September dedicated to Science
The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) this week announced September will be dedicated to Science.
The Month of Science comprises four major science, technology and innovation events starting with the National Science Fair, followed by the National Science, Technology and Innovation Festival, followed by the Namport Biggest Brainer Science Quiz and lastly the National Research Symposium.
The month culminates in the National Research, Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation awards ceremony on 23 September. The awards recognise the contributions of individual scientists, researchers, technologists, engineers and science institutions.
“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 it will contribute to a positive attitude that could lead to an improved student performance at tertiary level and in secondary schools,” said the Science Commission’s CEO, Dr Eino Mvula.
The science fair is organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture and the Nampower Foundation, the main sponsor. The purpose is to popularize science and technology to encourage students, parents and teachers to take a more active interest in the study of science. The science month events provide opportunities for students to conduct and publicly present independent scientific studies.
Science, Technology And Innovation Festival: 12 – 16 September: The festival is hosted at the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre. The aim is to cultivate a general public informed by science, inspired by its wonder, convinced of its value, 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 emphasis on giving audiences amazing experiences through a programme of inspiring events. The festival brings together the science community to educate and excite the next generation about science, technology and innovation.
Namport Biggest Brainer Science Quiz: 19 – 21 September: The quiz is hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, and NamPort, the main sponsor. The competition motivates learners to embrace science as a career. It stimulates learners’ interest in science and technology and at the same time promote the development of life skills such as communication, strategic thinking, team work.
National Research Symposium: 21 – 23 September: The symposium is hosted in Windhoek at the Safari Hotel Conference Centre. It is a national event bringing together researchers and research institutions on one platform to share their work, discuss funding, and look at scientific collaboration through a network of scientists and students. The symposium is a local window into the current status of science.
