The Draft Programme for ASCC 2006 is now available. While minor changes can still take place, the programme contains all the presentations and workshops at the conference.
We have also added a workshop component to two of the parallel sessions. These sessions will give practical advice on how:
- Scientists can put together workshops to translate science for the public;
- To use cost-effective materials like paper to communicate science; and
- To use science communication training to empower communicating scientists.
Himla Soodyall to speak
We are also delighted that Himla Soodyall has agreed to give a lunch-time talk on the 6th of December. An excerpt from her resumé reads: “After working with Prof Trefor Jenkins at the South African Institute for Medical Research, Himla conducted her post-doctoral research with Prof Mark Stoneking (one of the first researchers who advanced the ‘Out of Africa’ hypothesis concerning human origins) at the Penn University in the USA.
Himla returned to the SAIMR in 1996 and started her own laboratory focusing on population and evolutionary genetics research within the department of Human Genetics. In 2001 the MRC established the Human Genomic Diversity and Disease Research Unit (HGDDRU), in partnership with the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS, formerly SAIMR) and Wits, under her directorship.
She is currently a Principal Medical Scientist at the NHLS and holds a joint appointment as Associate Professor at Wits. She is a much sought after public speaker and the passion with which she conducts her research is infectious. Himla continues to serve on various committees to advance research in South Africa and plays an active role in the public understanding of science.
She has been invited by the National Geographic Society to participate in the global Genographic Project, as the sub-Saharan African Principal Investigator, which was launched on 13 April 2005. She is also the South African representative on the Intergovernmental Bioethics Committee at UNESCO and has received the Order of Mapungubwe: Bronze from South African President Mbeki in 2005, for outstanding contribution in the field of science and for inspiring all South Africans.”
Building a case for African science communication
In building a case for science communication that responds to the needs of Africa; the conference will ask questions such as:
- How do we highlight the value of Africa’s unique assets in science and technology?
- How do we promote Indigenous Knowledge Systems as areas of research? • How do we integrate public engagement in research and science policy in Africa?
- How do we build a case for science communication as an essential tool for African researchers and policy makers?
- What are the most effective methods to achieve public engagement with science and technology?
Join us for this historical conference and be part of establishing an African network to bring science closer to society and vice versa!
Visit www.saasta.ac.za/ascc to register.
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