South African scientists could face year in prison unless registered with national standards body, under proposed law

A South African government proposal would make it compulsory for practising scientists to register with the country’s scientific council, or face up to a year in prison. However, many scientists are not currently registered and are unaware of the proposed legislation. Researchers who have spoken to Chemistry World raised several concerns about the proposed rule, including fears that it could disadvantage early-career researchers in particular.