ASSAF places a particular emphasis on excellence in the application of scientific thinking to the problems and challenges facing South African society. It draws its membership from all population groups and from all scientific disciplines.

According to the ASSAF Act (No 67 of 2001), the objectives of the Academy are: to promote common ground in scientific thinking across all disciplines; to encourage and promote innovative and independent scientific thinking; to promote the optimum development of the intellectual capacity of all people; to provide effective advice and facilitate appropriate action in relation to the collective needs, opportunities and challenges of all South Africans; and to link South Africa with scientific communities at the highest levels, in particular within Africa, and further afield.

Prof Crewe was first elected president of ASSAF in 2006 and the organisation has, at its recent annual general meeting, shown its confidence in him by re-electing him to the position.

"At this crucial stage in the development of Academy, it is a great honour for me to have been re-elected as President. Together with the other members of the council we are committed to providing evidence based advice to the nation on matters that affect the development and well-being of South Africa,” he said.

Prof Crewe is an entomologist studying social organisation in honeybees. He received his doctoral degree in Entomology from the University of Georgia – USA in 1971.

Prof Crewe has received several awards since 1971, the latest being the Ordre National du Mérite with the rank of Chevalier (French government). He has worked at various Universities in South Africa, USA, The Netherlands, Germany and Australia.

Professor Crewe is a member of several organisations, majority of them being in Entomology, Zoology, Chemical Ecology and other science-related bodies.

In his congratulatory message, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, Professor Calie Pistorius, said: “The University of Pretoria is proud that its Vice-Principal (Research and Postgraduate studies) has been re-elected as president of the ASSAF. As an active B1 NRF-rated researcher with an acknowledged high academic standing amongst his peers and proven managerial skills, we regard Prof Crewe as an excellent choice for this prestigious position.”