University of Cape Town (UCT) scientist Professor Kelly Chibale has returned from a series of high-profile international events where he carried a powerful message: Africa is not just a beneficiary of health innovation – it is a leader. Professor Chibale, the founder and director of UCT’s Holistic Drug Discovery and Development (H3D) Centre, gave the…
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — African Group of Negotiators (AGN) and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) have called for a reframing of global climate action to be science-driven and responsive to Africa’s growing vulnerability to climate change. Speaking at the 13th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa in Addis Ababa, the capital…
Edward van Niekerk, cluster head: Business Science, Belgium Campus ITversity. Private higher education institution Belgium Campus ITversity has announced key developments in creating sign language for Deaf computer science students. This, as September is observed as International Month for Deaf People, to promote awareness of the rights of Deaf persons around the world. Belgium Campus…
Nairobi, Scidev.Net — Despite Africa’s growing digital footprint, the continent’s science and technology remains underrepresented on Wikipedia, one of the world’s most visited sources of information. While Africa accounts for around 10 per cent of Wikipedia articles, less than one per cent cover science and technology, Anusha Alikhan, chief communications officer at the Wikimedia Foundation,…
Terence Tao, one of the world’s foremost mathematicians, who is often called the “Mozart of Math,” would rather not talk politics. “I do scientific research,” Tao said. “I vote, I sign a petition, but I don’t consider myself an activist.” But after the July suspension of $584 million in federal grants at UCLA, which he…
The first World Humanoid Robot Games have concluded in Beijing with more than 500 androids alternating between jerky tumbles and glimpses of real power as they took part in events ranging from the 100m (109-yard) hurdles to kung fu. Two hundred eighty robotics teams from 16 countries competed at the Chinese capital’s National Speed Skating…
The majority of SA’s youth must be able to access high-quality maths and science education at foundation level. Science, technology and innovation minister Blade Nzimande has committed to enhancing interventions for access to ICT gateway subjects – mathematics and science – including upscaling science centres. The minister was speaking at the launch event of the…
This year, the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust has recognised not one, but two exceptional scientists in their fields, and is granting each of them its most prestigious honours: the R2.5m Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award. Supplied image: Wits University physicist Professor Andrew Forbes (left) and University of Cape Town paediatric neurosurgeon Professor Anthony Figaji (right), presented with…
Around the world, millions of people are living with HIV, each with their own story, challenges, and hopes. In the last few decades, antiretroviral therapy has transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable disease, and stigma has declined in many communities. Despite progress in treatment and awareness, critical barriers remain. Millions of people…
Raina MacIntyre is one of Australia’s most respected epidemiologists. She was a familiar face and calm voice during the COVID-19 pandemic. So when I was asked to review her new book Vaccine Nation I was delighted to accept. Review: Vaccine Nation: Science, Reason and the Threat to 200 Years of Progress – Raina MacIntyre (UNSW…
