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National Science & Technology Forum
  NSTF AwardsHighlights from the NSTF Awards Radio Talk show discussion at the beginning of May UJFM (University of Johannesburg’s campus radio station), interviewed Dr Olive Shisana - Chief Executive Officer of the Human Science Research Council (HSRC) and previous Executive Director of the Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health at the HSRC. Dr Shisana spoke about how the HSRC would be increasing focus on Africa, contributing to the assessment of public policies and the evaluation of programmes, ensure contributions to global issues, improve relationships with universities, as well as increase focus on the humanities under her new guidance as CEO. Dr Shisana went on to discuss her research done on the impact of HIV and AIDS on the health sector with specific focus on the 2002 Nelson Mandela/HSRC Study of HIV/AIDS - South African National HIV Prevalence, Behavioural Risks and Mass Media. Dr Shisana was the principle investigator of this household survey that was conducted in 2002. One of the key objectives of the interview was to encourage students to further careers in social science by looking at the career opportunities, challenges and current developments in this field. Mr Mathys Wehmeyer, CEO of Hazleton Pumps (Pty) Ltd, spoke about the challenges of having started a business in the science, engineering and technology industry after initially being refused entrance to a university degree in engineering, working in the private and public sector, and eventually finishing his mechanical engineering degree. From the interview, one realises the importance of pumps and pump design technology in all industries from medicine, through to mining. Hazleton Pumps predominantly supplies and services the mining industry where highly corrosive and heterogeneous materials need pumping. The skills from various disciplines are employed in pump technology. These include chemical, mechanical and electrical engineering, materials science, hydrodynamics and thermodynamis, technical drawings and process flow science. Hazleton Pumps are currently looking to employ two interns. Prof Debra Meyer - Associate Professor at the Biochemistry Department at the University of Johannesburg spoke about her research work in the chemical construct of HIV and immunogen research as potential vaccine components. Her approach is unique in that she looks at factors augmenting the concurrent HIV/Mtb infection, as well as studying extracts from South African plants for activity against HIV. Dr Meyer is also known as a television presenter of the weather for the SABC. Web cast on 18 May 2006 If you are now regretting having missed the actual broadcasts, do not worry. A Web cast will be streamed from the NSTF Awards Web site on the 18th of May 2006. The Web cast will be an Internet broadcast of all the interviews held with the NSTF Awards winners and runner’s up from 2004. Following the Web cast, the audio material will be made available on CD. The CD will also contain profiles and contributions of the 2005 NSTF Awards winners and will be available from the NSTF secretariat (nstf@scientia.co.za). NSTF Awards Gala Dinner The 2005 top scientists, engineers and technologists of South Africa will be awarded for their excellence in research and development at the NSTF Awards Gala Dinner. If your organisation is involved in science and technology, sponsor a table and join us at the esteemed gala dinner to be held at the Emperor’s Palace in Kempton Park on May the 19th. For more information on this years’ finalists, visit the NSTF Awards Web site at www.nstfawards.org.za. |
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