SAMC2022 breaking new ground
“We broke new ground when we started the Afromontane Research Unit (ARU), and yet again broke new ground through this conference.” This is according to Prof Corli Witthuhn, Vice-Rector: Research and Internationalisation, during her closing address on the last day of the Southern African Mountain Conference.
The conference brought together 232 delegates from 19 countries, with various disciplines ranging from plant sciences to meteorology, politics to zoology, and business management to entomology.
Prof Witthuhn said the conference made an impact in terms of diversity and faces. “As natural scientists, we often forget how much science is about seeing and connecting with people. It was fantastic to see and speak to people, look into their eyes, and build networks.”
One hundred and eighty-one papers were submitted, thirty-seven of those by postgraduate students. “In spite of these quite diverse topics, we have achieved the unbelievable task of connecting archaeologists with climate change scientists and engaged management with water quality. Really, you have pushed the boundaries.”
She urged delegates to keep the energy and motivation experienced during the week-long conference.
“We looked at new collaborations, at funding those new collaborations, we helped young people to direct their careers, and made sure that they have the appropriate research direction. Go back to your offices and put new ideas, perspectives, and networks into action.”
The conference ended on a high note, with a gala dinner that included a special performance by South Africa’s singing ambassadors, the Drakensberg Boys Choir. World-renowned ecologist and conservation scientist, Prof Julian Bayliss – often described as ‘the man who discovered an unseen world’ – was the guest speaker at the gala dinner.
18 March 2022
Story Nonsindiso Qwabe
Photos Ian van Straaten