CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE TO FACILITATE SCIENCE ENGAGEMENT

Published February 25, 2020, by Mologadi Makwela

Scientists must be encouraged to take work from their labs to the community and to schools. So said Professor Jose Frantz, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), during a science engagement meeting held at UWC on 20 February 2020.

Organised by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the meeting was aimed at encouraging Centres of Excellence (CoE) to participate in Science Engagement activities; and to enhance science education in schools by making experts available to impart skills and knowledge to teachers and learners.

Scientists must be encouraged to take work from their labs to the community and to schools.

“We wanted to sit with Centres of Excellence and Research Chairs, to explain our approach to Science Engagement, particularly with schools and Science Hubs in the Western Cape,” said Dr Vusi Malele, Deputy Director at DSI. This is in line with an agreement signed between the DSI and the Western Cape Education Department to partner and to facilitate outreach to science centres and science-focused schools.

The DSI plans to roll-out School-level Science Engagement Initiatives in schools, to promote a culture of science among learners.

There are already a number of successful initiatives taking place across the country. Examples include: Science Festivals, Olympiad and competitions, Science Centres activities, National Science Week and Science Clubs. The DSI participates in these activities as part of its Science Engagement and hopes to encourage CoEs to get involved in these activities, in partnership with the WCED.