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Media release
28 February 2006
The Minister of Science and Technology Mosibudi Mangena will deliver a keynote address at an international symposium on "Evidence-based advice". This will be hosted by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) on Friday, 3 March, at the CSIR Conference Centre from 09h00.
In his address Minister Mangena will consider some of the following issues:
* What is evidence?
* Is evidence overrated? and
* How can government and the nation at large best draw on the knowledge and skills of the science community?
The symposium aims to bring together South African scientists and policy makers to a dialogue on the potential role of science academies in supporting government decision making through the use of evidence-based advice. The symposium will also provide opportunities for relationship building, networking and shared learning on the potential for evidence-based advice to inform South Africa's national public policy making process.
The turn to evidence-based action is especially vital in developing countries requires closer co-operation between governments, research based organisations, and science academies, so that policy making and planning increasingly draws on the best wisdom available.
It is common practice for developed countries to rely on national science academies for examining pressing issues that require the gathering, analysis and weighing of evidence. Science academies are based on high merit, are multidisciplinary and are well connected internationally. They are also independent and elect their own leadership and members. As a result, their findings and recommendations are deemed objective.
For media enquiries please contact:
Ms Nthabi Maoela
Cell: 073 648 2876
E-mail: Nthabiseng.maoela@dst.gov.za
The Ministry of Science and Technology
Mr Nelvis Qekema
Cell: 082 571 2571
E-mail: Nelvis.qekema@dst.gov.za
Academy of Science South Africa (ASSAf)
Dr Xola Mati
Cell: 083 502 5009
E-mail: xola@assaf.nrf.ac.za
Academy of Science South African (ASSAf)
Professor Wieland Gevers
Cell: 082 491 0379
E-mail: wieland@telkomsa.net
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
28 February 2006
Source: SAPA