Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
Location
President & Chairperson of ASSAf Council: Professor Dayanand Reddy
South African Journal of Science (SAJS) Volume 110 Issue 3/4 March/Apil 2014 South African Journal of Science (SAJS) Volume 109 Issue 7/8 July/August 2013 |
The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), in its unique position as the only national science academy that is officially recognised by the South African government through the ASSAf Act (Act 67of 2001), as amended, aims to provide evidence-based scientific advice on issues of public interest to government and other stakeholders. ASSAf regularly publishes its findings and recommendations and also acknowledges the achievements of South African scientists in order to develop the intellectual capacity of the nation and promote innovative scholarly thinking. The Academy enjoys regular interaction and knowledge exchange with other national science academies throughout the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, the African continent, and the global scientific community.
Evidence-based study activities form the core of the Academy’s function and are vital to its future development. Apart from their policy advisory function, evidence-based study activities provide an important mechanism for establishing and strengthening international links, securing external project-related funding, and in mobilising ASSAf Members to volunteer their service on committees and panels.ASSAf’s policy advisory activities are guided by its Standing Committees, which provide strategic direction and guidance. ASSAf has Standing Committees on Health; Scholarly Publishing in South Africa; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education; Biosafety and Biosecurity; Science for Poverty Alleviation and Humanities. |
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Completed Health-related Consensus Studies: 1. HIV/AIDS, TB and Nutrition (2007) Main Objective: To review critically what has been reported concerning the impact of these infections on nutritional status. To compile a comprehensive evidence base concerning the effects of nutritional interventions on the course of those infectious disorders. 2. Revitalising Clinical Research in South Africa (2009 Main Objective: 3. Improved Nutritional Assessment of Micronutrients (2013) |
Completed Forum Studies: 4. The Emerging Threat of Drug-Resistant TB in Southern Africa: Global and Local Challenges and Solutions (2011) Summary of a Joint Workshop with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Main Objective: 5. Preparing for the Future of HIV/AIDS in Africa: A shared Responsibility (2012) Summary of a Regional Workshop based on the IOM consensus report on Preparing for the Future of HIV/AIDS in Africa: A shared Responsibility
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Completed Policymakers’ Booklet: 6. Science in Action: Saving the Lives of Africa’s Mothers, Newborns and Children (2009) Planned Consensus Studies: 7. Reconceptualising Education and Training of an Appropriate Health Workforce 8. Root Causes for Low Coverage and Under-Immunization of the African Child 9. Building Leadership to Address the Negative Effects of Tobacco on Africa’s Health, Economy and Development |
Planned Forum Studies: 10. National Health Insurance (NHI) Symposium Changing Patterns of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) Conference
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