Academy of Science South Africa 2005/6 Annual Report

ASSAfIntroductionThe science academy idealThe Academy of Science ofSouth Africa places a particularemphasis on excellence in theapplication of scientific thinkingto the problems and challengesfacing the South African society.Internationally recognised science academies are similar in that they areself-perpetuating, with a merit-based membership that creates an upward aspiration for quality andexcellence in scientific endeavours;multidisciplinary, striving to represent science as a consilient continuum of knowledge, insight andpractical solutions;independent of government, but can be funded by government for performing certain tasks;a credible voice of science to be heard on topics of national concern, independent of institutional orcommercial linkages, obligations and agendas; andlinked together in an independent global community that can mobilise scientific thinking, skills andknowledge across the world.The Academy of Science of South Africa places a particular emphasis on excellence in the applicationof scientific thinking to the problems and challenges facing the South African society. It draws itsmembership from all population groups and from all scientific disciplines.The Academy of Science of South Africa is constituted to ensure thatleading scientists, acting in concert and across disciplines can promotethe advancement of the application of Science to the problems andchallenges facing South AfricaPromoting Excellence in Science for Society