The overall aim of the PUB programme is to promote a clear understanding of the potential of biotech Here follows more information on our implementations.
The PUB programme is an initiative of the South African Department of Science and Technology (DST) and is implemented by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF). Who’s who in PUB
Programme Coordinator: Dr Manjusha Sunil ([email protected])
Project Officer: Melissa Govender ([email protected])
Prog
PUB Activities
PUB hosts and participates in a number of activities in an effort to promote the understanding of biotechnology amongst various target audiences. Critical Thinkers’ Forum
A Critical Thinkers’ Forum (CTF) is an implementation that allows content specialists, policy makers and industry partners to come together to discuss pertinent and current issues in their relevant fields. The concept of a CTF came about during the course of the 2010/11 financial year in an attempt for the Science Communication Programmes to expand their reach of target audiences.
- Structure
Science Translation Workshop (Day 1)
Speakers and other interested individuals are invited to this half-day workshop that takes place the day before the actual CTF. The focus here is on presenting science in a manner that a lay person can understand. A media trainer facilitates the workshop and also goes through the speakers’ presentations to ensure that these are suitable.
- CTF (Day 2)
The CTF is usually a full day event, the programme of which is divided into three main sessions. Content specialists that were invited in advance present on their area of expertise. At the end of each session, there is a panel discussion during which time the audience asks questions. The media trainer in most cases facilitates the CTF discussions. The CTF promotes discussions amongst scientists, policy makers and industry with the hope that the necessary steps required to solve the problems identified during the implementation can be taken. In some cases, media are invited to interview the speakers with the end-product being press releases and articles. Past CTFs
- Growth of the South African Biotechnology Sector (November 2010 in Cape Town)
- Agriculture, Food Security and Emerging Technologies in South Africa (March 2011 in Bloemfontein)
- Acid Mine Drainage in SA – possible solutions? (July 2011 in Johannesburg)
- Human Genome Project (November 2011 in Cape Town)
- Stem Cell Research in South Africa (November 2012 in Pretoria)
Media Round Table
A specific goal of the Science Communication Unit is to stimulate message providers on various scientific issues (e.g. biotechnology, nanotechnology, hydrogen fuel cells etc.), whether it be the scientists themselves who are generating the information, or the journalists that carry the messages to the public. Improving both the quality of the information that is being communicated and the frequency with which it is reported, is essential to ensure clarity on these complex issues to ensure the different sectors of the South African public have access to accurate and appropriately pitched, information. Media round tables are essentially an interactive form of media briefing, involving a cross section of relevant stakeholders to enable all perspectives/viewpoints to be expressed and discussed in equal standing. The outcomes of the project are as follows:
• Bring together key South African science journalists and appropriate experts on a specific topic to share comprehensive, credible, factual information (on both an actual and virtual platform).
• Accurate, factual information on both the science of this topic and the related issues is effectively communicated to targeted media participants.
• Informed discussion around this topic.
• A comprehensive series of SAASTA endorsed fact sheets providing an overview of the science as an on-going resource for the media. Past MRTs
2008
- Biofuels
- GMOs in wine
- Biotechnology in medical research
2009
- Bioprospecting
- DNA fingerprinting
- From toxic waters to profitable ponds
- GM Potato
- Biological forensic analysis
- Role of biotechnology in food security
- Bio-pharming or bio-harming
- Stem cell research
2010
- Modern day technologies to address biodiversity challenges
2013
- Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) Project
Science Communication Workshops
The Science Communication Unit has been running science communication workshops for scientists and researchers since 2008, when the media round table events required scientists to their improve communication skills to the media. From the initial focus on media training offered at science communication workshops, 4 broad areas were developed; namely general science communication skills; science communication to policy makers; science communication and media training and the responsible management of scientific information. Workshops range from one to two days, depending on the requirements of specific groups. Numbers of participants per workshop are kept low, to below 20, to ensure interactive participation. Do you want a Science Communication Workshop at your institution? Contact Joanne Riley ([email protected]) or Dr Manjusha Sunil ([email protected]) for more information. Download the invitation from www.pub.ac.za or follow this link: http://www.pub.ac.za/files/pub%20workshops%20advert2.pdf
Exhibitions
PUB exhibits at various science exhibitions across the country from SciFest in Grahamstown to Sasol Techno X in Sasolburg. Not only do we have a stand that you can visit but we also run Basic Biotech and Forensics Workshops. So the next time you are at an exhibition, keep an eye open for the PUB stand. We would love to chat to you about all things biotech! Schools debates
The PUB programme funds the SAASTA National Schools Debates Competition during which high level scientific topics like biotechnology, nanotechnology and space science are debated. The Competition has 3 main phases, the provincial workshops, provincial competitions and the national finals. Topics are debated using five of the arguments for science communication as stances namely utilitarian, democratisation of science, socio-cultural, economic and advancement of science. The aims of this project are to:
- Stimulate interest amongst learners to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology;
- Help learners develop skills like research, critical thinking, information literacy, teamwork as we as the presentation of logical, clear arguments. Resources
Over the years PUB has produced a number of helpful resources for educators, learners and the general public on the various fields in biotechnology. Visit www.pub.ac.za to download these resources from the Fact Files or Resources Downloads menus, or contact Dr Manjusha Sunil ([email protected]).
