South Africa - Sweden Research and Innovation Week

Antimicrobial resistance poses a potential threat to global public health due to challenges that are associated with biomedical and economic aspects. It is important to understand the issue of antimicrobial resistance from different fronts, which include: i. the burden of disease ii. one health aspects; iii. Epidemiological aspects of antimicrbial resistance; and iv. solutions to curb antimicrobial resistance. There is limited information about the burden of disease associated with antimicrobial resistance, particularly in Africa. The aim of this event is to invoke debate about the field of antimicrobial resistance and to share experiences that will lead to advancement of knowledge.

Proposed venue: University of Zululand Science Centre (main event)
Suggested date: 5 May to 6 May 2019
(5 May 2019 – pre-event festival (optional): Experience our culture
(6 May 2019 – Main event)
Suggested time/duration: 1 day main event and 1 day pre-event festival (optional)

Venue: Richards Bay Science Centre, University of Zululand
Keywords: burden of disease; antimicrobial resistance, one health, epidemiology, curbing antimicrobial resistance
Contact details: Prof. Evelyn Madoroba, MadorobaE@unizulu.ac.za

The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) refers to a set of highly disruptive technologies which are blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres, collectively referred to as cyber-physical systems. Technologies such as cognitive computing, cloud computing, the internet of things, big data, augmented/virtual reality, 3D systems, artificial intelligence and power supply are transforming social, economic and political systems and putting huge pressure on leaders and policy-makers to respond. However, there are challenges inherent in the 4IR including job losses and disruption, ignoring decolonization and the potential for non-on-inclusive growth has the potential to increase social instability within countries.

Venue: Richards Bay Science Centre, University of Zululand
Contact details: Neil Davies Evans, EvansN@unizulu.ac.za, 0359026169/ 0829362370

The idea of the workshop is to showcase innovations in relation to biotechnology taking place at the University in different fields. From water purification to novel treatment, energy generation, Food technology and Diagnostics. The workshop will cut across many themes indicated above particularly theme 1, 2 and 4. Capacity development is also an essential part of the workshop to show how students participate in the different processes of knowledge creation and application. It is expected that at least 6 to 8 abstracts can be submitted and presented by researchers from the different Departments of the University of Venda. Efforts will be made to involve researchers from the University of Limpopo as well as the Limpopo Premier office from Polokwane.


Keywords: Biotechnology, innovation, Water purification, Novel treatments (Drug development), Medicinal plants, Capacity development, rights and humanity.
Venue: University of Venda Research Conference Centre
Contact details: Dr Segun Obadire OS, segun.obadire@univen.ac.za, +27159628409

Purpose is to expose under and post-graduate students to cross-cultural exchange and learn about incidents, prevalence and impact of domestic and/or international migration and mobility for Everyday Social Work Practice and develop a plan to educate intergeneration service users in Sweden and South Africa, while developing Migration and Ubuntu Master degree program MA (MU) collaboration by faculty from both countries is the envisaged long-term outcome/output.

Keywords: Migration, Mobility, Ubuntu, Knowing, Everyday Social Work Practice.
Venue: University of Venda, Social Work Department, School of Human and Social Sciences, Limpopo
Contact details: Cynthia M. Mothamaha Phiri, Cynthia.Phiri@univen.ac.za, Cynthia.mothamaha_phiri@soch.lu.se, 015-962-8293 (office) 065 835 6452 (mobile)

Dr Kappelmeyer of the Helmholtz UFZ, Professor Karin Tonderski and Associate Professor Craig Sheridan will co-lecture the course workshop. The intent is to present the social/environmental/legislative context of water and wastewater in South Africa on day 1 to interested parties.

Keywords: Water, Wastewater, Constructed Wetlands.
Venue: University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Contact details: Craig Sheridan, Craig.sheridan@wits.ac.za, +2711 717 7592

 
Title: Special Session: Academic Advisory Panel on Science, Technology and Innovations for Sustainable Human Settlements
Date: 6 May 2019
Time: 15:00 – 16:30
Venue: Goldfields Auditorium, Nelson Mandela University North Campus, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth 
Chair: Jeremy Gibberd
Purpose of the Session: To share progress on the STI 4 SHS Roadmap HCD and Capabilities report, and draft Framework with relevant academics, to provide a forum to validate the Roadmap Framework and to explore opportunities for the roles and responsibilities of academia in the implementation design of the Roadmap.  Proceedings will be recorded and compiled into a short report which will form one of the inputs into the STI 4 SHS Roadmap. 
 
