It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of ASSAf Member, Dr Neville Comins on 3 April. Dr Comins will be remembered for his active support of ASSAf and its activities – he was a true champion of the Academy. 

He consulted in the fields of Innovation, National Systems of Innovation, and Science Park Development.  Previously he held positions as Interim Technical Advisor for the Finnish Southern African Innovation Support (SAIS) Programme, National Innovation Advisor for COFISA (Cooperation Framework on Systems of Innovation, founding CEO of The Innovation Hub Management Company (Pty) Ltd, Director for Integrated Projects (CSIR), and Director of the Division of Materials Science and Technology (CSIR).  He twice received the CSIR Merit Award and the Arthur Child Award for Innovation. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and an Honorary Professor of the University of the Witwatersrand.

Our sincerest condolences to his wife, Margaret, his family and friends.