INSITE 2008: Addressing Economic Growth through Science, Technology and Innovation Johannesburg – 11 February 2008: Exhibitions for Africa has been appointed as the service provider to coordinate and manage INSITE 2008, the International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition, which will take place from 15 to 17 September 2008 at the Sandton Convention Centre. “We are delighted to, once again, work with the Department of Science and Technology, (DST), to stage an exhibition that will showcase progressive solutions to several challenges being faced, both locally and internationally,” says Jo Melville, managing director of Exhibitions for Africa, who launched the inaugural INSITE in 2004. Incorporating the International Association of Science Parks, (IASP), 25th World Conference, the overarching theme for the exhibition will be the role of Science, Technology and Innovation as key drivers of economic growth and development. This will be shown through three key focus areas: Youth and the imperative to address the critical skills shortages in the science and engineering sectors of the economy; strategic economic interventions; and sustainable development. The concurrent IASP conference will raise awareness of the role of science and technology parks in the economy, furthering the understanding of the innovation chasm, and the sharing of best practices and verified impact data. “INSITE 2008 will provide a platform for the South African and international marketplace to showcase innovative science and technology solutions to some of the world’s most pressing social and economic challenges. Innovators and scientists will assemble in one place, stimulating an exchange between global Science, Technology and Innovation leaders,” explains Jo Melville. According to the National Research Foundation, South Africa must develop a competitive, sustainable, fast-growing economy that creates national prosperity, with the keys to building a competitive industrial base being knowledge, innovation and productivity. The capacity for science and technology in South Africa has not been adequately translated into innovative and dynamic business. A sound scientific and technological base, from which wealth-creating technological innovations and applications can develop, is essential to economic growth in a competitive international environment. “However, for this to be achieved, South Africa needs to embrace the current critical skills shortages in the Science, Engineering and Technology, (SET), sector, and INSITE 2008 will address some of these issues,” says Dr Phil Mjwara, Director General, DST. A team of professionals will assist in the successful staging of the show including David Graham from International Trade Projects (Pty) Ltd (ITP), an experienced trade and investment promoter through the medium of exhibitions, Sally Braham PR, a specialist public relations consultancy, specialising in media liaison and strategy, and Oasys Innovations, a group of companies specialising in worldwide experiential marketing conceptualisation, design & development, production and implementation, for the exhibition’s infrastructure needs. For further information, please contact: Jo Melville, managing director of Exhibitions for Africa on 011 886 3734 or e-mail jom@exhibitafrica.co.za or Kristin Klose, director: Communication, Department of Science and Technology on 012 843 6785 or e-mail kristin.klose@dst.gov.za Bio2Biz Conference to run concurrently with DST’s Premier Science Exhibition, INSITE 2008 This year, more than 5 000 delegates are expected to attend Bio2Biz, which takes place alongside INSITE 2008, the International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition, at the Sandton Convention Centre from 15 – 17 September 2008. “Bio2Biz aims to expose business and industry to international biotechnology trends and developments, while ensuring the country is in line with the international world in terms of the developments in biotechnology. Ultimately it affords both industry and business with the opportunity to work together and utilise this technology to the country’s best advantage,” explains CEO of BioPAD, Dr Joe Moleti. In South Africa, biotechnology can make an important contribution to the country’s national priorities, particularly in the area of human health (such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB), food security and environmental sustainability. To promote this, and in line with government’s strategy on biotechnology, Bio2Biz SA was first hosted by the four Biotechnology Regional Innovation Centres (BRICs) in South Africa in 2004. Since then, Bio2Biz has grown from strength to strength, attracting participation from business leaders and the biotechnology industry. For more information, please contact Kgomotso Duma, Marketing Manager at BioPAD on 012 844 0151 or Jo Melville, Project Director at Exhibitions for Africa on 011 886 3734 or e-mail jom@exhibitafrica.co.za DST’s Premier Science Exhibition, INSITE 2008 to run concurrently with the IASP’s World Conference INSITE 2008, the biennial International, Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition, undertaken by The Department of Science and Technology (DST), takes place from 15 to 17 September 2008 at the Sandton Convention Centre, and will run concurrently with the International Association of Science Parks’ (IASP) XXV World Conference on Science and Technology Parks. Hosted by The Innovation Hub, the IASP World Conference theme - The role of Science and Technology Parks in accelerating knowledge economy growth – contrasts between emerging and more developed economies - is well aligned with INSITE 2008, wherethe role of Science, Technology and Innovation as key drivers of economic growth and development, will be highlighted. Comments Dr Phil Mjwara, DST Director General: “By staging INSITE 2008 alongside such a prominent global conference, we