Format: The session will have the following structure.
1. The chair welcomes all, introduces the session and provides a rapid overview of STI 4 SHS Roadmap HCD and Capabilities report, and draft Framework. The draft Framework will be circulated to all invited panellists prior to SASUF.
2. The chair then asks panellists to respond to a question or comment over a number of rounds. The envisaged questions and rounds of discussion will be based on slides 1- 26 of the draft Roadmap Framework:
A. Introductory: Are the introduction, definition process, status quo and trends, and insights from consultation clear and adequate upon which to found the Roadmap implementation? (Slides 3 – 20). Anything missing? Any further suggestions?
B. Vision 2030: Is the vision articulated on Slide 21, concise, succinct and relevant? Anything missing? Any further suggestions?
 
C. Roadmap: With reference to Slides 25 and 26, are the clusters identified appropriate? Anything missing? Any further suggestions?
D. Implementation: With reference to academia, what are the potential roles and responsibilities in executing the proposed Roadmap?
3. To close the session, the chair will summarise the discussions, thank the participants and confirm how the outputs of the session will be used.
  
Comments and Queries
If you have any comments or queries, please feel free to contact the Session Chair, Jeremy Gibberd on 082 857 1318 or at jgibberd@csir.co.za.  In the event that you are unable to attend the session, or would like to make additional inputs, your written response is welcome by 15 May 2019 to pdejager@csir.co.za or cvreenen@csir.co.za . For key information regarding the STI 4 SHS Roadmap project visit www.sti4shs.co.za .
Thank you for your participation and we look forward to an interesting and productive session!

Keywords: urbanization, technology, innovation, partnerships, economy
Venue: Nelson Mandela University, North Campus, Port Elizabeth, RSA
Contact details: Prof Sijekula Mbanga, Sijekula.mbanga@mandela.ac.za, +27 41 504 3498 / 1153 / 3295 or +27 72 967 4093

The NRF/STINT researchers’ workshop aims to bring together South African and Swedish researchers funded under the SA/Sweden bilateral research Programme to share and discuss the objectives of their funded projects and highlight the achievements thus far. Funded researchers will also be able to engage and share their perspectives on the future of the bilateral Programme with policy makers and funders from both sides. This workshop also serves as a platform for further networking amongst the South African and Swedish research community for the possible expansion of the funded projects and the establishment of new joint projects for future funding.


Venue: Stellenbosch University, Library Auditorium
Contact details:
Mr Teuns Phahlamohlaka, teuns.phahlam@nrf.ac.za, +27 12 481 4385
Ms Karin Forslund, karin.forslund@stint.se, +46-8-671 19 97

Future Proposal Development / Grant Writing Workshops.
Participants/ Stakeholders:

1. DUT FOHS / E Skills EDU staff / Post-Gradute Researchers
2. KZN DOH E Health & PHISC & NDOH
3. Broader E IT sector
4. Post Graduate Research Association (National)
5. Research, Innovation RIE Directorate
6. NEMISA
7. NDOH Health Information Systems team
8. Others

Keywords: Epidemiology, E Health, Big Data analytics, DHIS
Venue: Durban University of Technology
Contact details: Prof Jinabhai n.jinabhai@gmail.com +27827740836 

2-days workshop, May 6 and 7, at Tshwane University of Technology and NorthWest University, respectively.
Microorganisms are abundant, present everywhere with enormous diversity. They are scientifically most interesting with high potentials to address many global societal challenges. The workshop will gather scientists with common interests in: a) Microbial diversity & evolution, b) N2-fixation & sustainable agriculture, c) Soil microbial indicators for monitoring impact of climate change on crop production, d) Waste- & polluted-water treatment & bioremediation by microorganisms, and e) Chemical & fuel production by microorganisms. The main aim of the workshop is to establish a joint South African – Sweden research and education network to address microbial diversity and biotechnology for a sustainable future.

Keywords: Microorganisms, Diversity and evolution, Sustainable food and agriculture, Bioremediation, Renewable chemicals and fuels.
Venue: 
Tshwane University of Technology Department of Chemistry (May 6)
NorthWest University in Potchefstroom (May 7) - https://sasuf.sched.com/event/OFgD/sustainable-plant-soil-and-arthropod-management-towards-a-safe-productive-and-diverse-biosphere 
Contact details:  
Prof Felix Dapare Dakora, DakoraFD@tut.ac.za, +27 794 873 777 (Tshwane University of Technology)
Prof Rasheed Adeleke, rasheed.adeleke@nwu.ac.za, +27 72 884 3243 (University of Pretoria)
Prof Peter Lindblad peter.lindblad@kemi.uu.se (Uppsala University, Sweden),
Associate Professor Natuschka Lee, natuschka.lee@umu.se (Umeå University, Sweden)

Membrane processes have been recognized as energy-saving and high-selective separation processes and they are therefore key to many industrial production concepts for a sustainable future. Today’s membrane application ranging from drinking and waste water to production processes in the food, biotech and pulp and paper industry. The aim of this satellite activity is to provides Master and PhD students an up to date insight in this technology and share experiences between the South African and Swedish lecturers.

