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DID YOU KNOW

	41% of getS.E.T.go! readers think that the most important benefit of hosting the Square Kilometre Array telescope, would be the boost it gives our international reputation as experts in this field.

	37% opted for “attracting more young people into science and engineering”; and 22% for “foreign investment for local technology projects”.

IT'S A FACT
Scientists at Stellenbosch University have developed a high-tech "tea bag" filter that fits into the neck of a bottle and turns polluted water into clean water as you drink from it.

Click here to read more.

It was a 15-month trip to Antarctica that inspired this media specialist to head back to South African shores and start his science communication business. getS.E.T.go! found what Robert Inglis has been up to since then.

Q: Tell us about your job at Jive Media
I do something new every day – which is just the kind of job I always wanted. I am one of the directors of our media and communications business, Jive Media. We work closely with scientists (and other organisations) who we assist with their communication strategies and campaigns. We’re always looking for new and interesting ways of getting the messages across.
I look after the business side of things while my co-director looks after the creative side - directing our outputs to meet their communication objectives - whether they are print products, films or media campaigns.

Q: What did you do before starting Jive Media?
Jive Media officially opened its doors in 2006, but my partner and I had been doing similar work for a few years before that. After completing my university degree, I worked as a projects engineer. Then I got the opportunity to accompany the South African National Antarctic Expedition for a 15-month overwintering visit to Antarctica. It was there that I decided that I wanted to come back to South Africa and contribute to the development of science. Linking up with Hilary’s skills brought a strong communication angle to this idea, and a future in science communication was born.

Q: Where did you grow up?
Right here in the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal Midlands – where we now work. I went to a public school called Maritzburg College and spent weekends hiking in the Drakensberg.
After school I completed a course in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Cape Town. I felt that a science (and particularly engineering) degree would open opportunities even though I wasn’t completely sure of what career I wanted to follow at the time. It seems I was right and I’ve never regretted my choice.

Q: What are your future plans?
Jive Media is a very exciting place to be right now. We’re exploring some fascinating ideas around science communication and ways to contribute towards better “science literacy” in the South African public. We love breaking new ground and finding innovative and creative solutions to communication tasks. It’s challenging, but always rewarding. Watch this space!

Q: What do you do in your spare time?
Running a business doesn’t leave one with much – but I love to travel and see new places. I love experiencing the great music that comes out of South Africa and out of my multi-talented family!

I also love the mixing pot of South African cuisine, especially the spices and flavours that have come to us from around the world. If I had to settle on one favourite food it might have to be the butter chicken from Willowton Palace here in Pmb. But I’m also crazy about Mediterranean food!

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