believe we will go some way to bridging the gap between developing and emerging economies, through the sharing of best practices. And, it is only through a competitive economic strategy that we can ensure the relevance of South Africa in the African and international community.” Three of the DST’s interrelated thematic focal areas, namely: 1) youth and the imperative to address the critical skills shortages in science, mathematics and engineering; 2) strategic economic interventions; and, 3) sustainable development, will come under the spotlight at INSITE 2008. The rapidly developing role of Science Parks as a critical ingredient of cities and city regions' competitiveness in the knowledge economy, dovetails with the DST’s view that ‘South Africa can market itself globally and seek science and technology guidelines to its economic challenges’ through these events. According to Dr Neville Comins, CEO of The Innovation Hub – Africa’s first fully accredited Science Park, this role has even more potential for impact within developing economies. “Building a culture of technology and entrepreneurship appears to be one of the challenges facing many developing economies. Science Parks can make a meaningful contribution to addressing this. They stimulate and manage the flow of knowledge and technology amongst universities, Research and Development institutions, companies and markets”. “The World Conference will provide the ideal platform for learning and sharing knowledge within Africa, and with its global IASP co-members, while the establishment of the IASP Africa Division – which will take place during Conference - will also contribute greatly to this agenda”, adds Dr Comins. For more information, please contact I Brand Strategic Marketing – Tseli Mohapi Busuma on 082 878 5669 or tseli@ibstrat.co.za, or Jo Melville, Project Director at Exhibitions for Africa on 011 886 3734 or e-mail jom@exhibitafrica.co.za INSITE 2008 to address critical skills shortages in South Africa The average, annual output of engineers from the higher education sector needs to increase by 1 000 to a total of 2 400 a year, if South Africa is to meet the country’s short term demand. By the same token, skill shortages this year in the ICT sector are said to be over 300 000, while the Information Systems, Electronics and Telecommunication Technologies (ISETT) Seta’s training capacity is only 7 000 per year. The situation is much the same for engineering as each year, South Africa produces only 1 400 engineers with B.Eng. and B.Sc. Eng. degrees. Compounding this is the fact that only about half of these graduates go on to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as practising professionals. Skills development is imperative to ensure more youth move from poverty, and other social ills, into the formal economy. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is addressing the skills shortage through an overarching strategy that includes emphasising the importance of mathematics and science to the youth. In this regard, one of its key programmes is its participation in and support of INSITE 2008, the International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition, which will take place from 15 to 17 September 2008, at the Sandton Convention Centre. Says Nhlanhla Nyide, Chief Director: Science Communication, Department of Science and Technology (DST): “We will specifically be targeting the youth, to encourage them to follow careers in science and technology, as we want to encourage learners to choose mathematics and science as a part of their school curriculum by showcasing the exciting career choices available in the science and technology arena. “The DST will display the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI), doctorate programmes and some of its work on attracting the youth into courses and careers in science and technology, for example, the graduate and internship opportunities relating to the country’s growing science infrastructure development programmes, including satellite engineering, astronomy and radio astronomy. “The DST will also showcase ongoing efforts to market South Africa abroad, as a preferred international S&T investment destination, through large-scale innovation projects including the Karoo Array Telescope (KAT), the Square Kilometer Array (SKA), and the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) as well as international networks such as the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB). Concludes Nyide: “Participating at INSITE 2008 also provides us with the opportunity to educate and engage the general public about the work of the department, in terms of science and technology.” For further information, please contact Jo Melville, managing director of Exhibitions for Africa on 011 886 3734 or e-mail jom@exhibitafrica.co.za or Kristin Klose, Director: Communication, Department of Science and Technology on 012 843 6785 or e-mail kristin.klose@dst.gov.za Open Source for Business celebrating World Software Freedom Day at INSITE 2008 Johannesburg, 04 June 2008 Launched in 2004, SFD aims to educate the public globally about the benefits of using high quality FOSS in education, government, business and at home. The Department of Science and Technology has adopted the Open Source IT environment and is driving OSfB in 2008. Said Dr Phil Mjwara, Director General of DST, at the SFD celebration in 2006: “We promote FOSS not only because we want to use high quality software and the latest technology but because FOSS is an excellent platform for scientific computing, it gives scientists access to the tools they require to perform their work no matter what area they decide to specialise in. Therefore you will find FOSS in our bio-chemistry projects our astronomy projects, and our HLT and access programmes.” Indeed, all departments in the South African Government are embracing Open Source and are in the