The German-South African Year of Science 2012 - 2013 opens with a two-day session at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, starting on Monday, 16 April 2012, at 10h00. An astronomy symposium will be held on 16 and 17 April.
The opening is hosted by the South African Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor. She and the German Federal Minister of Education and Research, Annette Schavan, will address the opening session.
Media are invited as follows:
Event: Informal networking session (cheese and wine)
Date: Sunday, 15 April 2012
Time: 17h00 – 19h00
Venue: Terrace Room, Cape Town International Convention Centre
Event: German-South Africa Year of Science 2012-2013 opening
Date: Monday, 16 April 2012
Time: 10h00
Venue: Ballroom West, Cape Town International Convention Centre
Event: Media briefing
Date: Monday, 16 April 2012
Time: 11h30 to 12h30
Venue: First floor, Cape Town International Convention Centre
RSVP by Saturday, 14 April 2012:
Veronica Mohapeloa
Cell 082 882 3818
E-mail: veronica.mohapeloa@dst.gov.za
Zama Mthethwa
Cell: 082 808 5639
E-mail: zama.mthethwa@dst.gov.za
About the Year of Science
The Year of Science between South Africa and Germany stems from the science and technology agreement between the two countries, which was signed in 1996. The agreement aims to strengthen science, technology and innovation cooperation and collaboration in cutting-edge research between the two countries.
Germany is a close partner and funder in the implementation of several regional technology transfer and climate change initiatives.
The two countries will use the Year of Science as a strategic tool to assist in bringing focused attention to South Africa's science and technology initiatives and to illustrate German-South African cooperation in science, technology and innovation so that key audiences are able to appreciate their benefit for both countries.
Objectives of the Year of Science
- To profile the existing variety of cooperations and their excellence with regard to projects and initiatives in the field of science, research and education.
- To initiate new partnerships between German and South African governmental and non-governmental institutions, corporations and universities.
- To enhance and profile institutional cooperation between ministries, intermediaries and funding organisations.
- To arouse young scientists' interest in cooperation between the countries, with a specific focus on South African undergraduate and postgraduate students and study or research opportunities in Germany.
- To increase awareness of South Africa and Germany as key locations for innovation, with strong research-based companies in both countries.
- To strengthen the process of economic and social development by promoting German vocational education and training in South Africa.
Enquiries:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Tel: 012 843 6802
Cell: 082 566 0446
E-mail: lunga.ngqengelele@dst.gov.za
