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PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OF SCIENCEPUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OF SCIENCE

Presentation by NRF/SAASTA to the Parliamentary Portfolio Presentation by NRF/SAASTA to the Parliamentary Portfolio CommitteeCommittee

Cape Town, 23 May 2012Cape Town, 23 May 2012

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•Foundation for Education, Science and Technology (FEST)

•Agency of the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology (DACST)

•Accountability through the FEST Council

•Incorporation of FEST into NRF (December 2002)

•Line reporting into the Department of Science and Technology (DST)

•Name change –South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA)

•First SAASTA Director appointed July 2003

•Corporatisation of certain NRF functions (Finance/HR/Communication)

Historical ContextHistorical Context

Promote and support researchthrough

funding, human resource development and the provision of the necessary research facilities

in order tofacilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including indigenous knowledge

and thereby tocontribute to the improvement of the quality of life of all the people of the Republic

NRF Act, No 23 of 1998

NRF Mandate NRF Mandate -- NRF ActNRF Act

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NRF Strategic GoalsNRF Strategic Goals

• Promote internationally competitive research as a basis for the knowledge economy

• Grow a representative science and technology workforce in South Africa

• Provide cutting-edge research, technology and innovation platforms

• Operate world-class evaluation and grant-making systems

• Contribute to a vibrant national innovation system

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NRF Vision & CompositionNRF Vision & Composition

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NRF Board

CEO

Corporate Secretary

ICT

Finance

Governance

Human Resources

Legal Services

Corporate Communication

Finance & Business Systems Human Resources and Stakeholder Relations

GMSA

IR&C

KM&E

HICD

ARIC

KFD

Social Sciences

Research Fellows – disciplinary inputs & strategy development

Humanities

Physical & Mathematical Sciences

Life Sciences

Engineering Sciences

Deputy CEO: Research & Innovation Support & Advancement (RISA)

iThemba LABS

HartRAO/MeerKat

SAIAB

NZG

Deputy CEO: Research Infrastructure & National Research Facilities

SKA Project

SAEON

Group Executive: Science Advancement

SAAO

OrganisationalOrganisational StructureStructure

Science Education

Science Awareness

Science Communication

SAASTA

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• Vision 2015 – public engagement of science as one of three defined business divisions of NRF (2007)

• Suggested changes to NRF Act include(d) public engagement (2008 - pending)

• Independent Institutional Review – NRF/SAASTA (2010)• Development of an overall NRF Investment Framework

includes scaling up investment in public engagement (2011)• New NRF Corporate Position (GE level) for public engagement

(2011)• Development of a national STEMI strategy (DST/NRF)

(On-going with DST 2011/12 and12/13)

Strategic NRF developments for public Strategic NRF developments for public engagement of scienceengagement of science

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PolicyPolicy FrameworkFramework

We need a society which understands S&T and its critical role….S&T information should be disseminated as widely as possible in ways that are understood and appreciated by the public.

White Paper, 1996

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Science Promotion within the Science Promotion within the R&D Strategy (2002)R&D Strategy (2002)

• Make science attractive, relevant and accessible

• Increase the number of Public Understanding of Science, Engineering and Technology (PUSET) and engagement activities

• Increase participation by women and previously disadvantaged persons

• Use ‘big science’ focus areas to spark excitement in the youth, to inspire, to motivate

• Communicate the future of science careers through the science disciplines –retention within the science system

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Policy/Strategy FrameworkPolicy/Strategy Framework

Contribution to Policy Imperatives:

•The Ten Year Innovation Plan (TYIP, DST) - 2008

•Human Resource Development Strategy - 2002

•Youth into Science Strategy - 2006

•National Strategy for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education

•Dinaledi Schools Initiative –DST adopted schools10

NRF/SAASTA MandateNRF/SAASTA Mandate

To advance public awareness, appreciation and  engagement of science, technology, 

engineering, mathematics and innovation  (STEMI) in South Africa

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Strategic ApproachStrategic Approach

Funding FrameworkFunding Framework SAASTA IncomeSAASTA Income

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Projected total budget:2012/13 - R118m

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Corporate Funding/SponsorshipCorporate Funding/Sponsorship

R10 million over a period of 4 years (2009) R850 000 (2006/7)

R2,1 million – profiling CNA (2011)

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

2008‐2009 2009‐2010 2010‐2011 2011‐2012

Education

Science Communications

Science Awareness Platforms

Other

SAASTA Expenditure per unitSAASTA Expenditure per unit

15

16

0

100 000

200 000

300 000

400 000

500 000

600 000

2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

HartRAO

HMO

iTHEMBA LABS

NZG

SAAO

SAEON

SAIAB

DST/SAASTA Grants Awarded to DST/SAASTA Grants Awarded to National Research Facilities (National Research Facilities (NFsNFs))

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NFsNFs Outreach CostsOutreach Costs

