Science and development: Growth, expansion and role of the university system in South Africa


This workshop brings together a small, select group of European and South African scholars working to understand the dynamics of academic science in Africa generally, and South Africa specifically. The overarching goal is to further understanding of how research takes place in universities in South Africa, and what avenues exist to improve its performance both scientifically and societally. Within that goal, a wide range of themes will be discussed: How collaborations between individual scientists are formed and perpetuated; Whether productivity and career paths are different for different genders or races; How knowledge flows from abroad into the South African science system; Doctoral education; How to understand the ongoing transition of the research universities; Different measures and attitudes towards scientific or societal impact of research; Policy towards science in South Africa. The workshop is organised by UNU-MERIT and CREST and sponsored by CREST and Institut Universitaire de France.

Contact: Robin Cowan, cowan@merit.unu.edu

Venue: Morgenhof Estate, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Date: 07-08 April 2016


UNU-MERIT