Keywords: Membrane processes, sustainable processes, waste water, drinking water.
Proposed venue: School of Chemistry, East Campus, University of the Witwatersrand
Contact details:  Dr. Heidi Lynn Richards, heidi.richards@wits.ac.za

This two day workshops focuses on the pedagogic and administrative aspects of developing and delivering Laboratory Animal Science Education, in a co-operation between South African universities and organisations, and the Sweden based learning co-operative NCLASET with its member universities. The first day is dedicated to the pedagogic aspects of e-learning, the development of web-based learning modules, and the second day is dedicated to the practical aspects of e-learning administration.

Keywords: E-learning, learning platform, curriculum delivery . Venue: University of Cape Town
Contact details:  Bert Mohr, bert.mohr@uct.ac.za, +27 (0)76 541 3929 | +27 (0)21 406 6095  

The focus of this workshop will be to share skills and knowledge relevant for molecular and traditional epidemiological research. For the purpose of understanding the burden of disease in Sweden and South Africa. The workshop will focus on how we can identify genetic, social and environmental factors contributing to disease using epidemiological approaches, e.g. genome-wide association analysis, trans-ethnic meta-analysis, Mendelian Randomisation, registry-based analyses and prioritization of gene transcripts for translational research.

Suggested time/duration:
• Arrive evening of the 5th of May
• 9am-5pm on the 6th of May
• 9am-5pm of the 7th of May
• Travel on the morning of the 8th of May.

Venue: Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, 9 Jubilee Road, Parktown, Johannesburg
Contact details: Michele Ramsay, michele.ramsay@wits.ac, +27 (0) 11 717 6635 / +27 (0) 73 647 2726 

The aim of the UL-SASUF Proposal Writing for Research Grants is to train emerging researchers and young PhD holders in developing a promising proposal for national or international research funding (every participant will have the opportunity to tailor their application for submission in the next SASUF Call, or to an institution of their choice). Researchers from all disciplines can apply for this course, but preference may be given to those working in fields that are related the six (6) main themes/challenges identified in the SASUF. The satellite event will accept a maximum of 20 participants from any of the participating SASUF institutions. Potential participants are researchers and PhD-holders who graduated not more than five (5) years ago from South Africa and Sweden. The event seeks to provide multicultural environment that can serve as an effective tool for promoting international research and relationships.

Participants will cover their own travel and accommodation to Polokwane. Once, in Polokwane UL will provide shuttle services from selected hotels. UL will also cover the cost of participation in the course and meals during the workshop.

Venue: University of Limpopo
Contact details: Dr Thembinkosi Mabila, Thembinkosi.Mabila@ul.ac.za, +27 152682401/91

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) assumes and requires cooperation between stakeholders, namely the university, student and society. WIL approaches develop new knowledge and skills related to an ever-changing societal context and global citizenry. As a curriculum matter, WIL is thus a vehicle that is ideally suited to transform the curriculum and bridge divides that could also enable us to find international answers to very local challenges.

This workshop invites participation in and contributions towards the following topics:
1. Societal advancement through WIL
2. WIL as pedagogy to transform education
3. WIL strategies to enhance the employability of students
4. WIL for Global education and learning
5. Researching WIL
6. Best practices for the application of WIL

Presentation format: 20 minute presentations with 10 minutes for questions/discussion.
Venue: University of the Western Cape. 1H - School of Public Health
Contact details:  
Dr Henri Jacobs, hjacobs@cut.ac.za
Ms Mesha Moses, mlmoses@uwc.ac.za
Prof Per Assmo, passmo@uwc.ac.za & per.assmo@hv.se

Capacity building on (framework) steps and processes to follow when developing an intervention steps to formulate actionable plans. In the context of this project the actionable plas will aim to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.

Venue: University of Venda, Art Gallery, Limpopo
Contact details: Prof Sonto Maputle, sonto.maputle@univen.ac.za

Childhood obesity is rising in South Africa and Sweden and with that associated physical and mental complications. So far interventions have not produced sustainable improvement as measured with BMI at the population level. With ECHO zone a more comprehensive approach is taken to address the urgent need to find ways to sustainably curb the development in childhood obesity. ECHO zone is comprehensive both with regard to the number of actors involved and in evidence building. The implementation is therefore challenging. In the seminars experiences from three different places on how complex interventions are implemented will be addressed.

