Extension of the Term of Office of the Director General in the Department of Science and Technology

9 June 2005

Cabinet has approved a three-year extension of the term of office of Dr Rob Adam, Director General of the Department of Science and Technology.

This follows the recommendation by the Minister of Science and Technology, Mosibudi Mangena, in recognition of Dr Adam’s leadership of the Department as custodian of the country’s science and technology system.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST), formerly known as the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology (DACST), was established as a separate department in 2002 in order to effectively co-ordinate and manage government’s investment in science and technology.

The DST is tasked to develop, coordinate and manage a National System of Innovation that will maximise human capital, sustainable economic growth and an improved quality of life for all. This is facilitated through government’s science and technology expenditure plan as envisaged in the White Paper on Science and Technology.

In line with this, the science and technology budget provides funding across the whole system of innovation focusing on human capital and technology development, fostering relationships between the public science system and industry, as well as strategic research that supports agriculture, social science, health, environmental and industrial outcomes.

Dr Adam has been serving the Department as Director General since 1999. He has obtained a B.Sc Honours degree in Chemistry as well as a PhD in Nuclear Physics. Apart from heading the Department, he is also Professor Extraordinary Professor of Physics at Unisa (detailed CV attached).

Dr Adam’s continued contribution is greatly welcomed by the Department.

For media enquiries, contact: Kristin Klose, Manager: Communication and Marketing, Department of Science and Technology, Cell: 082 902 9503