Dr Wilmot James

Chairperson: Trained initially as a sociologist, Dr James specialises in the public understanding of biology. He immersed himself in the area while a Visiting Professor at the California Institute of Technology and the University of Edinburgh. He is also a Visiting Research Professor at the Open University and Honorary Professor in the Division of Human Genetics (University of Cape Town) and in the Department of Sociology (University of Pretoria). He also blogs weekly at http://wjblog.contributetochange.org.za/

Dr Michael Kahn

Director Science Policy: Trained in mathematical physics and education policy, planning and management, Dr Kahn leads a programme in science policy at the Institute. He was most recently the executive director of knowledge management at the Human Sciences Research Council. He has made extensive contributions to science, education and innovation policy both nationally and internationally, and is a Research Fellow of the National Research Foundation and holds honorary appointments at the University of Stellenbsoch and Tshwane University of Technology.

Mr Donovan Geldenhuys

Financial Manager and Corporate Secretary: Mr Geldenhuys currently holds a Dip F.M.A. and a BCompt, and is in the process of completing his Honours (C.T.A.) He completed his auditing articles in 2007, after which he went into commerce.

Mrs Cheryl Douglas

Project Director - Teaching Biology Project: Mrs Douglas is a Life Science teacher, head of department, assistant housemaster and head of a Global Issues Network Group at Bishops, an independent boys’ school in Cape Town. She has been a finalist in the 2007 and 2009 Microsoft Innovative Teachers’ Forum and, in addition to promoting knowledge of evolution for teachers, she is keen to encourage the development of information and communication technology and assessment skills in teachers.

Ms Nontobeko Mjali

School Liaison Officer – Teaching Biology Project: Ms Mjali is a life sciences teacher at the Intsebenziswano Senior Secondary School. She is completing a M.Ed. at the University of the Western Cape with a special focus on the challenges of teaching evolution at school.

Mrs Jean Overmeyer

Personal Assistant to Dr James: after spending 27 years at the University of Cape Town in various administrative roles, Mrs Overmeyer now manages Dr James’ office requirements, diary and correspondence.

Ms Rozanne Williams

Receptionist: Having spent 2 and a half years in the retail sector, Ms Williams is the Institute’s receptionist and provides general administration, accounting and financial reporting support. Ms Williams also serves as a personal assistant to Dr Kahn.

SERVICE PROVIDERS TO THE AGEI

Mrs Beryl Eichenberger

Media & Logistics Consultant: with more than three decades experience, Mrs Eichenberger’s consultancy HIPPO Communications provides promotions, public relations, event management, consumer marketing services to the Institute.

Mr Gavin Chait

Website Editor: based in London, Mr Chait has a background in science and economics and he edits, writes for, and maintains our science-related websites. He started the market risk service, Whythawk.