The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) was mandated to implement and administer the Nanatechnology Public Engagement Programme (NPEP) on behalf of the Department of Science & Technology (DST). The NPEP was launched in the beginning of 2008. The aim is to promote public understanding of and engagement with this new emerging scientific field.

Nanotechnology, unlike other technologies, can find applications in virtually all areas of human life. In spite of being an infant at its evolution, some of the known issues related to nanotechnology suggest a wide spectrum of potential societal impact. It is for that reason that the cultivation of a climate of public discourse is essential to provide an opportunity for a society to switch from a merely passive, observational role to an active participating one.

The NPEP also helps at assisting the NRF in its overall contribution to the National System of Innovation (NSI) by facilitating networking and promoting collaboration through the translation of academic research in nanotechnology for the purposes of the lay person, industry and policy makers.

For more information on the Nanotechnology Public Engagement Programme, visit http://www.npep.co.za/

Fact Sheets:

SAASTA has many fact sheets available on this fascinating field, click the links below to view the respective fact sheets.

Click here to download: Nanotechnology - Big Science with TIny Building Bocks
Click here to download: Nanotechnology - A solution to South Africa's five grand challenges?

Invitations

Facility tour

Information of previous Media Round Tables:

9 February 2011: The good, the bad, and the nano?