Science and uncertainty is being explored at a symposium hosted by the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) on 8 – 9 March 2018.

The symposium entitled: ‘Science and (Un)certainty: Exploring Science, Knowledge Production, Communication and Uptake in a Post-truth World’  aims to create a space for meaningful engagement with on-going discussions in institutions of higher learning, and spilling into the public space. 

The symposium interrogates the position of science and of knowledge creation as either a hindrance or a transformative initiative and of the need for certainty in a post-truth world. 

The #Sciencemustfall and #Feesmustfall movements in the country prompted discussions, and varying sentiments among academics and students. 

The symposium provides an opportunity for inclusive debate to explore what science and its different interpretations are, as well as exploring varying bodies of knowledge creation and the current decolonising dilemma.

Prof Catherine Odora Hoppers who holds the South African Research Chair in Development Education at the University of South Africa, gave the keynote address. Other speakers include Prof Alex Broadbent, Professor of Philosophy and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg. Some 30 representatives from various universities in the country are attending the symposium which is held at the Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth.

Funding for the symposium has been provided by the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust.