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This is a copy of the full press release which appeared on the NSTV website: NSTF SCIENCE &
TECHNOLOGY AWARDS 2001: Press Release - 3 May The NSTF AWARDS for 2001, this being our fourth event, acknowledge the most outstanding contributions in the field of Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) in the following six categories: Those individuals who have made the most significant
contribution in SET, thereby establishing themselves as role models
those organizations, which have made the most
significant contribution to SET:
The awards were presented this year by the President of the National Research Foundation (NRF), on behalf of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology. It is only through the efforts of individuals, either on their own or collectively in organisations that science and technology will flourish. Our awards are to individuals and organisations and it is our hope that through this recognition we can encourage other individuals and organisations to greater efforts. The evidence of the contributions has to be looked for in the work that is done but it is not the work that is being recognised -- there are many other awards, which recognise the work -- it is the organisation or the individual, which we recognise. Stakeholders were asked last year in September to make nominations of organisations and individuals. The invitation to nominators was set out in the NSTF newsletter NASTEF, provided on the internet and made widely available. It set out the basis for the awards and requested information under eight broad areas of possible contribution. These criteria were expanded on fully, as were the definitions of the categories, on the nomination form. The selections by the adjudicators were based on the information supplied. Nominations for 33 individuals and 32 organisations, (50% up on last year), some in more than one category were received and are listed as an attachment. The adjudication panel comprised the following
Criteria for Selection
These criteria formed the basis of the adjudication by the
panel The details of the winners and runners-up are: Category An Individual over a lifetime The runner-up: Prof H Christo Viloen, Univ of Stellenbosch For a lifetime of consistent leadership in the field of engineering and technology occupying many positions in the engineering management at national level, a visionary who drove the SUNSAT micro-satellite programme, the establishment of the Technopark at Stellenbosch and participations which led to the founding of the SPII and THRIP programmes and contributed in no small way to the work of councils of major institutions such as the SABC , SABS , ESKOM and ECSA The winner: Prof Michael Bruton, MTN ScienCentre Cape Town: For a lifetime of commitment to research in the field of invertebrates based principally at Rhodes characterised by carrying the results through to practical application, leading to involvement at national level in policy formulation and environmental impact studies, Features of his work include work on the coelacanth evidenced in his directorship of the JLB Smith Institute (1982 to 1994), his books on this subject and other similar subjects, his interventions at the sites where these animals are found and stimulation of worldwide interest and participation in their scientific study; his work on tilapias and catfishes of Africa; contributions to policy-making in this arena --in particular an intervention which saw a complete change in the nature of angling competitions in South Africa --and participation in environmental impact assessment studies here and abroad; participation in Conservation Councils as a Ministerial appointee and numerous others. His career took a dramatic turn in 1995 when he turned to a commitment to the world of creating awareness of science by taking on the establishment of the MTN ScienCentre in Cape Town and involvement in the Aquarium. The MTN ScienCentre is the first, world-class, financially viable science centre in South Africa and is being used by DACST as the model to demonstrate the method for the establishment and operation of such centres and its interactive exhibits. Various partner organisations such as ORT-STEP, SUNSTEP, Gateway to Discovery , etc, use the centre as a foundation for their work. The centre runs a full programme throughout the year, which incorporates teaching laboratories, lectures , audio-visual displays, travelling exhibitions, excursions, science camps and other special events, quizzes and S & T Workshops. In the category of An individual through research and innovation over the last two years The runner-up: Prof Thomas Cloete, School for Biological Sciences, UP
The winners: Prof Christopher Vaughan and Prof Gerhard de Jager, UCT: In the category of An individual through activities other than research and innovation over the last two years The runner-up Kim Berman, TWR: As the custodian of the PHUMANI Paper Project she conceptualised and steered the project into existence to the benefit of local indigenous (rural) crafts people and the arts and crafts community. The project has led to the establishment of 21 handmade papermaking manufacturing centres throughout seven provinces based on technology -- now patented -- developed in the TWR handmade papermaking Research Centre, and founded on the utilisation of available resources, often waste or alien vegetation : in the Cape based on Port Jackson willow bark; in the Free State based on mielie husks; in the Eastern Cape based on sisal and in Natal on sugarcane waste. The project has demonstrated that technology can be harnessed and developed for poverty relief and job creation and to this extent some 430 jobs have been created. The winner Dr Janice Limson, Rhodes University: Has started up and runs the monthly Internet Magazine Science in Africa. This magazine is free to air on the site www.scienceinafrica.com having gone on line in January 2001. This innovative private and part-time (she is otherwise a lecturer in neuroscience) adventure recorded some 115 000 hits in the month of December alone and accepts input from all round the country. Its objective is to contribute to the growth and understanding of science and has focused on profiling the work of individuals and organisations working in science. This has helped to break down barriers between scientific workers in different fields and also to introduce non-scientists to the work of scientists. From feedback the greatest impact has been in the education field. Has featured on SABC SAFm programmes with John Perlman (06h45) and on Morning Live Science on SABC TV2 (06h00 to 08h00) In the category of A corporate organisation (or Dept or Division) over the last ten years The runner-up UEC Technologies (Pty) Ltd, Mount Edgecombe. The Winner: Weeds