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42% of getS.E.T.go! readers think that the development of a 3D touch screen is a great idea and an exciting development for science. |
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17% are indifferent. |
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40% think it’s a waste of money and a gimmick. |
It is estimated that South Africa’s new Science & Technology Train, which is currently under development, will reach 14 000 learners each year.
Transnet Rail Engineering at Koedoespoort will complete the train’s renovations.
He is the star in our eyes
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Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, with Kevin Govender (centre) and SAASTA’s Lorenzo Raynard, at the 2011 NSTF-BHP Billiton awards. |
Kudos to Kevin Govender, who won this year’s Science Communication award at the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)-BHP Billiton awards function.
Govender is the newly appointed Director of the International Astronomical Union Global Office of Astronomy for Development, a staunch believer that astronomy can be a tool for development, and the deserving winner of this year’s accolade.
He has led several astronomy education and communication activities to support his beliefs, including managing the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) campaign as well as the SALT Collateral Benefits Programme, which seeks to derive developmental benefit for underprivileged communities surrounding the observatory in Sutherland.
The NSTF celebrated its 13th awards ceremony this year, for the first time with BHP Billiton as partner. This prestigious event recognises, acknowledges and promotes the wealth of excellence in the South African research and development community across all sectors, levels, genders and race groups.
SAASTA sponsors the category Communication for Public Awareness of the competition. This award is made annually to South African journalists, researchers, writers, educators, academics, specialist science communicators or science centre staff who excel in creating awareness of science, engineering, technology and innovation issues among the public.
“In a country where science, engineering and technology have the potential to leapfrog the many challenges we face, people need to know how it can improve their lives and the positive effect it has on the country’s economy,” says Beverley Damonse, Executive Director of SAASTA.
“The NSTF award is the pinnacle of achievement of excellence in science communication. SAASTA is proud to sponsor this important category that recognises work with wide-ranging impact on public engagement with science.”
The other 2011 finalists in the category Communication for Public Awareness were:
1. Professor Bruce Cairncross
(Head of Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg)
Cairncross is a renowned expert on southern Africa’s minerals and gemstones and has published and entertained audiences widely on this subject. He is also an internationally recognised mineral and gemstone photographer.
2. Dr Bridget Farham
(Editor: Quest - Science for South Africa)
“Quest - Science for South Africa” is a popular quarterly science magazine that is freely distributed to South African high school science departments, education departments at tertiary institutions, science centres and the public. Farham ensures the inclusion of current and interesting articles that aim to stimulate an interest in science and provide additional teaching and learning material to enrich the school curriculum. The target market includes learners from Grades 10 to 12 and their teachers. Farham is also responsible for www.questinteractive.co.za, which is updated weekly with pertinent local and international science news and gives learners an opportunity to ask questions and comment on articles.
3. Derek Fish
(Director: Unizul Science Centre, KwaZulu-Natal)
Derek Fish has devoted himself to science communication for 18 years. He has been active in a broad range of fields, including science shows, talks, exhibits, games, print and graphic media and drama, and has received many awards. Most of this communication excellence has been in the form of outreach to more than 200 000 pupils in severely disadvantaged rural schools.