Pretoria, South Africa

Initiated by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), the 2nd African Science Communications Conference (ASCC) will convene in Gauteng, South Africa, under the theme "Shaping Africa's Future: Science Communication's Contribution to Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Development of Democracy in Africa." With an emphasis on integrating academic research with policy-decision making and industry, the meeting is designed to address issues in the development and advancement of Science Communication.

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; link industry with academia, science and technology institutes, and research and development activities; and link science and policy in order to strengthen decision making processes;
• 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 (SET), 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.

Thematic sessions will address:

• translation of research for policy; economically viable products or initiatives; and facilitation of an informed society through the mass media;
• science, engineering and technology human skills development, education, and learning;
• science and the media;
• international benchmark activities in science communication; and
• research and development in science communication.

Click here for more information about the conference.

The conference is intended for communicators, information and communication technology specialists, science centres, educators, discipline specific researchers, and science communicators. To attend, please complete the conference registration form.

Click here for the online applications form.

The deadline for submission of abstracts is November 28 2008.