Invitation from the Project Coordinator : Dr Mthuthuzeli Zamxaka
The Nanotechnology Public Engagement Programme* (NPEP) and the University of the Free State (UFS) take pleasure in inviting students, policy makers, industry representatives, researchers, scientists, science communication practitioners, media and the public to the Nanotechnology Facility Tour at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein on 20 September 2017 from 09h00 to 15h00.
PURPOSE OF THE TOUR
The tour will enable participants to interact, discuss and establish connections with the researchers and their research work taking place at the UFS Nanotechnology Facility. The tour will create awareness around nanotechnology and provide the participants with an understanding of the field. It also aims to encourage industry to be involved in the development of nanotechnology and to collaborate with research scientists in nanotechnology innovation.
The tour will include presentations from:
- The Department of Science and Technology’s Innovation Priorities and Instrument Directorate
- University of the Free State’s Physics and Astronomy Department
- The National Research Foundation
- SAASTA
The tour will be structured in two parts:
PART 1 – An audio-visual presentation which aims to familiarise the viewer with the science of nanotechnology, its origins, potential applications and risks.
PART 2 – A physical tour conducted in the laboratories with the aim of encouraging engagement and to explore opportunities to support and collaborate with the work done at the centre. Delegates will have access to the facility stations where they can learn more about the synthesis and characterisation of various nanostructures.
BOOKING INFORMATION
The tour is offered free of charge and includes refreshments, lunch and parking for delegates who have sent RSVPs by the 12 September 2017 deadline. It is essential to book in order to reserve your seat and for catering purposes. Please feel free to forward this invitation to your colleagues, friends and family who might be interested in this event.
Kindly RSVP to Mr Sizwe Khoza (sizwe@saasta.ac.za) before the abovementioned deadline and notify him should you have any special dietary requirements.
* The Nanotechnology Public Engagement Programme is an initiative funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and is implemented by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement, a business unit of the National Research Foundation.