Open Access Week 2024 will continue the call to put “Community over Commercialization” and prioritize approaches to open scholarship that serve the best interests of the public and the academic community.
The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) has been diligently working on developing a Code of Conduct for Research in compliance with Chapter 7 of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). The initial draft of this Code was submitted to the Information Regulator in April 2023. Although the Code was not approved, the feedback received primarily focused on procedural and representational issues, rather than its content.
Following careful review and consultation, ASSAf decided to transition the Code into a voluntary POPIA Compliance Framework for Research, aimed at guiding researchers and research institutions in adhering to POPIA requirements. This Framework serves as a practical, best-practice guide for researchers and institutions, promoting data protection and privacy in research.
The objective of this forum is to provide an update on the progress of this Framework and encourage stakeholder engagement. Participants will have an opportunity to review its content, share insights, and offer feedback on the development of the POPIA Compliance Framework for Research.
Why the Statement on the Recognition of Editors and Peer Reviewers? The upcoming keynote by Prof Keyan Tomaselli will explore the significance of the recently approved Statement on the Recognition of Editors and Peer Reviewers. This address will highlight why recognising the often-overlooked contributions of editors and reviewers is essential for maintaining academic standards. Prof Tomaselli will discuss the critical relationships between editors, authors, administrators, and publishers, as well as offer a holistic perspective on the role of editorial activities as foundational elements of academic progress and the cultivation of vibrant research communities.
Decarbonisation of transport in South Africa is a critical issue, given the country's high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions profile. In South Africa, the transport industry interconnects road, rail, air, and water transport systems that facilitate the movement of passengers and freight. Decarbonising South Africa's transport sector is a multifaceted challenge requiring policy initiatives, behavioural changes, and technological advancements. The decarbonisation of transport has substantial potential to reshape society, yielding considerable advantages for the environment, public health, social fairness, and the economy.
South African legislation has been designed to include individuals with disabilities in democratic processes, ensuring they can exercise their democratic rights just like any other citizen. In celebration of 30 years of democracy and Disability Rights Awareness Month, the webinar will examine the legislative progress achieved over the past three decades, focusing on the implementation of constitutional protections in existing documents. It will also focus on caring for mental health post-1994, and efforts to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities.