Six young scientists nominated by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) will be among 400 researchers from the Commonwealth’s scientific community this week to discuss pressing global issues. The Commonwealth Science Conference 2017 is taking place in Singapore from 13 – 16 June 2017. Issues such as climate change, future technologies, energy and carbon storage and medical research will come under the spotlight. 

ASSAf is committed to the promotion of young scientists’ activities and regularly supports the nomination of young scientists for awards and leadership opportunities. Candidates for the Commonwealth Science Conference 2017 have to be either permanent residents of South Africa or studying in the country. All also should have a PhD.  

The selected students are: Heinrich Badenhorst (University of Pretoria); Gina Leisching (Stellenbosch University); Savania Nagiah (University of KwaZulu-Natal); Blake Balcomb (Stellenbosch University); Usisipho Feleni (University of the Western Cape) and Osmond Mlonyeni (University of Pretoria) who will be a speaker in the student session.