process of migrating current software to FOSS, and only using new software that is based on open standards. “A DST initiative, INSITE 2008 is the perfect platform to host OSfB, as the objectives of both events are perfectly aligned,” says Karl Fischer, Open Source Project Manager at the DST. The overarching theme for the exhibition will be the role of Science, Technology and Innovation as key drivers of economic growth and development. For more information, please contact Kristin Klose, director: Communication, Department of Science and Technology on 012 843 6785 or e-mail kristin.klose@dst.gov.za or Jo Melville, Managing Director of Exhibitions for Africa on 011 835 1565 or e-mail jom@exhibitafrica.co.za Opinion Piece: Mail and Guardian Higher Learning Nurturing South African knowledge: A critical role for Higher Education Institutions Modern-day factors that are critical for improving a country’s competitiveness have evolved from a focus on resource endowments to a focus on the growing importance of knowledge in enhancing development and economic growth. From a science and technology policy perspective, this will be achieved through a transformation to a knowledge-economy, which is understood as one in which knowledge is the basic form of capital and wherein economic growth is driven by innovation. South Africa’s ability to create, and to subsequently derive enduring benefits from, the knowledge-economy is dependent on the extent to which we are able to effectively translate our publicly funded research and development (R&D) into innovative products and services that can be commercialised for the benefit of all South Africans. Higher education institutions, as the public custodians of the country’s knowledge generation capacity, play a crucial role in nurturing greater levels of knowledge. However, according to McLean Sibanda, Senior Patent attorney at the Innovation Fund; “at present, there are a number of South African universities that have not yet developed sufficient capacity to effectively identify, protect and commercialise the knowledge that results from the publicly funded research conducted by their researchers.” Sibanda, who has been seconded to the Department to support the development of the IPR Bill, says that the Bill gives “guidance to institutions on how to best manage IP, as well as provides for the much needed support and infrastructure to ensure that publicly financed IP gets out into the market place and is utilized.” Key to this, the Bill is aimed at facilitating the creation of new knowledge that is derived from public funding and to secure this knowledge in the form of IP rights, including, but not limited to patents, for IP that could have human wellbeing, economic and social benefits. The bill proposes that universities and science councils retain IP rights for publicly-funded discoveries made by their researchers. Preference in respect of the commercialisation of this IP should be given to local firms, and to small and black-empowered businesses, although the institutions generating the IP will have the right to structure the best deal. To achieve these objectives, the Bill provides for the creation of Offices of Technology Transfer (OTT) at public R&D institutions, in order to support these institutions in the management of revenues generated from the commercialisation of its IP. This will include providing critical support in terms of the oversight of effective IP registration as well as the negotiation of benefit sharing agreements, amongst other things. The establishment of OTTs will be supported and financed through the establishment of the National Intellectual Property Management Office – or NIPMO – under the Department of Science and Technology. The NIPMO will be responsible for administering an Intellectual Property Fund, which will provide financial support to institutions for statutory protection and maintenance of IP rights. According to Dhesigen Naidoo, Director of Research at the University of Pretoria “the vision of the IPR bill is very useful for universities. It re-focuses the attention of the private sector on universities as a primary repository of knowledge upon which we can build SA's innovation platform and knowledge economy.” “We are counting on the bill to create a badly needed momentum to stream younger people into the sciences (natural, engineering and social) as the new innovation platform introduces the possibilities of a much wider spectrum of rewarding career opportunities for the country's youth”, says Naidoo. The IPR Bill has been drafted as a result of an identified need for the creation of an enabling legislative framework for the effective management of IP emanating from publicly financed research, as originally envisaged in the 2002 Research and Development Strategy. This will also ensure that government derives maximum benefit from its investment in research at universities and science councils. The Department of Science and Technology, together with the Innovation Fund has run consultative stakeholder workshops across the country to elicit the views of researchers, industry, universities and science councils. During March 2008, an international panel of IP experts submitted its final comments on the Bill. A special stakeholder was then also held which led to the amendment of the IPR Bill in a manner that took into account the public comments received to date. At present, the Bill is with the Offices of the State Law Advisor for certification, where after it is envisaged that it will be referred to Parliament for the consideration of the Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology. Because of the skills shortages in the various science and technology sectors, including engineering and ICT, there is a high demand for students to enter these fields. As such, students at higher learning institutes are encouraged to visit INSITE 2008, which takes place from 15 to 17 September at the Sandton Convention Centre to view the various careers available to them. For more information, contact: Kristin Klose, of the Department of Science and Technology, email: Kristin.klose@dst.gov.za Caption news release
