Academy Development Initiative (ADI) webinar on Effective Communication Strategies for Science Academies
NASAC organized its second quarterly webinar in its Academy Development Initiative (ADI) series on 13 June 2024 under the topic “Effective Communication Strategies for Science Academies”. This topic was aimed to enhance the ability of science academies effectively communicate, engage and partner with various stakeholders, and align themselves strategically to influence policy actions.
The speaker – Dr. Makhamisa Senekane, the Secretary General of the Lesotho Academy of Science and Technology (LAST) – focused his presentation on the pivotal role of communicating with stakeholders for the promotion of scientific knowledge and public engagement. He underlined the need for academies to adopt robust and adaptive communication strategies tailored to diverse audiences and the importance of collaboration, networking and stakeholder engagement.
Participants at the event expressed the need for stronger impact-based partnerships between science academies, government agencies and other relevant stakeholders to help in evidence-based decision making, share scientific resources, and reach a wider audience, including policy makers. Moreover, continuous capacity building opportunities for science academies to enhance their communication skills was also highlighted by the speakers.
In conclusion, the event highlighted the critical role of effective communication in advancing the missions of science academies and sharing of proven practices to enhance policy advise in the continent. NASAC through the ADI remains committed to supporting science academies in becoming more influential and impactful to relevant stakeholders not only in the continent but also globally.