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

2008‐2009 2009‐2010 2010‐2011 2011‐2012

iTHEMBA LABS

SAAO

NZG

HartRAO

HMO

SAIAB

SAEON

Interpreting the mandate of Interpreting the mandate of SAASTASAASTA

Learners / 

Educators

General 

Public Tertiary 

Students

Primary Target Audience Categories

Science CommunityHEIs, Research Councils, National 

Research Facilities

Industry

Outreach & Awareness 

Sector

Science Centres / Festivals

Media

Strategic Target Audience 

Categories

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Limpopo festival –inside the portable planetarium 19

School School –– Based InterventionsBased Interventions

Framework/Approach:Framework/Approach: School InterventionsSchool Interventions

OBJECTIVE MEANS TO REACH OBJECTIVE1. Support Learner Performance Learner camps during school holidays;

educator workshops on content and methodology; provision of curriculum educational resource materials to learners, educators and schools

2. Encourage Learner and Educator Participation

Participation in science festivals such as National Science Week and interaction with travelling science exhibits, science shows, science theatre

3. Identify and Nurture Talent Participation in Olympiads and Competitions such as the Natural (grades 6 - 9) and National Science Olympiads (10 -12), Astronomy Quiz (5-7) and School Debates (10-12)

4. Promote SET Careers Awareness Interaction with appropriate role models in SET; SET related industry visits and provision of career educational resource materials

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SAASTA Interventions in the SAASTA Interventions in the School System: 2012School System: 2012

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SAASTA Interventions in the 18 SAASTA Interventions in the 18 DST Adopted DST Adopted DinalediDinaledi SchoolsSchools

• Free participation in the National Science Olympiads• Provision of Educational Resources (Interactive whiteboard; laptops;

curriculum aligned Mathematics, Life Science and Physical Science learner and educator study guides; science equipment's)

• Extra-tuition in Mathematics and Physical Science (2012/13)• Formation and support of Science Clubs• Provision of grants (funds) to participate in the National Science Week• Exposing learners to career opportunities in SET through provision of

resources and interaction with appropriate role models• Sending learners and educators to attend international science events

(Canada)• Participation in Science camps to improve performance in Mathematics,

Life Science and Physical Science

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SAASTA Programme FootprintSAASTA Programme Footprint

PROVINCE AREAS MUNICIPALITIESKZN Newcastle, ,Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay;

Stanger, Maphumulo, Bergville Amajuba, eThekwini, iLembe, uMgungundlovu, uThungulu,

EASTERN CAPE Port Elizabeth, East London, Umtata, Lusikisiki, Bisho; Mount Ayliff;

Cacadu, Amatole; Alfred Nzo; Nelson Mandela Bay; OR Tambo;

LIMPOPO Polokwane, Giyani, Thohoyandou, Modimolle, Phalaborwa, Tzaneen, Groblersdal;

Capricorn, Mopani, Vhembe, Waterberg, Greater Sekhukhune

WESTERN CAPE Cape Town, Saldanha, Hermenus, Worcester; Bredasdorp; George; Beaufort West

City of Cape Town, West coast, Central Karoo; Cape Winelands; Overberg; Eden; Central Karoo

GAUTENGJohannesburg, Tshwane, Germiston, Bronkhorstspruit, Randfontein, Vanderbilpark; Carltonville

City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Metsweding, West Rand, Sedibeng

MPUMALANGA Nelspruit, Secunda, Witbank, Pit Retief, Malelana Middelburg, KomatiPoort; Kameelrivier Bushbuckridge

Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande, Nkangala, Nkomanzi, Bohlabela

NORTHERN CAPE Kuruman, Kimberley, Sutherland; Springbok Kgalagadi, Frances Baard, Karoo Hoogland,

NamakwaFREE STATE Sasolburg, Bloemfontein, Botsabelo; Thabanchu;

Kroonstad, Welkom; TrompsbergFezile Dabi, Motheo, Lejweleputswa; Xhariep

NORTH WESTMafikeng, Potchefstroom, Rustenburg; Klerksdorp; Zeerust; Vryburg; Brits

Ngaka Modiri Molema, Tlokwe, Bojanala Platinum; Dr Kenneth Kaunda; Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati

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Identifying Talent in SET: Identifying Talent in SET: National Science Olympiads (NSO): National Science Olympiads (NSO):

Grades 10 Grades 10 -- 1212

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

1964 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

700

9117

9614

13971

17538

15538

1943820364

20833

24524

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Identifying Talent in SET: National Identifying Talent in SET: National Science Olympiads: Grades 6 Science Olympiads: Grades 6 –– 9 9

(2011)(2011)

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Case study Case study -- Identify and Identify and Nurture Talent in SET (NSO)Nurture Talent in SET (NSO)

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21

12

65

4

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

BEng BSC Medicine BCOM IT Act Sci Other

BEng

BSC

Medicine

BCOM

IT

Act Sci

Other

Stud

ents

num

bers

in 2

012

(3rd

year

)

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Project OutcomesProject Outcomes

• 2010 – 160 top 2009 NSO participants tracked

• 141 (88%) registered for 1st year at HEI’s

• 2012 – 99 (70%) traced and still at HEI’s (3rd year)

• Disciplines as per graph

• i.e. 62% of 2009 NSO top group still in HEI

• 63% males

• 37% females

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School Debates Provincial School Debates Provincial WinnersWinners

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Science Centre NetworkScience Centre Network

MOBILE LABS

•Mondi Science Centre, PietRetief (MP)

•FOSST Discovery Centre, Fort Hare (EC)

•Accelor Mittal, Vanderbijl Park (GP)•SciBono, Newtown (GP)•UJ Science Centre, Soweto (GP)

•Accelor Mittal, Saldanha Bay (WC)•SANSA (HMO) (WC)•SAAO (WC)

•KZN Science Centre – Kwamhlanga•Arcelor Mittal, Newcastle (KZN)

Big science centres

Small science centres

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Pilot project Pilot project -- Careers in Careers in EngineeringEngineering

What do What do Engineers Engineers

do?do?

