Two government departments are teaming up to offer academics cheaper broadband with the aim of facilitating research.
Finance minister Trevor Manuel, who presented his 11th annual budget in Parliament yesterday, has set aside R1.2 billion for the scientific community. Of this, the Square Kilometre Array telescope project will receive R500 million, if SA's bid is successful.
Other areas that will receive funding include an integrated approach to human resource development, knowledge generation, investment in infrastructure, and improvements to the strategic management of the public science and technology system.
"Biotechnology and space technologies receive special attention. Investments include bioengineering to treat polluted mine waste water, vaccine development and gene analysis," said Manuel.
The minister said a joint initiative between the departments of public enterprises and science and technology would be set up to allow academics access to low-cost broadband to foster research.
"This joint project... aims to establish cost-effective broadband access to global research networks, stimulating innovation. The network will also increase SA's appeal to international companies that wish to conduct research here."
The South African Research Network - as the project will be called - seeks to expand the academic community's work and foster collaboration with international institutions. It will receive R95 million, while R60 million is allocated to set up science research chairs at SA's major universities.
"Our research and development capacity has been strengthened in the past five years through targeted investments to our science councils and universities," said Manuel.
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