Keywords: Society-based interventions, physical activity, food, sleep, evidence-building.
Venue: University of Fort Hare, Faculty of Health Sciences, 5 Oxford Street, East London Campus, 5200
Contact details: Prof E Seekoe, eseekoe@ufh.ac.za

The aim of the workshop is to bring together researchers from Sweden and South Africa, as well as local partners to deliberate on peri-urban spatial challenges in small rural towns in conceptual and physical terms.

The objectives of the workshop are to:

1. Enable the research team to share their research idea with other researchers.
2.  To engender multidisciplinary debates, and knowledge exchange from a ‘bigger’ community of scholars and stakeholders.
3. Strengthen debates on proposed adaptive strategies to curb spatial challenges from the peri-urban zones of small rural towns
4. Expand the existing networks at individual and institutional levels.

Keywords: adaptive strategies, peri-urban, spatial challenges, small rural towns.
Venue: University of Venda, Department of Urban and Regional Planning
Contact details: Dr Emaculate Ingwani, ingwani@gmail.com, +27 (0) 735 19 15 22

This satellite event will consist of presentations, visits at CPUT research facilities, and visits at companies and organizations that are at the forefront of digital technologies in the Western Cape.

Keywords: Digital technologies, future of production, industry 4.0, big data.
Venue: Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville campus
Contact details: Thomas Wolfgang Thurner, thurnert@cput.ac.za

In this seminar a group of Swedish researchers will be running a series of ‘Lightning Talks’ (10 min presentations by different speakers), followed by an open discussion with South African colleagues from Department of Geography & Environmental studies, Stellenbosch university. Each talk introduces a research topic, e.g., urban green spaces, informal settlement, sharing economy, automated vehicles, urban governance, crime and community safety. State of the art technology is the red-thread in these research projects, with clear connections with practice. The goal is to share ideas and identify potential common research interests/methods that can be interesting to follow up in near future.

Keywords: urban design, built environment, security, green areas, informal settlements , sharing economy, governance.
Venue: Stellenbosch University, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies
Contact details:  
Professor Gustav Visser, gevisser@sun.ac.za
Dr Manfred Spocter

The event will be organized as a seminar aimed at stimulating dialogue between scholars that are interested in research methods, ethics and social transformation. The ‘Rhodes Must Fall campaign’, that started at the University of Cape Town in 2015 and erupted across South Africa, sparked a blistering debate on decolonisation of curricula that paved the way for critical debate about the relationship between power, knowledge and learning. Transformation of higher education calls for pluralism and disruptive thinking if universities are to take on their role in social transformation. One way to dismantle the hegemony of Western knowledge systems is to rethink how research should be done. We seek to initiate a debate on responsible research for social transformation and decolonisation of the curriculum.

Keywords: Social transformation, decolonisation of knowledge, responsible and ethical research. Venue: Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville Campus
Contact details: Prof Penelope Engel-Hills, engelhillsp@cput.ac.za, +27 21 959 6218

Five universities, two from Sweden and three from South Africa will come together and collaborate on strengthening the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in teacher education. Each of the partners in this proposal is also connected to a local level network which involves a range of postgraduate scholars, new and emerging academics and researchers, civil society and community partners. We plan to host conference activities linked to the partners meetings which will be designed as research capacity development initiatives for the participating researchers, doctoral and masters scholars, new and emerging academics.

Collaboration activities for discussion will include facilitating knowledge and cultural exchange by researchers and post graduate students through:
• Exchange of cultural practices
• Co-supervision of research projects
• Collaborative research and article writing
• Researching across contexts: Scandinavia-RSA
• Supervision/researcher/student exchange visits

Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals, Education for Sustainable Development, Transformative Education.
Venue: University of South Africa - Pretoria
Contact details:  
Prof Soul Shava, soul.shava@gmail.com, + 27 78 695 4153
Prof Nokhanyo N. Mdzanga, Nokhanyo.Mdzanga@mandela.ac.za, +27 41 504 4564/1195

Africa’s rangelands, crucial for food security and rural livelihoods, face multiple threats under climate change (CC), including desertification, woody encroachment and extreme weather. In this event, jointly led by researchers from SLU and Nelson Mandela University, we explore the thesis that solutions for these challenges might lie in wild grazing systems. Such rangelands may provide enormous opportunities for CC mitigation, through carbon storage, altered fire dynamics, increased albedo and reduced methane production, while achieving equitable social empowerment. In this small workshop, we will bring together scientists from diverse disciplines to explore this thesis and identify knowledge gaps, exploring opportunities for a collaborative synthesis and future research opportunities.

Keywords: grazing systems, food security, rural livelihoods, rewilding, natural resources.
Venue: Nelson Mandela University, Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Summerstrand South Campus, Port Elizabeth
Contact details:  Prof. Dr. Graham Kerley, graham.kerley@mandela.ac.za, 083 633 3088