Branches of Branches of Engineering?Engineering?

What school What school subjects do I subjects do I

need to need to become an become an engineer?engineer?

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TOTAL 

NUMBER OF 

LEARNERS IN 

PROGRAMME

7 771

NUMBER OF 

LEARNERS 

ENROLLED IN 

AT LEAST TWO 

SUBJECTS M / 

PS / LS

2 555

NUMBER OF 

LEARNERS 

WHO PASSED 

SENIOR 

CERTIFICATE

1 060

1ST

YEAR 

STUDIES IN SET 

FIELD

572

1ST

YEAR 

STUDIES IN 

ENGINEERING

252

Careers in Engineering Careers in Engineering -- SET SET Case StudyCase Study

2007

201054.9% females

47.5% females

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Careers in Engineering Careers in Engineering 11stst Year Enrolments Year Enrolments Engineering FieldEngineering Field

0.00%

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

20.00%

25.00%

30.00%

35.00%

40.00%

Electrical (91) Civil (46) Mechanical(37)

Chemical (22) Other (56)

36.10%

18.20%14.70%

8.90%

22.10%

NOTE: Other Fields consists of Agricultural / Mining / Industrial / Aeronautical / Metallurgical Engineering

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Project OutcomesProject Outcomes

Influencing learners to opt for SET careers

•40% of tracked learners in HEI’s•54% of these in SET fields•24% of these in Engineering•Cannot claim sole project contribution

Contribution to SET skills shortages•Requires longer term tracking -graduation rates of this group (2014/15)

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Parental Influence of Degree Parental Influence of Degree ChoiceChoice

To what extent did your parents and family influence your choice of degree and career?n: 815

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Taking degrees to Postgraduate Taking degrees to Postgraduate levellevel

Would you consider taking your degree to postgraduate level? (only answered by undergraduates)n: 533

Targeted Public Engagement Targeted Public Engagement CampaignsCampaigns

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National Science Week: National Science Week: 20072007–– 20112011

Total Reach Over Five Years: 1 166 431Total Reach Over Five Years: 1 166 431

175905194952 204174

252775

338625

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

300000

350000

400000

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

YEAR 2007 ‐2011

Overall Participation: NSW 2007 ‐ 2011

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NSW 2011NSW 2011 Participation Per Province & Participation Per Province &

Per GroupPer Group

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• NPEP is an initiative funded by the DST• Implemented by SAASTA• Launched in early 2008, the NPEP aims :

- to promote credible fact based understanding of Nanotechnology through awareness, dialogue and education - to enable informed decision making on Nanotechnology innovations - to improve the quality of life

Nanotechnology Public Nanotechnology Public Engagement Programme (NPEP)Engagement Programme (NPEP)

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LAB AFRICA EXPO LAB AFRICA EXPO (Industrial Focus)(Industrial Focus)

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THANK YOUTHANK YOU

ANDAND

GOD BLESSGOD BLESS

MediaMedia Round Table Round Table NanoNano & & HealthHealth

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Sustainable EnergySustainable Energy University InnovationUniversity Innovation

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Visuals, Fact sheets, Banners

Material Development and Material Development and DistributionDistribution

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The The NFsNFsScience Platforms for Science Platforms for

advancementadvancement

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45

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4747www.africanbusinessreview.co.za

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Science Camps

Johannesburg ObservatoryJohannesburg Observatory

• Namibia, Lesotho, Zimbabwe – National Science Olympiad

• Lesotho – Science Centre Networks

• Botswana – Science communication workshops

• Mozambique, Kenya, Uganda – National Science Week

• Australia (ANU) – Science Centre Capacity Building

• USA (AMNH) – Educational Resources, Online courses, Visitors programmes, Educator workshops

• USA (Miami University/Science Centre) and FRANCE – skills development for science centres

Active SAASTA International Active SAASTA International CollaborationsCollaborations

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NRFNRFScience Advancement Science Advancement KPIsKPIs

Way ForwardWay Forward

Attention to the following areas:

• Legislative gap • National Strategy Development• Investment Framework- scale up the national enterprise• National Platforms –Johannesburg Observatory, NZG Life Science

Centre • Research investment in public engagement of science (impact studies,

large scale surveys, cohort studies, audience analysis, media monitoring and analysis, research chair in science communication)

The leading science advancement agency promoting and communicating the value and impact of science, technology and

innovation in a dynamic knowledge economy

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