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SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME
OBJECTIVES
The conference objectives are to:
- Mobilise experts, civic groups and policy-makers to investigate how Science Communication can be used as a pillar for the democratisation of science in Africa.
- Showcase international benchmark activities where Science Communication is used to
- link industry with academia, science and technology institutes and
R&D activities;
- link science and policy in order to strengthen the decision making process
- Consider strategies where Science Communication can assist in strengthening the continent's human skills base by supporting initiatives such as The African Science Academy Development Initiative, and ensuring that more Women enter SET.
- Identify the role Science Communication can play in facilitating inter- and trans-disciplinary research and entrepreneurial activities.
- Advance Science Communication in order to build a strong political and civil society constituency for science and technology in Africa.
PROGRAMME OUTLINE
Please click here for the conference programme.
THEMES
THEME 1) THE TRANSLATION OF RESEARCH FOR a) POLICY b) ECONOMICALLY VIABLE PRODUCTS OR INITIATIVES; c) THE FACILITATION OF TRANS- AND INTER-DISCIPLINARY RESEARCH; AND d) AN INFORMED SOCIETY THROUGH THE MASS MEDIA
The translation theme brings together a diverse group of professionals linked to the system of innovation and the practical application of research into everyday lives. This is done by following through on the process of creating an enabling environment for research to flourish; followed by that research reaching its full glory in practical application and feeding the African economy as it is taken up by industry; and improves every day lives by influencing policy by reaching the decision makers. Abstract submission could possibly profile case studies where the effective translation of academic research resulted into policy changes, innovative or financially viable products, or behavioural and attitudinal change. The profiling of health science communication methods to deal with HIV and AIDS, TB and Malaria may be profiled here. The influence environmental research has had on policy-related decisions may be another area of focus.
This theme seeks abstracts which includes the profiling of case studies where the effective communication of research has lead to even further research being identified and conducted across the vast range of often silo'd research disciplines, aetiologies, fields of interests and subject matters. The theme also seeks interactive abstracts that address typical obstacles that prevent such a transfer or diffusion of information and knowledge such as intellectual property issues, academic accreditation, publishing rights, and access to information, etc.
THEME 2) SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, HUMAN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION AND LEARNING
This theme explores the challenges of providing inspirational guidance to learners to enter careers in science, engineering and technology while supporting the educator. Here strategies will be profiled where Science Communication can assist in strengthening the continent's human skills base by ensuring that African youth pursue science, engineering and technology careers; remain in the science, engineering and technology sector; and conducts research in science, engineering and technology. Topics may include issues related to the creative or innovative profiling of science/scientists/innovators/technologists and technicians to the education environment.
THEME 3) SCIENCE AND THE MEDIA
Here the focus will be on the effective use of the media to profile cutting edge scientific research. Various methods used to bridge the gap between the worlds of media and science can be explored while focusing on what key challenges / opportunities currently exist in the African science reporting sector.
THEME 4) INTERNATIONAL BENCHMARK ACTIVITIES IN SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
This theme seeks advanced-level abstracts that profile benchmark activities developed in effective science communication across the globe. In particular, how Science Communication has been effective as a pillar for the democratisation of science. Possible topics include, but are not limited to: science centre exhibitory, scientific editing and editorial processes, audience analysis, audience segmentation, public understanding of science, ICT convergence, science on the web, science in the media, etc. In addition, abstracts may profile communicating science from unique African angles, such as: African skies; indigenous knowledge systems; biodiversity and conservation; African origins; and HIV and AIDS.
THEME 5) RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
This theme seeks abstracts following academic publication in the area of science communication, communication for development, behavioural change communication, etc.
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