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SCIENCE PLATFORM MONTHS & WORLD SPACE WEEK 2008:
For the fifth year running, the South African Department of Science and Technology (DST) has declared a series of four thematic months for 2008, namely Antarctica (June), Marine Biosciences (August), African Origins (September) and Astronomy (October). In addition to these thematic months, focus will also be given on World Space Week (WSW); 4 – 10 October.
The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF), has been mandated to implement the four DST thematic months in 2008 to promote the public awareness, appreciation and engagement with Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) and to awaken public interest in science.
The major aim of these thematic months is to attract more women, rural and previously disadvantaged communities into the SET sector, to encourage more research and to retain them in these sectors. There is a need to counter current demographics in the scientific arena, which is predominantly white, male and ageing. As stated in the National Research and Development (R&D) Strategy (2002), the four specific scientific themes have been selected due to their obvious geographical advantage to South Africa.
SAASTA is the agency of choice for implementation of these programmes with an institutional aim of developing scientists and innovators of tomorrow, adding value to this national awareness project by bridging the gap between science and society. World Space Week is celebrated every year between 4 – 10 October. A global theme is selected by the Spaceweek International Association Board of Directors in conjunction with the UN Office of Outer Space Affairs. Space technology applications include: communications; earth observation from remote sensing satellites; positioning and navigation; and scientific investigation of near-earth space, our solar system and universe.
How to respond
Closing dates for submitting proposals
Antarctica Month
Deadline for submission of proposals - close of business, 21 January 2008 (deadline extended)
Submissions received after this date will not be considered. All applicants will receive feedback regarding the selection committee’s decision as from 25 February, 2008.
Marine Biosciences Month
Deadline for submission of proposals - close of business, 21 January 2008
Submissions received after this date will not be considered. All applicants will receive feedback regarding the selection committee’s decision as from 25 February 2008.
African Origins Month
Deadline for submission of proposals - close of business, 1 February 2008.
Submissions received after this date will not be considered. All applicants will receive feedback regarding the selection committee’s decision as from 3 March 2008.
Astronomy Month and World Space Week
Deadline for submission of proposals - close of business, 15 April 2008
Submissions received after this date will not be considered. All applicants will receive feedback regarding the selection committee’s decision as from 16 May 2008.
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