Highlights of Quaternary research in Southern Africa, and proceeding forwards

摘要

In the tradition of a wide variety of Quaternary research themes under the umbrella of SASQUA, the collection of papers here is typical. The more recent trend of multidisciplinary approaches within Southern African projects is also evident throughout these reports. In addition, such approaches have produced new and informative interpretations from the materials and data available to us. The current strength of Southern African Quaternary research must surely be measured according to the quality and quantity of student papers presented at conferences and published in local and international journals. Of the 34 papers presented at the SASQUA 2003 conference, 11 (32%) were student papers, which notably set a high standard. A strong and ongoing emphasis of SASQUA is to build and encourage a new generation of young Quaternary scientists. The growing and apparently resurging interest amongst local and international students on the Southern African Quaternary bodes well for the way forward.