The Department of Science and Technology has launched a Public Understanding of Biotechnology (PUB) programme to ensure a clear, balanced understanding of the scientific principles, related issues and potential of biotechnology and to stimulate public debate around its applications in society.

Bursary information

We have received a number of queries around the bursaries available for tertiary studies. Please view the Bursary Information Pack which gives you the "where", "what" and "how" of applying for bursaries. Please keep visiting our website for updated versions of the Bursary Information Pack!

PUB News

We have lots of exciting implementations planned for the 11/12 financial year so please keep watching this space!

Some things to look forward to in 2011/12:

• In collaboration with the NSTF, more Critical Thinker Sessions (CTS) will be hosted on Biotechnology issues.
• Basic Biotech Workshops for Educators and Subject Advisors will be held in collaboration with SAASTA's Education Unit.
• Profiling of the programe and biotechnology information at all the science festivals around the country (please see "events" section for details of the science festivals).
• Preparations for the next mass survey on public perceptions towards Biotechnology.

More information on PUB activities will be updated throughout the year.

A note to the Educators: We have developed a fantastic Educators Resource Pack which contains all the PUB resources that can be valuable aides in the classroom, helping learners understand the concepts of biotechnology better. These include posters, factsheets, curriculum-aligned classroom activities (Grades 9, 11, 12), an interactive CD ROM for Grades 6 - 8, a BBT DVD and many other useful resources!

Feel free to contact us for more information.

Funding

The PUB programme does not provide funding or scholarships for undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. For more information on funding opportunities visit the National Research Foundation (NRF) website.

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Invitation

The Public Understanding of Biotechnology programme invites you to participate in a Science Communication Workshop.

In the current day and age, scientists are increasingly required to communicate their scientific endeavours and research findings to audiences and stakeholders outside of the scientific community, to groups such as journalists, policy makers and the general public. Read more

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Call for proposal:

Hosting of Biotechnology World Touch Screen at Science Institutions in South Africa

Click here to view.

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Press Release:

Global experts convene in SA to discuss intellectual property, innovation

South Africa and other developing countries are in hot debate about how best to grow their economies through innovation and the development of intellectual property.

Read more...