Responses are coming in thick and fast for the first ever African Science Communication Conference, to be held in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, 4 – 7 December 2006. It will be hosted by the South African Agency for Science & Technology Advancement (SAASTA).

We are excited about the range of abstracts received thus far – including some from India, Uganda, Nigeria, and Botswana, covering a range of science communication case studies and methodologies. The submission deadline for abstracts is 21 August 2006.

UK Chief Scientific Advisor, Sir David King’s office has also enquired about participation in the African Science Communication Conference and we are hoping to confirm him as one of the plenary speakers soon.

When planning for the ASCC meeting, consider also the Southern African Association of Science and Technology Centres (SAASTEC) conference which will be held just a few days before in Richards Bay from 29 November to 1 December. They will meet this year with the participation of over 20 international delegates - a great opportunity to get an insight on the science centres and museums of Southern Africa.