2005: The SAEON plan comes together

- Johan Pauw

As the year draws to a close, SAEON continues to expand its business from one month to the next. With two nodes in place – the SAEON Ndlovu Node and SAEON node for the coastal-inshore zone – we are actively pursuing another two nodes. These are for  Marine-Offshore  (in collaboration with a consortium consisting of the Marine & Coastal Management and CSIR), as well as for  Fynbos  (in collaboration with the South African National Biodiversity Institute).

SAEON is starting to reap the benefits of well-established networks with several sectors including universities, graduate students, schools, government departments, science councils, institutes and agencies, information managers, the media, SANCOR, conservation, African networks and International Long-Term Environmental Research (ILTER). We are less well connected to industry and the world of politics, perhaps not surprisingly, but we have devised both short term and long term strategies to improve the situation.

SAEON is also pushing ahead with growing its scientific base. The SAEON Summit next year will provide a platform to launch a node-based observation programme. The baton for this core development will be handed to the incumbent of a newly created position in SAEON, that ofObservation Science Specialist. With this new initiative SAEON will significantly enhance its scientific capacity in fulfilment of its  raison d'ê-tre.

It should be said that from SAEON’s point of view the National System of Innovation (NSI) appears to be funded at reasonable levels, but it is still hampered by insufficient scientific capacity. This stems from SAEON’s experience as a network relying on the contributions (mostly voluntary) of scientists employed elsewhere, which demonstrates how limited their numbers are and how limited the time they have available.

South Africa should focus on employing comprehensive strategies to grow its cadre of scientists, particularly black scientists. The shortage of black scientists frequently becomes all too evident when working groups need to be composed. SAEON is actively involved in education outreach programmes, but a far greater effort by the scientific community at large is needed to raise awareness of science as an attractive career choice.

“How much are you earning, Doc?”

Role model speakers have admitted to being embarrassed when this is the first question they receive when addressing an audience of learners. More positions and improved benefits are vital in our drive to succeed in building capacity in science and technology. But so too is public recognition for the role of scientists in shaping our society and environment. Why don’t we pay homage to the contributions of our scientists by, for instance, naming streets after prominent South African scientists, e.g. Phillip Tobias Avenue , or Khotso Mokhele Drive ?

What do our readers think?

In conclusion: To all our associates, partners and SAEON e-News readers, thank you for your support, innovative input and enthusiasm during the past year.

From all of us at SAEON, we wish you a blessed holiday season, and for 2006 -  Intuthuko, Impumelelo, Prosperity, Voorspoed, Kgatelopele, Mvelaphanda, Tswelelopele, Homelela U, Ya Amahlwene.