Academy of Science South Africa 2005/6 Annual Report

ASSAfProgramme 4The futureAn Academy of Science that is a unique contributorto national and continental developmentASSAf has established itself as an inclusive but merit-based body that fits contextually into SouthAfrica’s democracy because it seeks primarily to mobilise and apply scientific thinking and knowledgefor the good of a society with major development needs and objectives. A number of historical factorshave not made the Academy’s path particularly smooth, but a combination of warm internationalrecognition in an evolving new world science academy system on the one hand, and increasing internalrecognition and support by Government (at ministerial and department level) as well as by civil societyand academia, on the other, are giving momentum to the Academy’s upward trajectory. The inclusion ofASSAf in the funded capacity-building project of the United States National Academies together withNigeria and Uganda has been a powerful shot in the arm and greatly enhances ASSAf’s planning andimplementation strengths, while improving its international networking and connectedness. Increasedcapacity and activity are the essence of ASSAf’s future role within our country, as it is enhanced bypartnerships with other science academies on the African continent, and generally. The key activity bywhich the Academy will carve out its national reputation will be the production of authoritative, highqualityreports on key science-based issues affecting the nation’s future. Much effort will henceforth gointo this aspect.The Academy’s core asset is its membership as reflected in the extensive new ASSAf Register ofMembers included in this Annual Report in abbreviated but informative format. The stature andinvolvement of the Academy’s members determine the extent and scope of its potential contribution tothe country, the continent and the world.An Academy of Science that is a unique contributorto national and continental development68 Promoting Excellence in Science for Society