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Unisa Professor elected as member of esteemed Science Academy
The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) consists of outstanding scientists and scholars who have contributed immensely to Science in South Africa and who have long records of demonstrable achievements in Science. It is for these reasons that Prof Narend Baijnath, Vice-Principal: Strategy, Planning and Partnerships, believes it is a great accolade to be welcomed to the ranks of the ASSAf.
Prof Baijnath received notification of his election early in October. He was elected in recognition of his significant achievement in the advancement or the application of Science in South Africa. Speaking on being elected as a member, Prof Baijnath described the process as a remarkably rigorous one. He said nominations were only allowed by existing members and that no less than four members must nominate you, with at least two members having personal knowledge of your capabilities as a scholar. This is followed by a vote by all existing members.
Outlining his duties as a member of ASSAf, Prof Baijnath said the main contribution is to uphold the highest standards of service and excellence in scientific productivity in South Africa. "Associated with the commitment of recruiting science in the service of society is the responsibility to produce, and participate in top quality research which addresses questions of national importance. It is also to promote science and the public understanding of science in the national interest." Other responsibilities include capacity development, and the influencing of national policy and programmes emanating from the Academy.
Prof Baijnath joins a host of other Unisa staff who are currently members of ASSAf. These include Prof Barney Pityana, Unisa's Principal and Vice-Chancellor; Prof Mamokgethi Setati, Executive Dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology; and Prof Rosalie Finlayson, Department of Human Resources Development.
Prof Baijnath believes these Unisa staff enhance the prestige of Unisa by being members of the ASSAf. It is also an honour to have increasing numbers of Unisa scholars selected into scientific organisations which have become renowned for their rigour and demanding standards. "Because the Academy is an agglomeration of about 300 of the top scientists in the country, being influenced by the discourses, thinking and networking through the Academy can, and will be vastly enriching, making it possible to advance Unisa’s own discourses, planning and development, aside from the opportunity to participate in and contribute to socially relevant research."
In his citation as the primary nominator, Prof Pityana described Prof Baijnath as a seasoned academic and higher educationalist who has made substantial contributions to higher education development in South Africa. This was achieved through his institutional work, involvement in national and international initiatives, and through scholarship in his various fields of endeavour. | 
