ASSAf Third Annual South African Young Scientists’ Conference
Date: 16-18 October 2012
Venue: CSIR International Convention Centre, Brummeria, Pretoria

Introduction

One of the greatest challenges facing a rapidly developing country such as South Africa is the development of human capital, and in particular the development of the next generation of highly skilled young people who can contribute towards the growth of the economy and improved quality of life. An additional imperative in South Africa is the broadening of the base of talented, skilled young people to ensure inclusion of the entire population.

Commencing in 2010, the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), has hosted an annual young scientists’ conference. The conference has been hosted within the framework of the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS) and Organisation of Women Scientists for the Developing World (OWSDW) National Chapters, implemented by ASSAf in South Africa.

Conference Theme

The conferences are broadly aligned to the UN international year theme, which in 2012 is sustainable energy. The young scientists conference in 2012 is themed, ‘Our Energy Future’

Conference Subthemes

1. Renewable energy sources and energy efficiency
2. Energy, water, health, food and environment

Who should attend the Conference?

The conference is aimed at young male and female scientists, and the following criteria apply:

1. Be resident in South Africa
2. Be under the age of forty (40) when the abstract is submitted
3. Be in possession of at least a Master’s degree
4. Have a research interest in the International Year theme

Participation of PhD, Post-Doc, and young early-career researchers and scientists is encouraged.

Call for Abstracts

First Call for Abstracts and Conference Announcement
Second Call for Abstracts

Conference Announcement & Registration

Registration is open to people interested in the conference theme. There are no conference costs to attend the conference but space is limited and admission will be treated on a first come first serve basis for participants that are engaged in energy research. The conference will not admit participants whose research interests are not aligned to the conference theme.

Registration deadline: 4 October 2012
Registration forms to be send to Dorothy Ngila (mutheu@assaf.org.za)

Registration form
Conference announcement

Draft Programme

Participants can expect the following from the conference:

1. Interactions with senior personnel within the South African National System of Innovation (NSI) organisations
2. Scientific sessions on sustainable energy
3. A symposium by the Renewable Energy Centre of Research and Development (RECORD)
4. Session on science communication

Venue

The CSIR ICC is ideally situated on the science and technology hub of Pretoria.
Map and Directions
Using the Gautrain
For more information, please visit http://www.csiricc.co.za/

ORAL & POSTER PRESENTERS

DELEGATES/PARTICIPANTS

Conference contact persons
Charmaine Mahabo
Intern: Liaison programme
Academy of Science of South Africa
Email: charmaine@assaf.org.za
Telephone: 012 349 6605
Fax: +27 (0) 86 576 9517
1st Floor Block A, The Woods, 41 De Havilland Crescent, Persequor Park
Meiring Naudé Road, Lynnwood 0020, Pretoria, South Africa.
PO Box 72135, Lynnwood Ridge 0040, Pretoria, South Africa.
Website: www.assaf.org.za

Dorothy Mutheu Ngila
Liaison Officer
Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
Switchboard: +27 12 349 6600
Tel: +27 12 349 6607
Cell: +27 76 483 2330
Fax: +27 (0) 86 576 9517
Email: mutheu@assaf.org.za

Partners

In 2012, ASSAf is proud to partner with the following organisations:

Renewable Energy Centre of Research and Development (RECORD)

Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

Department of Science and Technology (DST)

South African Academy of Engineering (SAAE)

South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI)

South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA)

National Research Foundation (NRF)