Prof. Jannie Hofmeyr,
distinguished professor of biochemistry and biocomplexity at Stellenbosch
University (SU), was elected as the new president of the Royal
Society of South Africa
(RSSAf).
The RSSAf is one of the oldest
scientific organisations in South Africa, with a history that stretches back to
the 1820s.
Prof. Hofmeyr, co-director of the
Centre for Complex Systems in Transition at SU, says he is honoured to be
president of a society that has had a major impact on the sciences in South
Africa.
He stresses, however, that the
role of science as a trustworthy source of reliable information has never been
more important.
“We are living at a time when the
contribution and importance of scientific research is being questioned, with the
internet drowning in so-called ‘alternative facts’ and pseudo-science –
particularly in the fields of health and diet. We are continuously bombarded
with stories of dubious origins but presented as the truth.”
He believes the RSSAf has an
important role to play in public outreach by providing understandable and
factually correct explanations of scientific issues. In this regard, the RSSAf’s
public lectures and colloquia, organised by its branches throughout the
country, have made an enormous contribution. The RSSAf also administers an
annual essay competition for schools.
During his term as president he
would like the RSSAf to also focus on supporting science journalism in the
print and electronic media: “Science journalism is close to my heart, as I have
been involved for over 15 years now with a radio programme providing science-based
answers to listener’s questions about nature. South Africa’s science
journalists are far and few between and they need to be supported.”
Stellenbosch University is well-represented
in the RSSAf’s top structures. Prof. Dave Richardson, director of the NRF/DST
Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology (CIB) at SU, is vice-president, while
Prof. Bert Klumperman, distinguished professor in chemistry and polymer
science, is the editor of the RSSA’s publication, Transactions of the Royal Society
of South Africa.