News
- COMSTECH, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Network of Academies of Sciences in Islamic Countries (NASIC) co-sponsored an International Seminar on Strengthening Science in Africa, which was held in Islamabad, Pakistan from 19-20 February 2006.
The rationale for the event was that, as the African region represents more than half of the total members of the OIC, it deserves more attention than it usually gets for the socio-economic development of the OIC region. Promotion of science and technology is one of the main building blocks of the much sought-after economic progress that Africa aspires to achieve in the twenty-first century. The event was organized with a view to reach a closer understanding for building Science and Technology capabilities for increased productivity and rapid economic growth.
Twenty guest speakers participated in the seminar sharing their experiences and recommendation of policy guidelines for sustainable development of the African region of OIC. The participants agreed that developmental policies for sustainable growth in science and technology are vital for solving many challenges faced by the OIC member states in the African region. They also emphasized the need to improve the capacity of scientists to communicate their research with peers, policymakers, corporate sector, media, and educational institutions. It was agreed that these recommendations will be submitted to The COMSTECH General Assembly and funding will be requested from partners and international donors. For more information, contact the NASIC Secretariat at pasisb@yahoo.com.
- IAP announces the date for its triennial Conference and General Assembly. The event will take place in Alexandria and Cairo, 1-6 December 2006
- Inquiry-based science education: the conclusions of the IAP workshop hosted by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences are available here.
- Call for nominations: 2006 Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat International Award - an International Award to Recognize Achievements in Mental Health.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) is accepting nominations for the Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat Award in Mental Health. The international award recognizes individuals, groups, or organizations for outstanding achievement in improving mental health and is accompanied by a medal and $20,000 US. Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat established the award in 1991 out of a commitment to improving the science base and delivery of mental health services.
For more information visit www.iom.edu/Sarnat