Keynote address by Director General of the Department of Science and Technology for Official Briefing of INSITE 2008 Johannesburg, 14 February 2008: Seen here is the Director General of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Dr Phil Mjwara, giving his keynote address at the official briefing session of INSITE 2008, the International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition. In his speech, Dr Mjwara addressed the need for the DST to actively showcase and ‘advertise’ its mission through both local and international businesses that are involved in research and development, as well as through its local innovators and inventors - our young scientists and researchers. Said Dr Mjwara: “One such platform for showcasing the country’s rich Science and Technology (S&T) potential is INSITE. “Several years ago it was decided that an effective way to draw the attention of the national and global business community, as well as the general public to the country’s S&T and innovative endeavours, was to hold an international exhibition. The stage was thereby set for Africa’s first science exhibition – INSITE 2004”. This year will be the third instalment of the International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition – INSITE 2008 – which takes place from 15 to 17 September 2008, at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Johannesburg. Driven by the DST, INSITE showcases progressive solutions for many of the world’s problems today through demonstrating the practical application of world leading innovation, science and technology and creating a vision of what the future holds. The overarching theme for this year’s exhibition will be the role of Science, Technology and Innovation as key drivers of economic growth and sustainable development. “Commenting on the exhibition, our Minister of Science and Technology, Mosibudi Mangena, expressed his department’s confidence that INSITE 2008 will be more than just a technology showcase. It will result in further fruitful science and technology partnerships for the region,” Dr Mjwara advised. Running in parallel with INSITE 2008 will be the International Association of Science Parks, (IASP), 25th World Conference. The theme of the conference is: “The role of science parks in accelerating knowledge economy growth – contrast between developed and emerging countries.” INSITE visitors and exhibitors will therefore have the opportunity to view and compare regional and international S&T expertise and to link up with the vast number of international IASP members that will attend its conference. It is expected that staging INSITE alongside such a prominent international conference will further bridge the gap between developed and emerging economies through the sharing of best practices. Also taking place alongside ISITE 2008 will be The Bio2Biz Conference – organized by BioPAD, and focusing on the very specialized bio-sciences and bio-technology. “It’s become a tradition that at INSITE, the “Professor Phillip Tobias Lecture” will take place. The Lecture honours Professor Tobias’ contribution to the sciences of palaeo-anthopology and genetics through anatomical studies. The Lecture will be delivered by winner of the Phillip Tobias Award. The winner is selected from a pool of world renowned scientists,” concluded Dr Mjwara. Technology trends for the youth Technology trends for the youth Johannesburg: 18 June 2008: Today, Lego can be programmed. You can build real robots controlled by you from your mobile phone’s Bluetooth technology. Or what about a visor that lets you play your favourite PC game in full 3D? The visor displays sequential 3D stereovision and you can track your head movements with built-in sensors so that you can enjoy a 360-degree view. Whether it’s YouTube, surfing the net, or communicating via MixIT or on Facebook, the Y Generation today are computer-savvy. You play Sony PlayStation, X-Box 360 and Wii equally well, and you are an expert on the instrument software, Guitar Hero. What you don’t realise is that with this new digital media and technology you are teaching yourself valuable skills for the future when you start your career. You are learning to work, play, communicate, shop and create communities very differently to your parents. But despite this, it is worth having a look at what the future can offer. So whether you are interested in a career in IT, engineering or biotechnology, a great place to view some of the latest technology and how to use it, is INSITE 2008, the International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition which takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 15 – 17 September 2008. Kickstart your career in science and technology, by visiting INSITE 2008! For further information, please contact Jo Melville, Project Director at Exhibitions for Africa on e-mail jom@specialised.com or Kristin Klose, director: Communication, Department of Science and Technology on 012 843 6785 or e-mail kristin.klose@dst.gov.za Johannesburg, 11 August 2008: Madrid will be hosting a pavilion at INSITE 2008, the International Science Innovation and Technology Exibition, with exhibitors including PromoMadrid Desarrollo Internacional de Madrid SA, Madrid Chamber of Commerce and Madrid Region Parks and Clusters Network showcasing With a growth rate of 4.1% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the period of 2000 – 2006, the Region of Madrid is a world leader in terms of economic and employment growth. Madrid represents 77% of foreign investment in Spain and 26% of Spanish foreign investments. The Regional body aimed at managing regional economic development policies