The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has released the National Strategy for Multiwavelength Astronomy, which is intended to allow South Africa to take full advantage of its geographical advantages, and to maximise the return on investment made in astronomy.
Developed in a consultative process involving the astronomy community, the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the DST, the strategy highlights the current status of astronomy in South Africa and its importance to the country's socio-economic landscape.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, says astronomy is a field in which Africa has traditions stretching back thousands of years. The development of astronomy in Africa over the past decade has been phenomenal. South Africa is now in a remarkable era of astronomy, hosting the Southern Africa Large Telescope (SALT) and part of the iconic Square Kilometre Array (SKA), which are among the world's biggest astronomy projects.
The country's advantages include its geographic location, with access to the southern skies, high-level government support, infrastructure investments, dark skies and radio-quiet zones.
"The time is ripe for a National Strategy for Multiwavelength Astronomy to ensure that we can exploit these advantages to the full – delivering world-class research, driving transformation, and adding major value to the knowledge economy of South Africa through human capital development and technological spin-offs," says Minister Naledi Pandor.
The strategy also sets out strategic objectives and a strategic agenda defined by the key priority areas for astronomy, and outlines relevant cross-cutting support programmes needed to give effect to the vision. It also guides the DST and NRF in their work in astronomy and related endeavours.
The NRF has developed an implementation plan for the strategy – also in close consultation with the research community – which outlines the proposed programmatic focus and consequent financial implications for astronomy initiatives in South Africa. The roll-out of the plan will be jointly considered on an ongoing basis between the NRF and the DST, taking into account available financial allocations and the level of support for astronomy in this regard.
While the strategy and plan were being developed, the Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST) was commissioned by the DST to carry out a scientometric study on astronomy research outputs. The study shows that South Africa's research output in astronomy and astrophysics has grown and increased in global ranking, demonstrating excellent scientific returns on the investments made in astronomy.
The Minister thanked the NRF, experts and the astronomy community for their valuable contributions to the development of these instruments.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Tommy Makhode
Tel: 012 843 6793
E-mail: tommy.makhode@dst.gov.za
