We are counting down the weeks until the 2nd African Science Communication Conference (2nd ASCC). Here are a few highlights of the conference to look forward to:

Plenary sessions
Prof Mohamed HA Hassan (TWAS representative) will give a key note address at the first plenary session on Thursday 19 February 2009. His keynote address will focus on the overall importance of communicating science in an attempt to effect the translation of scientific research away from the traditional bench to library process, but into more utilitarian functions such as the influencing of policy, to facilitate economic growth and innovative thought, and to contribute positively to everyday life. The keynote address will also focus strongly on the role of science on economic development and the democratization of society, and how science communication acts as a catalyst for this process.

Other plenary sessions will tackle the following:

Communicating science for scientific development. This session will emphasise the modern day challenges facing academic research and the role of science communication in addressing these challenges.

Research to build nations. The third plenary session of the 2nd ASCC will highlight the importance of public engagement in academic and applied research.

International Scientific Years. This plenary session will highlight challenges faced by Africa in communicating International Scientific Years.

A highlight of some of the oral presentations at the 2nd ASCC

Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan will make a presentation on Accepting Evolution. The teaching of evolution is often wrought with misunderstanding, which often leads to a generally poor public perception and understanding of evolution. Because of the legacy of apartheid, the majority of the adult population in South Africa has not had access to science education, and as a result there is a woeful lack of understanding of science, and evolution is often viewed with trepidation. In this presentation, Prof Chinsamy-Turan will be sharing the results of a survey which was conducted at the University of Cape Town after a first year evolution course.

Sarah Abel from Rhodes University will present a roundtable discussion on Chemistry Outreach in the Eastern Cape: a Science & Communication Initiative between Rhodes University and Bristol University, UK.

The Chemistry Department at Rhodes University (RU) has teamed up with the ChemLabs Outreach programme run by the School of Chemistry at Bristol University (BU) in an effort to initiate and develop and ongoing outreach culture. This venture is targeted at learners from both primary and secondary schools in the Eastern Cape with the hope to eventually reach the rest of South Africa. This discussion will reveal findings, as well as prospective plans to expand this necessary outreach endeavour.

Robert Inglis from Jive Media will present a roundtable discussion on Science Communication through Storytelling: A compelling discussion around the use of stories as an effective mean of science communication.

Marguerite Maher (Associate Professor), New Zealand - E-portfolios for teacher education as a means for enhancing science communication.

At the end of 2006, AUT University, New Zealand, became one of six tertiary institutions to participate in Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) development of an open source e-portfolio platform which had been developed for the New Zealand tertiary sector (Eduforge, 2006). Participation required implementation of the e-portfolio software within a programme of study and the delivery of a case study evaluation. The aim of the research was therefore to investigate and evaluate perspectives of the implementation of the Mahara e-portfolio system. The focus of this presentation will be the effectiveness of the e-portfolio as a means to promote science communication among pre-service and beginning teachers.

Danstan Kaunda, Zambia will make a presentation on Communicating Science: the challenges in science and medical journalism in developing African countries

This presentation will investigate the notion of effective science and/or medical communication in order to engage a wider general public. This presentation moves from the premise that if the questions, methods and results of scientific, medical and technological research are to be effectively communicated to the public, scientist and journalists need to forge effective, enduring and productive ties.

Please visit our website for more updates on the conference.

Best regards,

ASCC Committee