ASSAf hosts discussion on the value of basic sciences for sustainable development

The President of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), Prof. Jonathan Jansen, and the Department of Science and Innovation’s (DSI) Deputy Director-General: Research Development and Support, Imraan Patel, will be among the speakers at today’s round table to mark the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development.

Coordinated by ASSAf on behalf of the DSI, the virtual event will focus on how the basic sciences are the building blocks to solve the many socio-economic challenges in South Africa, by accelerating technological innovation and, as seen recently, the creation of life-saving vaccines.

The discussion will tackle topics such as interdisciplinarity, using both the basic sciences and the social sciences and humanities to advance the Sustainable Development Goals, and finding ways to inspire and develop the next generation of scientists.

Source: Government of South Africa