Speakers
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Dr Lee-Anne McKinnell
Managing Director, South African National Space Agency (SANSA)
CV
Dr Lee-Anne McKinnell is currently the Managing Director responsible for the Space Science Programme and Hermanus Facility of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA). She holds a PhD in Space Physics from Rhodes University in South Africa, and a MBA from the Business School Netherlands. In her current role Dr McKinnell represents South Africa on a number of international committees and working groups ensuring Africa’s interests are maintained in the field of space science and related technology. She is a champion for space weather applications and is leading the SANSA project to develop 24/7 operational space weather capability for Africa.
Abstract
Abstract:The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) recently launched a 24/7 operational Space Weather capability that was built on a strong research and development legacy, provides a domestic capability to enable risk mitigation and empowered decision-making, and contributes towards the development of a national capability in critical skills that improves domestic and regional know-how while enabling mitigation against a natural risk. The capability has positioned SANSA to participate in the Global Challenge of Space Weather, and through this positioning Space Weather has been used as a driver to inspire and drive awareness, advocacy, skills development and the knowledge economy. This panel discussion will ignite a conversation around how a space science subject has made a difference in the lives of real South Africans.