue on past the main buildings following the SALT signs to the last building on the left. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Please note Minutes of September 08 meeting will follow soon. IAP planning meeting on Promoting Access to and use of Digital Knowledge Resources in Countries with Developing and Transitional Economies: Focus on the Role of Science Academies in Africa.[Statements] G8 Joint science academies’ statement on growth and responsibility: sustainability, energy efficiency and climate protection [pdf] G8 Joint science academies’ statement on growth and responsibility: the promotion and protection of innovation [pdf] Joint statement by the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) to the G8 on sustainability, energy efficiency and climate change [pdf : 384KB]
IAP planning meeting on Promoting Access to and use of Digital Knowledge Resources in Countries with Developing and Transitional Economies: Focus on the Role of Science Academies in Africa.
[Presentations] |
PRESS RELEASE: SA’s National Academy of Science and Water Research Commission Collaborate with Regional Players to Harness Water-Powered Energy Technology in Africa [19 June 2008]An African Hydrology and Hydropower Training Workshop is being hosted by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and the Water Research Commission (WRC) from 18 to 20 June 2008 at the WRC Building in Pretoria, to investigate the use of hydropower as an alternate energy source on the African continent. Funded by the InterAcademy Panel on International Issues(IAP) Water Programme, the WRC and ASSAf, the workshop seeks to investigate the relevance of science in the understanding of regional hydrology as a key aspect of sustainable energy production in hydropower. Hydropower is a renewable energy source that has been employed by various societies throughout the ages. It involves both large-scale projects that extend across countries and regions, as well as small-scale hydro schemes that can meet the energy needs of small communities. The African continent has used less than 10% of its potential to generate hydropower, thus signifying great potential for the future development and use of this energy source. The workshop evolved from the need to increase the utilisation of Africa’s favourable hydrology and climate to generate sustainable and reliable power on the continent.Workshop participants include specialists from ten African countries, representing their respective governments, and various energy sector and academic institutions. Participants are tasked with deliberating a number of topical issues on the importance of hydropower amidst a global and regional move towards diversified and renewable energy technology solutions: Regional hydrology; Climate change and energy security; Established hydropower schemes (large, medium and small schemes); Potential new schemes in Africa; Environmental impacts and mitigation; Social impacts and mitigation; Biodiversity and threatened species; Hydropower infrastructure and integrated water resource management; Case studies and examples in emerging economies; Partnerships in regional hydrology; and Financing hydropower schemes. The implementation of large hydropower projects on the continent is dependent on the utilisation of water resources across countries and regions. In many cases, hydropower schemes are implemented in downstream countries to make optimal use of high rainfall patterns and other favourable hydrological conditions upstream. Most hydropower schemes are connected to regional power grids that supply several countries. Mr Simon Rambau, ASSAf’s Liaison Manager, and Dr Renias Dube, WRC Research Manager, both emphasised that the implementation of major hydropower schemes in African regions would create an environment conducive to increased economic growth, employment creation, poverty alleviation and a better quality of life for South Africans and the continent at large. While the benefits are evident, environmental and social impacts of such hydropower schemes would require effective and efficient management across country borders. A report highlighting the outcomes and action plans of this regional strategic workshop will be made available to external stakeholders from ASSAf and the WRC, on completion of the proceedings. For more information, contact Mr Simon Rambau (ASSAf) via e-mail: simon@assaf.org.za or telephone +27 79 515 89 13/+27 21 843 6486. Alternatively, refer any queries to Dr Renias Dube (WRC) via e-mail: reniasd@wrc.org.za or telephone +27 12 330 9030. PRESS RELEASE: South Africa’s National Science Academy Celebrates the Achievements of its Members at the 2008 National Science & Technology Forum Awards [4 June 2008]The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) expressed its support for two of its highly acclaimed Members, Profs Johann Lutjeharms and Tshilidzi Marwala, who were both nominated in separate categories of the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) Awards. The NSTF Awards ceremony celebrated its tenth anniversary on 27 May 2008, at Emperor’s Palace, Gauteng, where the Minister of Science & Technology, Mr Mosibudi Mangena, and the Director-General in his Department, Dr Phil Mjwara, as well as the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Education, Ms Penny Vinjevold, among other dignitaries present, expressed their admiration of NSTF’s growth over the years and its contribution to the study and development of science and technology in South Africa. Click here for more info
