SA and Germany have strengthened their cooperation in science and technology, opening the German-South African Year of Science 2012/13, in Cape Town, this week.
The partnership says the aim is to provide momentum for trend-setting projects. The theme for this year of science is “Enhancing Science Partnerships for Innovation and Sustainable Development”.
A joint initiative between the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and SA's Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Year of Science honours the two countries' strong relations in science and research. Efforts to expand the relations even more are well under way, according to the DST.
“SA has keenly pursued the development of regional, continental and global partnerships to identify solutions to our socio economic challenges,” said science and technology minister Naledi Pandor at the opening.
Attracting youth
SA and Germany signed a science and technology cooperation agreement in 1996, with a joint research fund established to support research and development projects in agricultural, life, earth, mathematical, engineering, and physical and health sciences.
“The Year of Science will offer both countries an opportunity to attract young people to science, technology and innovation, as well as expand and deepen bilateral cooperation in these fields,” added Pandor.
The department says in the scope of the German-South African call for initiatives, more than 200 applications were handed in by the science community of both countries. Of all applications, 41 initiatives have been jointly agreed on, which represent all thematic fields of the Year of Science 2012/13 and will receive funding.
"We hope that this joint effort will provide impetus for pioneering projects and future innovation,” said Pandor.
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