Professor Karen Esler: In Service to Society
Professor Karen Esler, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Conservation Ecology & Entomology, was bestowed great honour twice in one week, by being elected as a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) on Wednesday 19th and inducted as fellow of the Royal Society of South Africa (RSSAf) on Saturday 22nd, 2022.
Both prestigious organisations are focused on science for society, and members considered by their peers as leading scholars in the country.
ASSAf was signed into being by Nelson Mandela as an act of Parliament (Academy of Science Act 67 of 2001). It was formed in response to the need for congruency of democracy in South Africa, and through its members provides a collective resource for the professionally managed generation of evidence-based solutions to pressing National problems. There is a rigorous nomination and election process to become a member. Esler, one of 29 new ASSAf members, shared this honour with two other SU staff members in 2022: Prof Ronelle Carolissen (clinical psychologist and professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychology) and Prof Christine Lochner (Professor and Co-Director of the SA Medical Research Council Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry).
RSSAf, has been in existence since 1908. It is considered the premier South African multidisciplinary scientific society during the twentieth century. The Society contributes to the intellectual vibrancy of the country as well as to its national research output. Members are obligated to communicate scientific findings and to demonstrate their relevance to society, to engage with government at all levels and to support engagement between the humanities and sciences. Esler, one of 13 new fellows, shared the honour with Prof Oonsie Biggs (Centre for Sustainability Transitions) and Prof John Wilson, Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology)
Athor: Prof. Karin Esler.
