SAASTA/NPEP Science Writing Workshop
There is a significant gap between scientific progress and the dissemination of this information to the wider public. As a result, the excellent work of researchers often goes unnoticed.
The aim of this SAASTA/NPEP Science Writing Workshop which will take place on the 29 – 30 May 2017 at iThemba LABS in Cape Town, is to help equip members of the science community with the skills to communicate with the general public as well as provide them with a better understanding of how to use popular writing to develop a narrative about their work.
The workshop also aims to encourage scientists to participate in engagement opportunities offered through NPEP. It also provides a platform for the scientific community to submit and highlight on-going nanotechnology work in the newsletter and to the broader media community.
Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, focuses on nanotechnology.
“The DST’s nanotechnology development efforts are guided by the 2005 National Nanotechnology Strategy. The Strategy aims to effect both economic and social development. In terms of the Strategy, the development of nanotechnology in the country should be geared towards taking the potential advantages of nanotechnology to (i) address the social challenges the country faces in the area of water, health, and energy and (ii) confer competitiveness to the country’s strategic industries, these being (a) mining and minerals, (b) chemicals and bio-processing, and (c) advanced materials and manufacturing. An implementation plan was developed in 2006 that rested on four pillars, (i) human capital development, (ii) infrastructure, (iii) responsible development and (iv) innovation.
Nanotechnology development in South Africa has grown considerably. This is largely due to the Department’s efforts, which have seen the introduction of several nanotechnology development initiatives. Included in these are the National Nanotechnology Equipment Programme, the Nanotechnology Flagship Programme, and the nano-sciences and nano-technologies research chairs. These have helped catapult nanotechnology research in the country to a point where we are globally recognised”.
Minister Naledi Pandor: CSIR Nano-materials Industrial Development Facility launch, 3 December 2015
[Read her speech]