Dr Lara Atkinson appointed to SANCOR Steering Committee

Dr Lara Atkinson is the Offshore Marine Scientist at SAEON’s Egagasini Node.

Dr Lara Atkinson, Offshore Marine Scientist at SAEON’s Egagasini Node, will join the Steering Committee of the South African Network for Coastal and Oceanic Research (SANCOR) as National Forum representative.

As one of the three newly appointed SANCOR National Forum representatives, Lara aims to contribute towards guiding future relevant marine scientific research in South Africa, taking cognisance of the priority needs of our marine environment.

"SANCOR is the central point for South African marine scientists looking to access information and to disseminate information and therefore plays a critical role in facilitating cohesion and collaboration among marine researchers in South Africa," Lara says.

SANCOR is a non-statutory body that provides a forum for interaction, collaboration and communication about science in the marine and coastal environment.

SANCOR’s activities are guided by the SANCOR Steering Committee which consists of 13 members appointed by each of the stakeholders, nominees of the National Forum and one representative of each Regional Forum. The Steering Committee:

• Ensures that the objectives of SANCOR are met
• Consults with the Forum
• Provides continuity, direction and leadership
• Assesses and reviews programmes and products
• Contributes to strategies
• Promotes the use of findings on marine resources
• Provides advice on priorities, gaps and funding
• Consults, informs and lobbies members