High-Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) scientists
13 March 2007
It is a measure of extreme pride that we congratulate, on behalf of the
Department of Science and Technology and the South African Government,
Professor Okkie de Jager and his team for winning the prestigious European
Union's (EU) Descartes Prize for Research for 2006.
Professor De Jager and team have led our ground-breaking High-Energy
Stereoscopic System which put together the Southern African Large Telescope
(SALT) in the Karoo and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), both of which not
only gave our astronomers a better overall view of the cosmos, but also brought
about the development of a new technology now used widely in ozone washing
machines, with less energy use.
At a time when our government has increased considerably spending on our
Research, Development and Innovation, I am certain that it is ground-breaking
forays like this by our own scientists that constantly draw the horizon of a
better quality of life and a solid economy and science that serve the people of
South Africa closer.
We sincerely congratulate these outstanding scientists. Indeed, when they
"effectively stood in the shoes of Galileo Galilei," as Prof De Jager himself
puts it, they were not alone; more than 44 million other people shared in this
proud achievement.
I am certain that this prestigious award will add impetus to the HESS 2 work
that is already underway.
Congratulations once again.
For more information contact:
Nhlanhla Nyide
Cell: 082 871 6767
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
13 March 2007
Source: SAPA
