August is Women’s Month in South Africa, and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) is hosting the Women in Science Awards (WISA) to recognise and reward the achievements of the country’s female scientists and researchers.
The awards are aimed at profiling women scientists and researchers as role models for younger scientists and researchers.
Given the unsatisfactory number of women scientists and researchers, the awards also encourage and reward younger women to remain in these careers.
The awards have been held annually since 2003. This year’s ceremony takes place on Friday, 19 August 2011, from 18:00 to 23:00. Ms Nolitha Fakude, the Executive Director of Sasol Limited, will deliver the keynote address.
Media are invited.
RSVP to Veronica Mohapeloa on veronica.mohapeloa@dst.gov.za not later than Monday, 15 August 2011.
Notes for the editor
1. The theme
The 2011 WISA theme is "Promoting Women’s Access to and Excellence in Research and Innovation Careers", which is in line with the priority theme of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women for 2011, "Access and participation of women and girls in education, training, science and technology, including for the promotion of women's equal access to full employment and decent work".
The finalists and winners for the 2011 WISA will be announced by the Minister of Science and Technology at a gala dinner at the Presidential Guesthouse on 19 August 2011.
2. Categories of 2011 awards
The 2011 awards will be made in three different categories: Distinguished Women Scientists, Distinguished Young Women Scientists, and Fellowships and Scholarships.
2.1 Distinguished Women Awards
Three awards will be made to women scientists and researchers for their outstanding scientific contribution to advancing science and building the knowledge base in their respective disciplines. An award will be made in each of the following fields:
· Life, Natural, and Engineering Sciences.
· Social Sciences and Humanities.
· Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
2.2 Distinguished Young Women Awards
Two awards will be made to women scientists and researchers under the age of 40 for their outstanding contribution to advancing science and building the knowledge base in their respective disciplines. An award will be made in each of the following fields:
- Life, Natural and Engineering Sciences.
- Social Sciences and Humanities.
2.3 Fellowships and Scholarships
Fellowships are aimed at rewarding excellence and potential in research for women postgraduate students. Six fellowships (three at master's and another three at doctoral level) will be made to women who are currently involved in full-time study or research leading to master's or doctoral degrees. These will be funded by the DST. In addition, TATA Africa will award six scholarships (three for master's and three for doctoral degree students).
Enquiries:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Ministerial Spokesperson
Department of Science and Technology
Tel: 012 843 6802
Cell: 082 566 0446
E-mail: lunga.ngqengelele@gmail.com
