2008 SOUTH AFRICAN AWARDS FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE

BACKGROUND

The South African Department of Science and Technology has created recognition awards to celebrate “Women in Science” as a direct response to the vision encapsulated in the National Research and Development Strategy of ultimate improvement in the quality of life of South Africans.

The role of women in the development and sharing of knowledge that contributes to improvement in people’s economic status and quality of life has been limited.  In addition, the contribution of outstanding women in scientific research has not been fully recognised. This lack of recognition has resulted in inequity of access by women to the research professions.

The further lack of prominent women scientists as role models has hampered both the public understanding of Science, Engineering and Technology and the participation of women at all levels of science.

It is with these objectives in mind that the Department of Science and Technology has created various types of recognition awards to celebrate “Women in Science”. The 2008 awards are:

• Distinguished Woman Scientist Award in the area of Life Science - CLOSED.
• Achiever Award for a Woman Scientist in Industry - CLOSED.
• Best Emerging Young Woman Scientist Award in the area of Life Science - CLOSED.
• Two L’Oréal South Africa 2008 Fellowships for Women in Science - CLOSING 30 JUNE 2008
• Three Women Scientist Fellowships - CLOSING 30 JUNE.
  
  The winners of the awards will be announced at a function that will be held in Johannesburg on 8 August 2008.
  
  Nominations