later release a report with a number of recommendations. In 2006, the report entitled A Strategic Approach to Research Publishing in SA was released. The year 2004 brought a breakthrough when the African Science Academies Development Initiative (ASADI) led by the United States National Academies, selected ASSAf as an intensive partner, guaranteeing funding and mentoring for 5 to 7 years. This led to the first symposium on evidence-based practice theory and best-practice. This was followed by the study on HIV/AIDS, TB and nutrition, ASSAf's first self-initiated consensus study. The report was released in October 2007. Studies currently in progress include: State of the humanities in SA PhD study: enhancing the production of postgraduates in South Africa Scholarly books: their production, use and evaluation in South Africa today Clinical research and related training in South Africa Improved nutritional assessment in South Africa Low carbon cities Forum-based study on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education Forum-based study on science for poverty alleviation The academy established a number of awards, the most notable being the Science-for-Society gold medals, two of which are awarded annually. In conjunction with the DST and the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS), the annual TWAS prize for young scientists is awarded. The Sydney Brenner Fellowship is also awarded by ASSAf, along with merit awards and certificates. IN 2001, the academy took over the publication of the South African Journal of Science (SAJS), an indexed ISI journal. The academy has been instrumental in the establishment of SciELO SA, a free open access, fully indexed journal platform. The SAJS was the first journal to be uploaded to this platform. In 2004, the academy launched Quest: Science for South Africa, a quarterly popular science magazine. In addition, a quarterly newsletter is published. The academy has also released a number of statements on a variety of topics such as xenophobia, climate change, and ocean acidification, both by itself, and in conjunction with other science academies. As of 2019 Himla Soodyall replaced Roseanne Diab as the chief executive officer. Objectives The key objective of the academy is to promote and apply scientific thinking in the service of society. To this end, the academy shall: Use the common ground of scientific knowledge and activity to remove barriers between people and obstacles to full development of their intellectual capacity; Endeavour in every possible way to inspire, promote and recognise excellence in scientific