A significant investment in young scientists by the developing world will be instrumental in addressing socio-economic challenges, said the Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi, in an address at the 25th General Meeting of the World Academy of Scientists (TWAS) in Muscat, Oman.
The gathering, from 26 to 29 October 2014, has attracted over 300 researchers, policymakers and educators from 56 developing countries. The event is aimed at exploring cutting-edge science and recognising some of the year's top scientific accomplishments in the developing world.
The Deputy Minister urged developing nations to commit to nurturing the potential of young scientists. "The participation of young scientists in addressing socio-economic issues and movement towards a knowledge-based economy is absolutely vital," she said.
Ms kaMagwaza-Msibi said South Africa was one of 20 countries that had supported their young scientists by establishing a young academy of science. The South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) was an important milestone in the history of the country's science and higher education sectors.
"We established SAYAS to ensure that young scientists contributed to solutions to national and global challenges. This diverse group of young academics was created after a stringent process of individual selection, which was executed and administered by the Academy of Science of South Africa," said the Deputy Minister.
One of the Department's most important tasks is to provide an environment conducive to scientific endeavour, research and innovation. The Deputy Minister said the Department of Science and Technology was committed to supporting research development through improved institutional support and delivery programmes.
In the past financial year, through the National Research Foundation, the Department funded over 9 700 postgraduate students at honours, master's and doctoral level. Over 800 interns in various scientific fields were supported during the same period.
The TWAS meeting is also looking at how TWAS can help to build science and engineering by extending its networks to more women, younger scientists and countries that are not well-represented in the Academy. The meeting also features presentations on innovation and scientific accomplishment in Oman, which is building a strong reputation in various fields, from oil and gas engineering to health care, telecommunication and science education.
TWAS President Bai Chunli said the world must recognise the potential of young people.
"Scientists have a responsibility to nurture a new generation of scientists, and that is a central part of the TWAS mission," he said, adding that the challenge was to support more women and more young scientists, and to expand the initiative to nations that were not well-represented in the global science community.
