ASSAf is pleased to announce the election of Prof Narinder Mehra as an Honorary Foreign Associate Member of the Academy. These Members are outstanding scientists/scholars, currently based in a foreign country, who were either born in South Africa, and/or have performed a significant part of their work here, and/or have contributed significantly to science and scholarship in the country, especially where this has been turned to public benefit. They are nominated by an ASSAf Council member.
Prof Narinder Mehra, Honorary Emeritus Scientist, Indian Council of Medical Research, Vice President (international affairs), Indian National Science Academy. Through his work in the field of immunology, Prof Mehra has contributed significantly to science and scholarship in South Africa for the benefit of the public. His work in the country has improved knowledge sharing among researchers, paved the way for future developments in the treatment of various diseases, and aided in the education of our country’s next generation of scientists. The results of his research significantly impact medical developments that can enhance the quality of life for South Africans.
Prof Mehra’s appointment brings the total number of Foreign Associate Members to six:
Prof James Gibson, Sidney W. Souers Professor of Government, Washington University, St. Louis, United States of America and Extraordinary Professor, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
Prof Mohamed Hassan, Past-President of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and NASAC and current Co-chair of the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP), Sudan.
Prof Mahouton Norbert Hounkonnou, President of the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), Full Professor of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin.
Dr Ismail Serageldin, Founding Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA), the new Library of Alexandria, inaugurated in 2002, is Emeritus Librarian, and member of the Board of Trustees of the Library of Alexandria.
Prof Lehana Thabane, Interim Chair: Department of Health Research, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada.