NCRST Month of Science launch Namibia works on attracting more young scientistsLast month the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) officially launched the Month of Science. The Month of Science comprises of four major events centred around the sciences, technology and innovation activities and will be taking place this month.
The four events that make up the Month of Science is the National Science Fair which will be held from the fifth to the ninth of September, the National Science and Technology and Innovation Festival from 12 to 16 September, the Namport Biggest Brainer Science Quiz from 19 to 21 September, and the National Research Symposium from 21 to 23 September.
An award ceremony will also be held on 23 September. The awards will be hosted in recognition of individual scientists, researchers, technologists, engineers and scientific institutions for their contribution to the development of science technology and innovation in Namibia.
“It is anticipated that through this effort and many other promotional activities, more students will study in the science, technology and engineering fields and also that this will contribute towards a more positive attitude that could in turn lead to improved student performance at both tertiary and secondary schools.
“I would like to underscore that the solutions of tomorrow evolve at the juncture where different perspectives and competencies meet. They are developed in the meeting between different people, industries and sectors. It is with this understanding that the NCRST wises to invite all innovative actors in different sectors and fields of knowledge to join us at the four events. We look forward to the participation of all stakeholders in different capacitates either as audience, exhibitors or presenters of research findings”, said Eino Mvula, the CEO of NCRST.
The aim of the Month of Science is to attract the best and brightest minds to follow a scientific career as a result of NCRST’s sustained outreach efforts. “By embracing a career in science, the young people would become the drivers of new discoveries and innovations that create growth and enhance the quality of life for our people” a statement by the NCRST read.
The Month of Science is also said to be part of President Geingob’s Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP), a plan that the staff of NCRST are excited about.
“Following the launch of the HPP, the NCRST revised its strategic plan for the period 2014-to 2019 to ensure that it positions itself as a key contributor to the achievements of the goals and objectives of the HPP. Science, technology and innovation is cross cutting and contributes to all five pillars of the HPP”, Mvula said at the launch.
The mission of the NCRST is to establish a national system to promote, develop, coordinate and inform Research, Science, Technology and Innovation towards a knowledge-based society.
The NCRST has five pillars that are part of the priorities of the organisation, they are; science, technology and innovation promotion, smart partnership and cooperation, enabling policy and regulatory environment and building research and development capacity and innovation to nourish Namibia’s Prosperity.
The different events for the Month of Science are as follows:
Nampower National Science Fair: 5 – 9 September 2016
This event is organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Arts and Culture and the Nampower Foundation who is the main sponsor. The purpose of the Science Fair is to popularise science and technology among students, communities and educators.
The event is meant to serve as a vehicle to encourage students, parents and teachers to take a more active interest in the study of science by providing an opportunity for students to conduct and publicly present an independent scientific inquiry.
Science, Technology and Innovation Festival: 12 – 16 September 2016
This year’s Festival will be hosted in Ongwediva at the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre from 12 -16 September. The aim is to cultivate a general public informed by science, inspired by its wonder, convinced of its values, and prepared to engage with its implications for the future. The Festival will discuss and showcase the importance of science, technology and innovation to national development, with the emphasis on giving audiences amazing experiences through a programme of STI inspired events. The STI Festival will bring together the scientific and innovation community to educate and excite the next generation about STI.
Namport Biggest Brainer Science Quiz: 19 – 21 September 2016
The Quiz will be hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture; and Namport, who is the main sponsor of the quiz. The competition aims to provide innumerable benefits to learners, which are meant to encourage their educational and social development. NCRST says that competition is meant to stimulate learner’s interest in science and technology while simultaneously promoting the development of life skills such as communication, strategic thinking and team work, lighting the fire of knowledge.
National Research Symposium: 21 – 23 September 2016
The National Research Symposium will be hosted in Windhoek, at the Safari Hotel. The symposium is a national event aimed at bringing together researchers and research institutions on one platform to share research findings, discuss funding opportunities and possibilities for collaboration and networking. The event is an opportunity to learn from one another, to find out current research about activities in Namibia and encourage information sharing and openness.
Awards Ceremony: 23 September
Towards the end of week three of the festivities, the National Research, Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation Awards ceremony will be hosted in recognition of individual scientists, researchers, technologists, engineers and science institutions for their contributions to the development of science, technology and innovation in Namibia. The awards are granted in line with the Operational Guide for the National Research, Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation Awards that was approved by Cabinet in 2015.
The purpose of the award system is to promote and create awareness of the important role that research, science, technology and engineering plays in the economic and social prosperity of countries, through valuing and appreciating contributions of individual scientists, researchers, technologists, engineers and scientific institutions and the guiding principles are fairness, equity, gender sensitivity, quality and sustainability.
Keith Vries