is the Development Institute of Madrid (IMADE), whose goal it is to reach 4% of regional investment in Research and Development activities over the regional GDP in 2020. In order to achieve this, IMADE launched the Technology Parks & Clusters Network, which will be showcased at INSITE 2008. This network aims to gather all actions, projects, companies and institutions dedicated to innovation in the region. Currently there are six Science and Technology Parks involved in the network, namely, Knowledge City, Tecnoalcalá, Tecnoboadilla, Tecnomóstoles, Tecnogetafe, and Tecnoleganés. These organisations facilitate and accelerate technology transference in the region and promote the creation of new technology-based companies, as well as to internationalise companies related with the environment. To find out more about these companies, visit INSITE 2008, the International Innovation and Technology Exhibition at the Sandton Convention Centre from 15 – 17 September 2008 or www.insitex.co.za For more information, please contact Kristin Klose, director: Communication, Department of Science and Technology on e-mail kristin.klose@dst.gov.za or Jo Melville, Managing Director of Exhibitions for Africa on e-mail jom@exhibitafrica.co.za Johannesburg, 11 August 2008: City & Guilds, a Vocational Educational Awarding Body and global leader in skills development, will be profiling their internationally recognised Vocational Qualifications at INSITE 2008, the International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition, which takes place from 15 – 17 September 2008 at the Sandton Convention Centre. These Vocational qualifications in Engineering; Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical, as well as Construction, are offered by the institution at Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma level. Says Lindsay Samuel, Business Development Manager at City & Guilds: “These qualifications are designed in association with industry requirements; ensuring students are successful when entering the workforce. They can therefore be seen as a long term answer to the current skills shortages that have been identified in South Africa.” According to the Joint Initiative on Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA) report (March – December 2006), the average, annual output of engineers from the higher education sector needs to increase by 1 000 to a total of 2 400 a year, if South Africa is to meet the country’s short term demand, therefore relevant programmes that are focussed on the skills required by industry is imperative. For further information on these qualifications, visit City & Guilds at Hall 1 Stand H4. Biofuels: The Debate Continues Johannesburg, 11 August 2008: Henry Ford's first car ran on alcohol, a form of biofuel. That was a century ago, and, with the discovery of fossil fuels, the use of biofuels diminished significantly. Today, however, as the world faces unstable oil prices and an increasingly urgent energy crisis, in tandem with environmental concerns such as global warming and climate changes, biofuels are making a comeback. However, like an aging starlet, this comeback is not without controversy. Both the World Bank and the UN have expressed concern about the impact of biofuels on world food prices, while Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister of Britain, put the issue on the agenda at the G8 summit of 2007, and voiced concerns over deforestation and loss of habitats caused by biofuels production. His concerns seem to be well-founded as a study conducted by the University of Minnesota in the US this year revealed: “...converting rainforests, peat lands, savannas, or grasslands to produce food-based biofuels in Brazil, southeast Asia, and the US creates a ‘biofuel carbon debt’ by releasing 17 to 420 times more CO2 than the annual greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions these biofuels provide by displacing fossil fuels.” While the international debate continues to unfold, food prices continue to rise, as does biofuels production. For example, in the US the number of ethanol factories has almost tripled from 50 in the year 2000 to about 140 in the year 2008. A further 60 or so are under construction, and many more are planned. Today, the most common first generation biofuel is ethanol, which can, for example, be used in petrol engines as a replacement for gasoline. However, to replace the current US petroleum use, one would require about 75% of all cultivated land on the planet. For a developing country such as South Africa, resurgence to biofuels has a potential role to play in many facets other than being an alternative source of energy. These facets include poverty alleviation through job creation, economic upliftment and empowerment of rural communities, and transformation between the first and second economies. In addition, South Africa’s draft biofuels industrial strategy further paves way for the biofuels not to have a negative effect on food security, as it advocates against the use of essential food crops and productive food-land for use in the production of biofuels. What could be biofuels saving grace is the development of second generation and third generation biofuels, which use non-food products. Second generation biofuels comprise the stalks of wheat, waste biomass and biomass crops, while algae fuel is a third generation biofuels. In essence second generation biofuels could be more sustainable and less energy-sapping than first generation biofuels. Lignocellulose degradation is also favoured as a new way towards generation of biofuels. Dr. Sandile Ncanana, of PlantBio Trust is also of the view that: “The use of lignocellullose as a feedstock for bioethanol, for instance, is gaining momentum in many countries - cellulosic ethanol factories in particular are being developed. However, this technology relies heavily on the willingness of various