Forum/Debate on climate change – September 2021
A Forum/Debate on Climate Change, organized by MAST and attended by Her Excellency Charlotte Pierre, British High Commissioner in Mauritius, took place with the objectives of taking stock of the situation and debating the effect of climate change on the planet under selected aspects, namely: the extent of the climate crisis, climate change and health, climate change and energy, the Mauritius situation and its response. The discussion was conducted in preparation for COP26 in Glasgow, in November 2021.
Statement of scientists against war – February 2022
In February 2022, MAST issued a Statement of scientists against war - Solving conflicts through rational dialogue whereby scientists of the Academy condemned all forms of war such as the one that is happening in Eastern Europe and urged the use of peaceful and rational dialogue to solve any existing conflicts.
Forum on achieving long-term food security for Mauritius – June 2022
Talks were held about food security on global issues of relevance to Mauritius, the status of food production in Mauritius, the role of research and development, and the challenges in achieving self-sufficiency in livestock and livestock production in Mauritius. MAST issued a resolution proposed that was agreed upon by consensus: “In the present worldwide crisis regarding the insufficiency of food production, access, and availability (due to insufficient production, war, pandemic, climate change, and reduced trade) and given that we in Mauritius (a small island developing state, a SIDS) import over 75% of all our food needs, including all staples such as rice and flour, a combined effort by all in Mauritius is called for to support the transformation of our food systems for less dependency on importation and to enhance local production. MAST recommended that an Action Committee be set up urgently by the Government, comprising key stakeholders to address the challenges of our food systems to achieve long-term food security for Mauritius”.
‘Rencontre International les plastiques dans l'Océan Indien’, Madagascar, October 2022
Dr Salem Saumtally attended the meeting where people from a wide range of backgrounds, including school children, artists, NGOs, private companies, academies, organizations, and scientists were present. The object was to create awareness of plastic pollution, its proper use, and recycling initiatives. A presentation on behalf of MAST was made on the potential conversion of sugarcane trash into bioplastics as part of the solution to the problem.
Annual Meeting of African Science Academies (AMASA 22) - Strengthening capacity for sustainable agriculture and food systems in Africa – November 2022
The objective of the meeting was to boost Africa’s capacity to sustainably meet the food and nutrition security of its growing population. The challenges – such as climate change, and population growth were discussed, and opportunities were envisaged, e.g. gene editing technology and regenerative agriculture. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss science communication and a press conference was held by the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC)/AMASA to explain the benefits of GM crops. Strengthening the research ecosystem in Africa through funding for research was examined. It was felt that the Academies could play a role there in linking the funders and researchers.
Drs Yousuf Maudarbocus and Deoraj Caussy of MAST presented papers entitled “Enhancing food production in Africa through the utilization of nuclear techniques” and “Protecting human health from Climate Change in Africa” respectively. A policy paper on “Climate change and its disastrous impact on Africa” to which Dr Caussy was the Lead Researcher, was launched at the event. Such meetings were also a means to establish contact with the other Academies and their members and the Kenya National Academy of Sciences (KNAS) was approached for collaboration.
At the General Assembly of NASAC, Dr Jean Claude Autrey, Past President of MAST was elected to serve on the NASAC Board.
Obituary – Professor Soodursun Jugessur, December 2022
MAST was deeply saddened by the demise of Professor Soodursun Jugessur, its Founder President, and benefactor at the age of 82 on 7 December 2022. He was a highly accomplished individual who made significant contributions in various fields, both in Mauritius and internationally. He joined the University of Mauritius as a Lecturer and He served it in various capacities, as Professor of Industrial Technology, Head of Industrial Technology, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, and Chairman. He played a pivotal role in its development and growth. He was also associated with the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council for over four decades, where he promoted social and economic development.
World Science Forum, December 2022
Dr Michael Atchia attended a very successful meeting of the World Science Forum, on 6-9 December 2022, attended by some 2000 participants. The Forum reflected on how the results of the research can be used and how can science serve society. An elaborate declaration endorsed by all scientists present was published and one of the key declarations was about “Justice in science - How to ensure science reflects the society we want? “.
COP 27, November 2022
Dr Deoraj Caussy participated in COP 27, November 2022 in the Arab Republic of Egypt, with a focus on his field of expertise, i.e., health. He presented a communication on the impact of climate change on health in Africa. The key messages were that climate change is approaching a tipping point that necessitates health adaptation and mitigation. However, beyond the formulation of policies, there is inadequate human capacity to tackle the issue and a dearth of data.
Support of MAST for a resolution to declare 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology
MAST supported the proposal of the American Physical Society and the German Physical Society that 2025 be proclaimed the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) by the United Nations. MAST relayed this support to the Mauritius National Commission for UNESCO of the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, which contacted the Secretary of Foreign Affairs to that effect. With Mexico as the lead proposer, the Executive Board of UNESCO endorsed this recommendation of IYQ to be included in the agenda of the 42nd session of the General Conference of the UN.
Flora of the Mascarenes Project
The Flora of the Mascarenes Project reached its pinnacle with the Launching Ceremony of the final volumes 29 and 30 on Orchids which was held on Wednesday 3 May 2023 at the Bonâme Hall, MSIRI, Réduit. This remarkable and unique project of high scientific and pedagogical value is a common undertaking among the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement and the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (IRD, MNHN, France), the Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG, Kew, UK) and the Mauritius Sugarcane Industry Research Institute/Mauritius Cane Industry Authority. Volume 1, (340 pages), concerns the terrestrial orchids, while Volume 2 (511 pages) pertains to epiphytic orchids. Dr Jean Claude Autrey has been closely associated with the project since its inception in the 1970s and is one of the Directors of the Project since 1996.
ISC Strategy meeting, May 2023
Dr Michael Atchia represented MAST at the ISC Strategy meeting, 9-11 May 2023, in Paris, France. The meeting was attended by some 300 delegates to discuss science strategy for the next three years.
IAP - Save the Children meeting, September 2023
Dr Deoraj Caussy served as a reviewer during a workshop organized by IAP and Save the Children at IAP Headquarters, Trieste, Italy, from 2-5 September 2023 on Case Studies Focussing on Science-based Policy Solutions for Climate Change and Health Challenges.
13th Annual Conference of the ANIE, October 2023
Prof Goolam Mohamedbhai was the Keynote Speaker at the 13th Annual Conference of the African Network for Internationalization of Education (ANIE), Zanzibar, Tanzania, 4-6 October 2023. The keynote address was entitled “African Higher Education: Quest for RElevance and Impact”.
Appointment
Dr Deoraj Caussy was appointed as Advisor to the Regional Director of WHO-AFRO on matters of Epidemic Preparedness and Response for an initial term of three years.
NASAC-IAP Capacity Building Project, April 2024
The Mauritius Academy of Science and Technology (MAST) has obtained a grant from the Network of African Science Academies-InterAcademy Partnership to enhance the expertise of MAST in offering science advice to policymakers. The project is entitled “Strengthening science advice capability of the MAST: focusing on food security”. In this endeavour, the Academy will be supported by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and the Global Young Academy Science Advice Group (GYA SAWG). In a co-learning approach in national science advice and international cooperation, the Mauritius Young Academy Initiative (MYAI) and the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) will also be participating with a spotlight on female early-career researchers. One of the project outcomes will be the formulation of a policymaker booklet on food security for Mauritius, from which lessons can be learned for the region.