PRESS RELEASE: ASSAf Interacts with SA’s Youth at DST’s National Science Week [15 May 2008]The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) took part in the 2008 National Science Week (NSW) launch celebrations, under the theme ‘Tomorrow’s Science & Technology are in our Youths Hands’ at North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, on 8 May 2008.The NSW was officially launched by the Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Mosibudi Mangena, who addressed a highlevel delegation from national, provincial and local government, as well as approximately 2,200 learners from across the North-West Province. Click here for more info
PRESS RELEASE: Prof. Roseanne Diab Appointed as Executive Officer of ASSAf [5 May 2008] Click here for more info
PRESS RELEASE: Nutrition no substitute for HIV/AIDS and TB drugs [EMBARGO UNTIL MIDNIGHT 21 AUGUST 2007] Click here for Press release
PRESS RELEASE: THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE OF SOUTH AFRICA AWARDS PRESTIGIOUS SYDNEY BRENNER FELLOWSHIPS TO TWO YOUNG UCT WOMEN SCIENTISTSDr Sydney Brenner, the South African-born and -trained molecular biologist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2002, donated part of his Prize to help establish high-level post-doctoral awards called the Sydney Brenner Fellowships . These are co-awarded by the Academy of Science of South Africa and the U.S National Academy of Sciences, with additional funding from the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust. Because Dr Brenner is renowned for his visionary and lateral thinking ability, the selection criteria unusually extend beyond an excellent track record to clear evidence of independent creativity and ingenuity in addressing and solving “big” scientific problems. The work must be done in a South African institution, which supplies the project funding. Dr Brenner personally mentors recipients from his present bases in Japan, Singapore and California. Click here for details |
Conferences and summits | Meetings | Seminars and forums | Workshops | Visiting Lecture Invitation to attend a lecture presented by PROFESSOR SAUL DUBOWThe Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)has great pleasure in announcing that Professor Saul Dubow has been appointed as its 2008 Visiting Lecturer.The Visiting Lecture is one of the Academy’s annual events in the International and National programme. An outstanding lecturer from abroad is usually invited to present short lectures to the main centres in South Africa. The first such lecturer (2005) was Professor George Philander from Princeton on the theme of global warming. The second lecture was in 2006 by Professor Peter Richardson who presented a lecture on “Cultural Evolutionary Studies”. South African-born Saul Dubow is Professor of History at Sussex University and, amongst other positions, he is chair of the Editorial Board of the prestigious Journal of Southern African Studies. Professor Dubow has recently published a major study on the development of early institutionalised science and scientific knowledge in South Africa. This book, A Commonwealth of Learning: Science, Sensibility and White South Africa 1820–2000.(published by Oxford University Press.) is regarded as a major contribution to understanding not only of the history of South African science but how scientific knowledge has helped to make the country. Professor Dubow’s lecture entitled “Social Aspects of Science in South Africa” is expected to draw from this book and more recent research. His visit to South Africa presents a major opportunity for members of the Academy and others to think about the role of science in this country both historically and in contemporary times. All are invited to attend Peter Vale, MASSAf. South African Host For more information on the Visiting Lecture please do not hesitate to contact Mr Simon Rambau Tel 012 843 6486, email: simon@assaf.org.za. Click here for full CV The lectures are scheduled as follows:  Latest schedule [Dates / Venues and Contact Person] |
| SAJS : South African Journal of Science: A Nature for South Africa |
QUEST: Science for South Africa A quarterly magazine of high quality, presenting science for South Africa |
ASSAf – Science for Society Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 1, 2008: |
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The South African Journal of Science is the leading multidisciplinary research journal in Africa, and features a great diversity of original work by researchers throughout the country and abroad, concentrating on articles that have an appeal that is wider than that of single disciplines. |
The Academy publishes the national science magazine Quest: Science for South Africa that was launched in 2004.
Quest serves as a platform for communication about scientific research done in South Africa. It strives to showcase South African science in action, and is aimed at the broad scientific community, decision-makers, the public, students, and especially the senior grades at secondary schools. | The Newsletters are compiled by Wieland Gevers, Rudzani Ramaite, Simon Rambau and Ntsheu Mangena. | |||
Reports |
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Scientific inquiry into the nutritional influences on human immunity with special reference to HIV infection and active TB in South Africa
Study of final HIV/AIDS, TB AND NUTRITION Report [318 pages] 2 MB Summary of HIV/AIDS, TB AND NUTRITION Report [94 pages] 389 KB |
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Report on a Strategic Approach to Research Publishing in South Africa
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Proceedings Report for the Forum on “Science-Based Improvements of Rural/Subsistence Agriculture Forum Proceedings: Siyabulela Ntutela, Wieland Gevers and Rudzani Ramaite (Editors) Report [132 pages] 3.46 MB |
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Call for nominations: ASSAf Visiting Lectureship for 2009