stakeholders to invest significantly in research and development especially in the fields of bioprospecting and protein engineering. These are research fields with potential to yield novel microbes or enzymes that could convert cellulose to fermentable sugars or direct to ethanol”. PlantBio Trust, as an innovation centre for plant biotechnology, has taken the lead in identifying, sourcing and subsequently funding biofuels projects. Sweet stem sorghum has been particularly identified by PlantBio as one of the crops that needs to be characterised to ascertain its suitability as a feedstock for biofuels production in South Africa. The selection of crops for biofuels at PlantBio is largely based on 2 main factors, namely, high sugar content, and ability of a crop to grow in marginal land with low input (energy) requirement, all these being in line with our national biofuels strategy which excludes the use of essential food crops. Benefits and pitfalls of biofuels will be highlighted at Bio2Biz SA 2008 conference, which takes place alongside INSITE 2008, the International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition, at the Sandton Convention Centre from 15 – 17 September 2008. “Bio2Biz aims to expose business and industry to international biotechnology trends and developments, while ensuring the country is in line with the international world in terms of the developments in biotechnology. Ultimately it affords both industry and business with the opportunity to work together and utilise this technology to the country’s best advantage,” explains CEO of BioPAD, Dr Joe Molete. For further information, please contact Jo Melville, INSITE 2008 Project Director on e-mail jom@specialised.com, Kgomotso Duma, Organiser for Bio2Biz SA 2008 on email kgomotso@biopad.org.za or Kristin Klose, director: Communication, Department of Science and Technology on 012 843 6785 or e-mail kristin.klose@dst.gov.za 2008 Philip Tobias Lecture Award Minister Mosibudi Mangena honours Professor Malegapuru Makgoba with 2008 Philip Tobias Lecture Award Johannesburg, 11 August 2008: Professor Malegapuru William
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of 
 |
The project is aligned to the objectives contained in the Collaboration Agreement, which was signed by the Department of Education (DoE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), in an effort to consolidate, deepen and widen the National Strategy for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education.
In partnership with the DoE, Northern Cape, and the private sector, the project provides an innovative teaching and learning environment. A few of the Grade 10 Learners in the 2008 programmes will be at the exhibition, celebrating the rhythm of mathematics, playing the djembes, as part of their opening ceremony. These Grade 10 learners will also be at the stand, providing information on the project through powerpoint presentations they have designed.
The plan for the M² Coffee Shop venue – a possible model for South Africa, as well as the programmes the project offers, will also be showcased.
Says Anne Maclean, Project Manager, of the M² Coffee Shop: “This project is the first of its kind, and we feel INSITE 2008 will be the perfect platform to show evidence of the impact the project is already having on our youth in addressing the challenges facing mathematics and the critical skills shortage.
For further information on the M² Coffee Shop, visit their stand at INSITE from 15 – 17 September at the Sandton Convention Centre, Hall 1.
For further information on INSITE, visit www.insitex.co.za or contact Jo Melville, Project Director at Exhibitions for Africa on e-mail jom@exhibitafrica.com or Kristin Klose, director: Communication, Department of Science and Technology on e-mail kristin.klose@dst.gov.za.
Johannesburg, 08 August 2008: The Department of Science and Technology (DST), The Department of Sport & Recreation and Pambili Productions have partnered with the objective of demystifying Science and Technology for the youth through the medium of sport and recreation.
The Science and Technology in Sport Conference to be held on 16 September, alongside INSITE 2008, the International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition, will highlight the role Science and Technology plays in Sport, focusing on the youth and the 2010 World Cup.
Comments by Dr Phil Mjwara, Director General of the Department of Science and Technology: “We have identified the need for Science and Technology to be clarified for the youth and recognise Sport & Recreation as a platform for this to be achieved. The objectives of the Science and Technology in Sports Conference align perfectly with INSITE 2008, where the youth will be targeted in order to address the critical skills shortage in the science and technology sectors.”
Ms Xoliswa Sibeko, Director General of Sport & Recreation: “There’s no doubt that first class sport scientific support makes the difference between winning on the playing field and ending up with no medals. South Africa is blessed with a tertiary education, and inter alia a sport science infrastructure that is on par with the best in the world. However, we still see a gap between science and sport. Opportunities presented by the Science and Technology in Sports Conference, are therefore welcomed. As a Department responsible for sport and recreation, we see our involvement as a necessary contribution to the development of sport in our country and hope that our sport people will take advantage of this opportunity. Our core interest in this endeavour is that science in sport must be inextricably linked to the national development programme of massifying sport participation among the previously disadvantaged communities. It should be one of the programmes linked to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ legacy initiatives we will showcase to the world in 2010.
