National Science Week celebrates the role of the basic sciences in the modern world

Whether it is mathematics, physics, chemistry or biology, the basic sciences underpin our comprehension of natural phenomena. The basic sciences provide a fundamental understanding of the world around us. They are a key driver to sustainable economic development and provide an evidence base for responding to many challenges experienced in our modern world. The National Science Week (NSW) 2022 will focus on “Celebrating the role of basic sciences in the modern world.” This annual event will showcase and raise awareness about science. The week will be launched in Durban, at the Mangosuthu University of Technology Umlazi Campus on Saturday, 30 July 2022.

This year, the National Science Week will be a hybrid event and the launch will also be streamed live. The theme recognises the United Nations international observance and will incorporate activities to celebrate the International Year of Basic Sciences. The National Science Week will run from 01 to06 August 2022 at sites across South Africa.

The celebration of National science Week this year will highlight the resolution adopted by the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly on the 2nd December 2021. The International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development appreciates that the applications of basic sciences are vital for advances in medicine, industry, agriculture, water resources, energy planning, environment, communications and culture, and that basic sciences rupture technologies respond to the needs of humankind by providing access to information and increasing societal well-being, and promoting peace through improved collaboration toward Sustainable Development Goals.

National Science Week is an initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation, a countrywide celebration of science. The week connects various stakeholders and role players who conduct science-based activities during the week and is an annual celebration of the role and value of science and technology in our daily lives.

The National Science Week was established in 2000 and has developed over the years to have a truly national footprint. As the coordinator of the week, the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement ensures the efficient coordination of the week and works with a multitude of partners including universities, science centres, museums, botanical gardens and other organisation to create a week of scientific exploration, celebration and discovery.

For more information, please click on the link below to find NSW programme

Programme – SAASTA

 The objectives of celebrating the NSW 2022 under the aforementioned theme are to:

(a) Illustrate the role of science in tackling problems and challenges encountered in creating and sustaining a prosperous society;
(b) Demystify the myths surrounding some of the innovations that are important to the advancement of society;
(c) Display that South Africa is a home of some discoveries and innovations that influence the world; and
(d) Raise Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) career awareness.

Issued by:

Mr Zamuxolo Matiwana

Manager: Media Coordinator

Mobile: 012 392 9319

Email: zamuxolo@saasta.ac.za

Interviews

Ms Bafedile Kgwadi

Project Coordinator

Email: BM.Kgwadi@saasta.nrf.ac.za

Telephone number: 012 392 9300

About the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) SAASTA is a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF) with the mandate to advance public awareness, appreciation and engagement of science, engineering and technology in South

Africa. SAASTA’s contribution to the NRF’s vision is to grow the pool of quality learners today who will become the scientists and innovators of tomorrow. It aims to be the leading science advancement agency in the country by promoting and communicating the value and impact of science, technology and innovation in a dynamic knowledge economy. It also intends to contribute significantly towards building a science, engineering and technology (SET) human resource base. For more information on the operations and programs within the NRF, please visit www.saasta.ac.za  

About the National Research Foundation (NRF):  

The National Research Foundation (NRF) was established on 1 April 1999 as an independent statutory body in accordance with the National Research Foundation Act. The NRF is a key public entity responsible for supporting the development of human resources for research and innovation in all fields of science and technology. The organisation is one of the major players in educating and training a new generation of scientists able to deal with South African and African needs. The organisation encourages public awareness and appreciation of science, engineering and technology, and facilitates dialogue between science and society. Its vision is to contribute to a prosperous South Africa based on a knowledge economy. For more information on the operations and programs within the NRF please visit www.nrf.ac.za.