As part of the SAMRC’s contribution to research and knowledge translation, the organisation engaged with close to 1000 learners from Thohoyandou and the surrounds when the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) launched the 2023 instalment of National Science Week (NSW) at the University of Venda on Saturday, 22 July 2023.
The SAMRC was among the exhibitors and it was represented by Tendani Tsedu, Head of Corporate and Marketing Communications, and Ebrahim Samodien, Science Writer and Editor from the Corporate and Marketing Communications Division.
On offer at the SAMRC stand was information about the various research done at the organisation as well as opportunities that exist in the form of grants and scholarships. The team also offered guidance to school and university learners who are interested in pursuing a career in science.
The launch of the NSW is an annual initiative of DSI and was officially opened by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Dr Blade Nzimande.
In his address, Dr Nzimande said “I am honoured to be joining you today as we launch the National Science Week 2023 under the theme ‘Building a culture of evidence-based practice’. South Africa and the entire world have challenges which need us to expeditiously advance science, technology and innovation. As we may be aware, environmental pollution, climate change, poverty, inequality and global public health crisis are posing severe challenges to humanity today. South Africa is currently considered one of the most technologically advanced countries in Africa and was rated the most innovative region in sub-Saharan Africa in the 2022 Global Innovation Index”.
The Minister also affirmed DSI’s commitment to building the science and technology pipeline, and to broadening representation in science and technology, making sure that young people, women and people with disabilities are mainstreamed in science-related careers and education at all levels.
Talking about his experience at the launch, Samodien said: “It was encouraging to see that an interest in science as a career is still much sought after and I think we successfully managed to share information related to research and knowledge translation and showing just how the SAMRC uses science to save lives”.
The SAMRC-UNIVEN Antimicrobial Resistance and Global Health Research Unit Director, Prof Pascal Obong Bessong also addressed the delegations through a presentation titled Mitigating antimicrobial resistance: the role of communities.
This year, National Science Week will run from 31 July to 5 August throughout the country.
Read the Honourable Minster’s full address | HERE
SAMRC interview with Morning Live | HERE