Conceptualised and hosted by Pambili Productions, the Science and Technology in Sport Conference also aims to grow the culture of research in science and technology for sports in Africa, and export the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in sports to foreign markets.A draw card to the Science and Technology in Sports Conference and INSITE 2008 will be the address by Professor Tim Noakes and Jake White on ‘Why Springboks won the Rugby World Cup 2007’ and ‘Lessons for Bafana Bafana toward 2010’. Professor Tim Noaks will also be signing his book, co-written with Bob Woolmer, "Discovering Cricket: The Art and Science of the Game".
Topics of discussion will include, amongst others, the Strategy on Uniting African Broadcasters for 2010 and Africa’s Development at large; 2010: Migration of Technology - Telecommunications and Broadcast; 2010: Municipalities and Sports Technical Team; Gender Lens and introducing IKS into sports; as well as Creating indigenous models of producing winning sportsmen in SA.
Further value will be seen at INSITE 2008 by contributions from Dr Mike Bruton and Dr Tony Kirkbride; Head: CSIR Technology Centre, who will host demonstrations on the Science of Cricket, Football and Golf, while Dr Kirkbride will host a demonstration on the CSIR’s Science & Technology Sports Research.
The SABC, who is a media partner for the conference, will be broadcasting live from the Sandton Convention Centre through Radio 2000. A panel discussion will also take place at the exhibition, and be broadcast on SABC Sport.
Says Sizwe Nzimande, Head of Sports at the SABC: “We are currently embarking on a campaign regarding the SABC’s readiness for broadcasting the 2010 Soccer World Cup games. As part of this, we are adopting innovative technologies such as our Outside Broadcast High Definition Vans. As we are the official broadcaster for 2010, we are tasked to bring the highest quality of broadcasting to the nation through these technologies. The objectives of INSITE 2008 and the Science and Technology in Sports Conference fall squarely within our goal to bring the best technologies to 2010, and we are pleased to be the media partner for this important event.”
INSITE 2008, the biennial International, Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition, undertaken by The Department of Science and Technology (DST), takes place from 15 to 17 September 2008 at the Sandton Convention Centre.
For more information on the Sports & Technology Conference, please contact Pambili Productions – Mandla Dube on (012) 542 7172 & 073 714 4259 or dubemandla@gmail.com.For more information on INSITE 2008, please contact Kristin Klose, Director: Communication, Department of Science and Technology on e-mail kristin.klose@dst.gov.za or Jo Melville, Managing Director of Exhibitions for Africa on e-mail jom@exhibitafrica.co.za
Research in Germany Highlighted at INSITE 2008
Johannesburg, 28 August 2008: INSITE 2008, the International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition has attracted participation from around the globe, including Germany.
Research in Germany will be represented by a number of German higher education and research institutions. Facilitated by the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the German Area will include presentations by the University of Applied Sciences Braunschweig/Wolfenbüttel (UAS BS/WF), University of Duisburg Essen, the Institute of Energy Economics and the Rational Use of Energy (IER University of Stuttgart), GFZ Potsdam, the University of Witten-Herdecke’s Institute of Environmental Engineering and Management (IEEM), the Rheinisch-Westfälische University of Aachen, the Fraunhofer Institute, the German Development Institute Bonn, the joint projects BIOTA and Inkaba yeAfrica, and Baden-Württemberg International.
The Faculty of Automotive Engineering of the UAS Braunschweig/Wolfenbuettel will be showcasing the International Chair in Automotive Engineering, which was established in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), Volkswagen SA and DAAD. The faculty will also be promoting the engineering degrees available at NMMU and UAS BS/WF, the student exchange and international student projects, as well as the co-operation in applied research projects.
A member of the Helmholtz Association, GFZ Potsdam is the national centre for geosciences in Germany, combining all solid earth science fields including geodesy, geology, geophysics, mineralogy and geochemistry. At this year’s exhibition, GFZ Potsdam will showcase the bilateral German-South African research cooperation, Inkaba yeAfrica, an earth science initiative that dovetails next-generation science and technology with a strong training and capacity-building component. Three teams of earth scientists in both countries are taking on the challenges of climate change, sustainable resources, clean water and energy. With South Africa’s geologic superlatives, mineral wealth, position in the ‘climate engine’ and growing human pressure on land use and energy, the Inkaba yeAfrica is an ideal natural laboratory and testing ground for innovative science. The programme has a priority in supporting education in science and early career development for South African students and postgraduates. BIOTA Africa, another common long-term project of African and German researchers (University of Hamburg et al.) supported by the German BMBF, also aims at the establishment of research supporting sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity in Africa.
