SAEON eNews 4/2013

Plugged and pumping!

SAEON has set up a platform for integrated global change science at Cathedral Peak in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site.

SAEON participates in global volunteer reef monitoring programme

The Reef Life Survey dataset currently covers the abundance and biomass of fish, invertebrate and algal communities from 11 oceanic realms and 74 ecoregions from both hemispheres.

SAEON’s Dr Albrecht Götz receives recognition for innovative research

The monitoring methods Dr Götz introduced to the Tsitsikamma National Park Marine Protected Area could potentially revolutionise marine resource monitoring in South Africa.

Labour-intensive science at a regional scale?

SAEON is participating in an environmental monitors programme to record observations on key environmental changes in the Kruger-to-Canyons Biosphere Region.

Growing a giant phylogenetic tree at Kew Gardens

A group of researchers is aiming to produce a map of South Africa detailing the distribution of plant phylogenetic diversity.

Shared service model equals "world-class service"

Operations Manager Dr Amani Saidi argues that the shared service model is assisting SAEON to advance the ‘world-class service’ core value of the NRF.

SAEON’s first on-line real-time sea temperature recorder safely deployed

The UTR is already transmitting data to the website hosted by the Centre for Observational Oceanography.

Soaking up sapflow in Ghent

SAEON graduate student Robert Skelton presented his most recent research findings at an international sapflow conference in Belgium.

Inspiring the next generation of marine scientists

The annual MCEN workshop encourages science educators to teach their learners about our diverse, yet fragile, marine ecosystems.

My journey with SAEON

Thembelihle Mlokoti reports on her vast range of experiences as an intern at the SAEON Egagasini Node.

SAEON Elwandle learners scoop awards at Regional Eskom Expo

Two of these top learners will represent the Grahamstown Region at the National Finals of the Eskom Expo in September.

ICSU President supports SAEON’s approach to science education and data management

Prof. Lee’s acknowledgement of the role played by SAEON in global data management confirms the progress SAEON has made in this area over the last few years.

SAEON in the media

SAEON's people and projects received coverage in the media.

Interesting link

The fynbos of South Africa and the coast redwoods of California are just two examples of the staggering biodiversity found in Mediterranean-climate ecosystems. Take a look at Shaping Life: The Geology of Mediterranean-Climate Ecosystems, episode 2 in a six-programme video series on Mediterranean-climate ecosystems. 

Blog spot

Read an account of a student workshop presented by SANCOR to discuss the 'future of marine science'. The workshop was organised by Dr Juliet Hermes, Manager of SAEON’s Egagasini Node (and SANCOR representative), and intern Amy Weeber. Visit the blog

Quote

"...It is important that we develop a perspective on science and the future. We know that the twentieth century was an era of physics – nuclear power, space exploration and computing alike all grew out of this. The 21st century, however, is likely to be a period of the Life Sciences... Human capital development is at the heart of these areas..." - Minister Trevor A Manuel, Minister in the Presidency: National Planning Commission