PUB Quarterly Newsletter
There will be a short delay in the second PUB quarterly newsletter due to BioPAD merging into TIA. Stay tuned to the PUB website for regular updates. Take a look at our first edition which explores how biotech can be used to clean water. Read more. Learn more. Broaden your horizons.

Press release
Shedding Light on Human Genetic Diversity

A paper detailing the the Southern African Genome Sequencing Project and its results was published in the journal Nature.

Read more

Press statement
A Stem Cell Symposium is scheduled for 2 and 3 August 2010 in Cape Town. The symposium will be followed by a workshop.

Please see the press statement for more details.

Easy learning!
A range of teaching aids are available in a number of different languages.

  • Cartoons
  • Illustrative posters
  • Teaching modules
  • Animations

  • Careers
    Interested in a career in the exciting field of biotechnology?
    Find out more!

    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 Infomation Pack which gives you the "where", "what" and "how" of applying for bursaries.


    PUB News

    Well, most of the PUB events have come to an end for the 09/10 financial year. But, never fear! We've got loads of stuff planned from April onwards.

    Here are some things to look forward to in 2010:

    • More Media Round Tables (MRTs) will be hosted by selected Science Centres around South Africa
    • Basic Biotech Workshops for teachers and subject advisors will be held in collaboration with SAASTA's Education Unit
    • Old Mutual MTN Science Centre (Gateway, Durban) will be running Basic Biotech Workshops for learners
    • Together with the NSTF, we will be hosting our first Critical Thinker Session around November 2010
    • Be sure to visit us at all the science festivals around the country (please see "events" section for details of the science festivals)
    Dates for PUB activities will be released at a later date.

    A note to teachers: We have many resources that can be valuable aides in the classroom, helping learners understand the concepts of biotechnology better. These include posters, curriculum-aligned classroom activities (Grades 9, 11, 12) and we are in the process of producing an interactive CD ROM for Grades 6 - 8.

    Feel free to contact us for more information.


    Keep updated
    Join the PUB email news network, PubNet, and keep up to date with PUB and general biotechnology news and information.

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