We are pleased to confirm that Dr Jabu Nukeri has been appointed Managing Director of SAASTA with effect from 01 May 2012, reporting to Ms Beverley Damonse, Group Executive: Science Advancement.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) would like to request expression of interest from South African engineer(s) who will work with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation(UNESCO) to develop a programme of activities for the Engineering Initiative under UNESCO.

Dr Mike Gaylard has been appointed Managing Director of HartRAO on a fixed term of one year commencing 01 April 2012, pending the finalisation of decisions regarding future arrangements related to the management of astronomy facilities in the country.

The European Parliament has called for greater collaboration with Africa in the field of radio astronomy, following its adoption of Written Declaration 45 on science capacity building in Africa. Highlighting the value of research infrastructures in promoting human capital development, addressing societal challenges and facilitating inter-regional cooperation, the declaration draws attention to Africa’s exceptional competitive advantages in the study of radio astronomy, reflected in the continent’s extensive array of cutting edge astronomy projects.