Life in optical

This is not a country that is packed with science and technology and dependent on people to run it like is the case in Europe¹. Nor is it a place that doesn’t have anything and is starting from scratch. It is a country with everything: from areas with very little, to cutting-edge high-tech hubs that need people.

South Africa is super active in trying to recruit young people into science and technology careers, and to give them great opportunities in those fields. They are creating the supply of young techy people – and the demand for them.

They take part in large global science and technology projects, and they use those to inspire young people to pursue science and technology careers. It’s the opposite of burning the candle at both ends, it’s building the country from everywhere at the same time. This is a realisation of the ‘holistic approach’ that Sir David King was pushing for so strongly while he was Chief Scientific Adviser to UK Government.

This morning saw the launch of the South African National Science Week at Fort Hare University in the Eastern Cape Province. At 7am in the morning, in a hall full of school pupils playing with fun hands-on science experiments, the national TV channel SABC2 was broadcasting its ‘Morning Live’ breakfast show. I don’t know many countries where the launch of a national science week gets the national TV channel to leave their studio like that.

The presenter interviewed the South African minister of Science and Technology, Ms. Naledi Pandor, also up and active at 7am! (I was watching this from bed…)

I must say that I was very impressed by the interview. It was live, obviously not scripted and the minister’s answers were excellent! She talked about the South African high-tech science endeavours like a professional science communicator, she talked about the importance of science for the country like an inspiring teacher and she never sounded like a politician. She obviously believes in her portfolio and sees the big picture.

As a scientist in this country there are countless opportunities to partake in all those activities. Scientists can contribute at every level through research, teaching, mentoring, public engagement, communication and international connections. When those activities are encouraged by a minister like her, you really feel supported by your authorities.

Notes:

1. To quote from the European Commission’s ‘Why Science in Society’ page:

Moreover, Europe needs more scientists and more people skilled in science and technology in order to compete in the global arena. It is, however, becoming increasingly difficult to attract young people to science careers.

2. Some global science and technology endeavours in which South Africa plays a crucial role:
Astronomy: among many projects, MeerKAT and SKA, for which they are bringing in another 7 African countries, and the IAU’s Global Office for Astronomy Development
Antarctic and Climate Research
HIV/AIDS research: CAPRISA‘s latest results about an anti-HIV gel made world news just a few weeks ago
Aquatic Biodiversity: South Africa hosts 3 of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots)
Space

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 at 11:24 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.