This is the first part of a multi-faceted study to assess systematically the state of biosafety and biosecurity and the application of ethics in the life sciences in South Africa through an evaluation of practice, and of legislation at national and institutional level, and to address the need for a sustained dialogue between scientists and policy makers.
To this end ASSAf has launched a mapping survey of life science activities in South Africa. The survey aims to collate data on research and diagnostic facilities engaged in life science activities in South Africa. The survey will provide a clear and up-to-date understanding of the current distribution and focus of the life sciences in the country.
In order to ensure that this survey is as widely distributed as possible, ASSAf has launched an appeal for heads of departments or institute directors of diagnostic laboratories, research facilities, universities and private colleges to undertake the 5-minute survey available online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CB6JP65. The survey focuses on basic information pertaining to laboratory-based life science research and diagnostics in these facilities.
The results of the survey will form a database that will be securely stored at ASSAf, and will not be distributed to any third party for commercial gain. This database will provide a clear understanding of life science research in the country and will form the basis of future ASSAf studies that will assess the extent of biosafety, biosecurity and bioethics knowledge amongst the scientific community.
ASSAf is the official national science academy of South Africa. The Academy’s mandate is to provide evidence-based scientific advice to the South African scientific and policy community. A better understanding of all life science research undertaken in the country, and the distribution of life science researchers will be invaluable for future developments in scientific R&D. Please help the ASSAf achieve this goal by distributing this survey link as widely as possible.
