Scientists march through the streets of Durban

LEADING scientists and academics from a range of scientific disciplines, took to the streets of Durban on Saturday, to highlight the importance of Science in society.

The March for Science in Durban, formed part of a series of rallies and marches held in Washington, D.C. and more than 600 other cities across the world and coincided with Earth Day, April 22.

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According to organizers, the march was a non-partisan movement to celebrate science and the role it plays in everyday lives. The goal of the marches and rallies is to emphasize that science upholds the common good and to call for evidence-based policy in the public’s best interest.

Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, Associate Scientific Director of CAPRISA, said:

“South Africa and indeed scientists from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal have made remarkable contributions in all spheres of science that has contributed to discoveries and improving and saving lives on the African continent and globally.”

“We all benefit in some way or the other in the products of science, innovation and technology, but don’t often stop to reflect on how these come to be in society and what innovation and discovery led to it.”

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH) Research and the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) joined the demonstration forces in solidarity to highlight the critical importance of sustained and strategic support by governments and funding agencies to advance and promote scientific research and innovation.

“Investing in research and development is about investing in the citizens of our country. Science changes lives, shifts paradigms of thought and promotes innovative economic progress,”said Professor Glenda Gray, President of the SAMRC.

Professor Deenan Pillay Director of AHRI said: “It is essential that scientific knowledge underpins decisions on government policy and to lead to the long term well-being of our people.”

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In addition, Professor Karim said: “We would like to see this grow and to also see the public more engaged. We are calling for more academics from across Africa to get more engaged in the knowledge generation process, learning about scientific methodology and demanding evidence based policies for investment in science.”

Twitter reacts to the march:

https://twitter.com/AlbertStienstra/status/856075582131535872