and technical practice; Investigate and publicly report on various matters, in its own discretion or at the request of government or organisations in civil society, to promote and apply scientific thinking in the service of society; Promote science education and a culture of science in the population at large; Maintain strict independence while consulting other organisations and individuals in the widest manner possible; Endeavour to establish and develop close relations with scientific organisations in South Africa and with similar academies in other countries; and Take any other action that it may consider necessary towards the attainment of its key objective. Relevance The strategic priorities of the academy are closely matched to those of the nation, focusing particularly on the need for the greatly enhanced availability of high-level human capital and an increased use of the country's best intellectual expertise in generating evidence-based policy advice that is practically feasible. The academy is aligned to national policy as dictated in the White Paper on Science and Technology and the National Research and Development Strategy. It also seeks to meet other national priorities, such as the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa, the Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition and the Grand Challenges of the Department of Science and Technology. See also Open access in South Africa Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns Notable members of the academy References External links National academies South Africa Scientific organisations based in South Africa 1996 establishments in South Africa Scientific organizations established in 1996 Science and technology in South Africa