Together with the University of Johannesburg, the University of Stuttgart’s Institute of Energy Economics and the Rational Use of Energy (IER) is head of the ENERKEY-consortium, a project that promotes the sustainable transformation of the urban region of greater Johannesburg by initiating adapted and integrated energy projects as a key factor for sustainability. Under the headline ‘Energy as a Key Element of an Integrated Climate Protection Concept for the City Region of Gauteng’ strategies and recommendations for the sustainable transformation of greater Johannesburg will be developed. The project idea, together with the preliminary results will be presented. Information about renewable and innovative energy alternatives will also be provided to visitors at INSITE 2008. This includes the Integrated Energy System Model, which reveals data from all components of the energy system and possible technologies and allows an integrated analysis for development. IER will also promote the supply of technologies that impact on climate protection, especially renewable energy, fuel cells and biofuels.
The University of Duisburg Essen will present Water Related Study Courses at INSITE 2008 including two International Masters Courses: Water Science and Transnational ecosystem-based Water Management, and Interdisciplinary Course in Microbiology, Chemistry and Analysis. The Instrumental Analytical Chemistry department of the University will also showcase Research and Education in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry with a Focus on Water, Modern Instrumentation, i.e. Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectronomy GC/MS, High Power Liquid Chromatography HPLC, Ion Mobility Spectometry (IMS), Gas Chromatography/Isotope Mass Ratio Spectrometry GC/IRMS and Scanning Electrochemical Microscope SECM.
The IEEM will showcase an Integrated Water Resources Management Project, which not only determines quality and quantity of water resources, but considers the economic criteria too. In co-operation with the German Centre for Development Research (ZEF) and Biwater IBO GmbH, the IEEM conducts the research project in the Middle Olifants region. This project is supported by South African institutions including the University of Limpopo, the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and Botjheng Water (Pty) ltd. At INSITE 2008, the team will present the latest results: How to supply water effectively? How to manage resources in a sustainable way?
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (FhG) of applied research will contribute to INSITE with a number of their associated institutes. The Institute for Information and Data Processing (IITB) will present “Vision Systems for Accurate Sorting of Bulkgoods”. Top research in the fields of microelectronics and microintegration at FhG institutes will be presented by the coordinating Fraunhofer Microelectronics Alliance VmE. FIRST, the Fraunhofer Institute of Computer (“Rechner”) Architecture and Software Technology, will showcase the project “Intrusion Detection and Contraint Based Planning Technologies”. Laser Welding Techniques in Chemical Apparatus Engineering are to be presented by the FhG Institute of Laser Techology (ILT), and newest equipments for the project “Mobile Citizen Services” by the FhG Heinrich Hertz Institute for Telecommunication (HHI).
To find out more about these research units and companies, visit INSITE 2008, the International Innovation and Technology Exhibition at the Sandton Convention Centre from 15 – 17 September 2008 or www.insitex.co.za
For more information, please contact Kristin Klose, director: Communication, Department of Science and Technology on e-mail kristin.klose@dst.gov.za or Jo Melville, Managing Director of Exhibitions for Africa on e-mail jom@exhibitafrica.co.za
EndsRoboCup Robots in action at INSITE 2008
Johannesburg, 28 August 2008: Humanoid robots will form the focus of the Rheinisch-Wesfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen stand at the German Pavilion at INSITE 2008, the International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition. In partnership with the University of Cape Town and Graz University of Technology, RWTH designs intelligent control for autonomous humanoid robots.
 |
As one of 16 out of 24 teams the newly founded Zadeat BafanaBots were granted to participate in the RoboCup Standard League competition at the 2008 RoboCup robotic soccer world championships. At the championships, these biped humanoid robots compete against each other fully autonomously – no remote control needed!
To see these robots in action, visit the RWTH stand at the Research in Germany Stand at INSITE from 15 – 17 September at the Sandton Convention Centre, Hall 1 Stand (Insert number).
For further information, visit www.insitex.co.za or contact Jo Melville, Project Director at Exhibitions for Africa on e-mail jom@exhibitafrica.com or Kristin Klose, director: Communication, Department of Science and Technology on e-mail kristin.klose@dst.gov.za.
Ends| INSITE is supported by the following publications | ||
 |
 Technews www.technews.co.za |
 |
| Computer Business Review www.cbr.co.za |
Dataweek www.dataweek.co.za |
|
 |
 |
|
| SA Instrumentation & Control www.instrumentation.co.za |
Motion Control www.motioncontrol.co.za |
|
 |
 |
|
| Network Times www.networktimes.co.za |
Hi-Tech Security www.securitysa.com |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
