With the annual national Youth Day being celebrated this week, the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) highlights opportunities available through ASSAf for young scientists in South Africa.

The most prestigious of these is membership of the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS). Membership of SAYAS is by election and provides an opportunity for young scientists to enhance their networks and contribute to the building of the national system of innovation. SAYAS promotes excellence and the building of high-level skills that are critical for South Africa’s development.

ASSAf launched SAYAS in September 2011 to provide a voice to South Africa’s young scientists and to enable them to fully participate in local and internationally relevant research and development agendas.

Other opportunities for young scientists offered by ASSAf are participation in the Annual Young Scientists’ Conference which has been hosted by ASSAf since 2011. It is aimed at young scientists under the age of 40 and focuses on participation by PhD, postdoctoral and early-career researchers. In 2016, the conference theme is Human Rights.

ASSAf also coordinates the prominent AU-TWAS Young Scientists’ National Award, an award that aims to recognise and reward talented young scientists in South Africa. The award is managed by ASSAf on behalf of its partners, the African Union Commission, The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the Department of Science and Technology.

Other ASSAf opportunities include participation in high-level international meetings, such as the annual Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings to which ASSAf is the academic partner in South Africa and the Young Physician Leaders’ Programme hosted by the InterAcademy Partnership on Health.

Source: Department of Science and Technology’s