Research Division of the ARC Plant Protection Research Institute, Pretoria For the biological control of invading alien plants both terrestrial and aquatic that threaten natural resources and biological diversity. This involves the identification of natural enemies of the target weed species from the plants' country of origin, the study and host-specificity testing of the natural enemies and eventually the release of those species that are damaging to the target weed yet that hold no threat to either the indigenous vegetation or crops. Some 90 species of biocontrol agents have been released to control 47 invading alien plant species in South Africa alone and work has been undertaken elsewhere, particularly in Africa. These initiatives have resulted in the savings of millions of rands, the restoration of many dams and rivers to functionality, the successful control of certain forestry and agricultural activities involving alien plants types and has made a large contribution to the social upliftment of many communities. South Africa is recognised as one of the three leaders in the world together with the USA and Australia in this technology and its application, and is unique in undertaking this work for conservation purposes. In the category of An SMME over the last three years The runner-up: BreatheTex Corporation (Pty) Ltd, Port Elizabeth. The winner : SunSpace , Stellenbosch. SunSpace and Information Systems (Pty) Ltd is the SMME which was founded on the base of the SUNSAT Micro-Satellite Space project of the Electronic Systems Laboratory of The University of Stellenbosch to exploit the intellectual capital generated by that project. Customers which were established during the SUNSAT development have become customers of SunSpace , in particular in Korea, Germany and Australia, and new customers have been acquired. A particular feature of the experience has been the development of capacity in the field of remote measurement and control systems via satellites as an example of information collection and management systems. Such systems can now be tailor-made to suit the needs of a variety of purposes involving the collection, analysis and management of substantial quantities of data. The SMME provides a model on how such enterprises can be established with a seamless link back into the University for the generation of new research, whilst exploiting the business opportunities opened up by the primary work They have a projected turnover for the next three years of R60m. In the category of A Not for Profit Organisation over the last three years The runner-up: College of Science, Wits University : For making science at tertiary level more accessible to a significant number of previously disadvantaged students, (results are 285 B.Scs, 93 Hons, and 16 registered for higher degrees) and for developing a new approach to learning styles, as well as designing innovative teaching and learning strategies and materials. This virtual college has existed within the framework of the conventional University as a vehicle for improving the throughput of students by offering a two year programme to replace the normal B.Sc year 1, to compensate for the inadequacies of some secondary school education. This programme is now being offered in an open learning environment with the possibility of a level 5 qualification. The winner Unizul Science Centre, Richards Bay For providing a model for Science Centres in developing areas by demonstrating that at a fraction of the cost of more sophisticated facilities (estimated at circa R1m capital) a significant impact in the field of science education can be made with ingenuity and application. It has reached out over a period of 15 years to the communities of KZN and despite a low resource base has provided inspiration to a growing number of visitors and attendees to courses and workshops : in 2001, 22 000 visitors (out of 150 000 overall) and 6161 external learners were recorded. All exhibits have been manufactured in-house. The Centre has also provided a model on how to involve local business and other support programmes such as CASME, ORT-STEP and Lifeskills training and underscores the importance of local relevance to the programmes on offer at such centres. Below is a list of all the Nominees that entered into the 4th NSTF Science & Technology Awards. In addition to honouring individual scientists, S&T organizations, innovative corporations and small businesses, these awards also now acknowledge and recognize the best teachers as identified by the Sowetan, Telkom and Protec Teacher of the Year Awards. These are:
Recognition to Female Students in Mathematics, Science and Technology in SA Female matriculants from the disadvantaged communities of each province, who obtained the highest marks in Mathematics and Science, are also acknowledged and recognized. These students were identified by the Department of Education. These students are:
Furthermore, The Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology (DACST) has expanded its role in the NSTF’s Awards to largely support and encourage girls in S&T. this supportive role of DACST has resulted in additional recognition to girls that have excelled or showed outstanding promise in a variety of S&Y competitions or activities. The top twelve girls to be recognized are the top performing girls from the following competitions: Expo for Young Scientists
Mathematics Olympiad
Science Olympiad
Technology Olympiad
This newly adopted approach by the NSTF is commendable and has the effect of “bringing the awards closer to home”, due to the recognition of “ordinary individuals” (such as educators and students) who make a significant impact in Science. In many respects this simultaneously moves the awards into the “Science and Society” domain - a move away from the recognition of professional scientists only. At the same time these “ordinary people” become role models for others and are encouraged in Science, Engineering and Technology. All the
Nominations for 2001 In the category (A) : over a lifetime Prof M. N. Bruton, (also for B) MTN Science Centre, Cape
Town In the category (B) : through research and innovation over the last two years Prof P.J. Ankiewicz, Dept of Curriculum Studies, RAU In the category {C} through activities other than research and
innovation over the last Ms Kim Berman, Senior Lecturer, Technikon Witwatersrand The following organisations were nominated for their contribution to SET: In the category (D) of : a corporate organisation (or Dept or Division) over the last ten years Alcatel Business Systems (Pty) Ltd, Boksburg In the category (E) of : an SMME over the last three years Bansha Investments (Pty) Ltd, Brakpan In the category (F) of : a Not for Profit Organisation over the last three years Brits Saturday School
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