The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) has announced its new leadership team, signalling a renewed commitment to advancing scientific research and providing evidence-based policy advice to address societal challenges.  

At the forefront of the Academy is Professor Thokozani Majozi, the newly appointed President and a distinguished academic who serves as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). A professor in the School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Professor Majozi brings extensive expertise in academia and the broader scientific landscape to his new role.  

Supporting him are two Vice-Presidents: Professor Roseanne Diab, an Emeritus Professor in Environmental Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), and Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Learning and Teaching at Stellenbosch University (SU). Both are seasoned leaders whose backgrounds span environmental science, higher education, and research development.  

The leadership team also includes General Secretary Professor Christian Pirk, a prominent researcher in social insects at the University of Pretoria (UP), and Treasurer Professor Julian May, Director of the NRF-DST Centre of Excellence in Food Security at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Together, they will oversee ASSAf’s strategic direction and initiatives.  

The newly elected Council, comprising 13 members, represents various disciplines, including law, biotechnology, social sciences, and economics. This interdisciplinary approach underscores ASSAf’s mission to bridge the gap between science and public policy while tackling complex global and local challenges.  

Among the Council members are:  
- Professor Nithaya Chetty, Dean of the Faculty of Science at Wits  
- Professor Loretta Feris, Vice-Principal: Academic and Professor of Law at UP  
- Professor Irvy Gledhill, a specialist in flow physics  
- Professor Murray Leibbrandt, an expert in poverty and inequality research  
- Professors Janice Limson, Shireen Motala, and Linda Richter were recognized for their contributions to biotechnology, education, and human development.  

On his appointment, Professor Majozi emphasized the Academy’s role in fostering impactful scientific collaborations and global engagement. “We are facing increasingly complex challenges that demand coordinated scientific responses,” he said. “Our work at ASSAf will integrate South African science into the global conversation while delivering evidence-based solutions to benefit society.”  

The new leadership team aims to strengthen research partnerships, drive innovation, and support government and industry collaborations to address pressing issues, including climate change, food security, and education. This marks a pivotal moment for ASSAf as it champions science as a catalyst for sustainable development and social progress in South Africa.

 

Article by Jed Mwangi

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https://www.assaf.org.za/2024/11/07/academy-of-science-of-south-africa-assaf-appoints-new-council/