The book of nature is written in the language
of mathematics.
~ Galileo Galilei
Link to: Annual demersal survey: Exciting new discoveries and other benefits
Annual demersal survey: New discoveries and other benefits
During the voyage aboard the FRS Africana, collections were made of rare and unknown invertebrate species, adding to our growing knowledge of these animals.
Science in action
Link to: Spotlight on Salicornia tegetaria and its role in heavy metal localisation
Spotlight on Salicornia tegetaria and its role in heavy metal localisation
A SAEON Elwandle Node research team found that Salicornia tegetaria, a dominant salt marsh plant in the Swartkops estuary, acts as a metal trap, localising the spread of heavy metals.
Link to: Putting the brake on locust outbreaks
Putting the brake on locust outbreaks
Years with and without mass outbreaks of brown locusts correlate with subcontinental climatic phases. That makes a SAEON study compelling because of the potential indicator value of ecosystem status.
Link to: Trading the African sun for a gothic cellar in Belgium
Trading the African sun for a gothic cellar in Belgium
Dr Betsie Milne from SAEON’s Arid Lands Node swapped her office in hot Kimberley for extensive lab work at one of the top universities in Europe for three icy winter months.
Link to: SAEON’s physical oceanographers enlisted to provide vital information about our oceans
SAEON’s physical oceanographers enlisted to provide vital information
The team will contribute near real-time information and relevant metrics about the state of the ocean based on satellite information and numerical models.
Link to: Witnessing science in action: The Antarctic Cities Youth Expedition
Witnessing science in action: The Antarctic Cities Youth Expedition
The Antarctic Gateway Initiative took five young individuals representing the five key Antarctic gateway cities to the Antarctic Peninsula – to learn what it is like to live and work in extreme polar conditions.
Link to: Traditional healers in a time of COVID-19
Traditional healers in a time of COVID-19
Traditional healers are particularly vulnerable to the spread of the coronavirus in rural areas, where people are likely to consult a traditional healer before going to a hospital or clinic.
Message from the MD
Link to: Message from the MD
Alas! Or Hurray?
Despite the doom and gloom surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, SAEON is proud to have made a significant contribution to South Africa’s management of the COVID-19 state of disaster, says MD Johan Pauw.
People and networks
Link to: Science exploration and discovery at PSSA 2020
PSSA 2020: Science exploration and discovery
This year’s Phycological Society of South Africa conference consisted of intensive talks and workshops, stromatolite hunting, macroalgae collection and snorkelling in a kelp forest.
Link to: Meet the new team members
Meet Elwandle’s new team members
SAEON’s Elwandle Coastal Node welcomed five new staff members in January 2020 under the Shallow Marine and Coastal Research Infrastructure.
Science in service of society
SAEON’s Egagasini Node was well represented at the Nansen Tutu Centre 10th Anniversary Symposium, with seven oceanographers in attendance.
Building vital capacity
Link to: Introducing the new Graduate Student Network steering committee
Meet the Graduate Student Network’s new steering committee
The new committee has kickstarted the planning for this year’s Indibano, a meeting place for postgraduate students to share their research and engage with leading researchers.
Link to: Data Visualisation R and QGIS workshop equips students to analyse datasets
Data Visualisation R and QGIS workshop equips students to analyse datasets
Through these workshops the students not only learn new skills, but also meet other students, which broadens their academic networks.
Link to: Learning the Ndlovu way: A reflection on my internship at SAEON’s Ndlovu Node
Learning the Ndlovu way
Tzumbedzo Ramalevha reflects on the wide range of learning experiences he was exposed to as an intern at SAEON’s Ndlovu Node.
Science engagement
Link to: Supporting the linchpins of our education system
Supporting the linchpins of our education system
The Ndlovu Node presented an educators’ workshop on South African biomes and the Egagasini Node ran an exhibition and workshop at this year’s Science Teacher Day Workshop.
Link to: Leaves to landscapes – Fynbos Node career day exhibit
Leaves to landscapes
The Fynbos Node’s multi-faceted exhibit at the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s Career Day showcased most of the science team’s fields of expertise.
Link to: SAEON in the media
SAEON in the media
SAEON’s people and projects received coverage in national print, broadcast, online and social media.
