Programme Director;
The CEO of Mintek, Mr Abe Mngomezulu and members of the Mintek Executives;
Deputy Vice Chancellors of the Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre partner universities;
Distinguished guests;
I would like to express my thanks to Mintek for the invitation extended to me to deliver the opening address at this very important event: the 4th annual Nanotechnology Innovation Centre (NIC) workshop, proudly presented by the Department of Science and Technology, in conjunction with our partners Mintek.
As a country we took a conscious decision, way back in 2005, to invest in the development of nanotechnology, and it was at this very institution where I came to launch the National Nanotechnology Strategy. South Africa was among the first few countries in the world to develop a strategy to guide the nurturing of this emerging research area. Current global trends continue to vindicate the decision we made in 2005. In its 2011 report on “Global Funding of Nanotechnologies and Impact” Cientifica, one of the world’s leading suppliers of nanotechnology information, reports that the world’s governments currently spend about 10 billion US dollars every year on nanotechnology research and development. It is estimated that this figure will grow by 20% over the next three years. The continued increase in government spending is indicative of the strongly held belief amongst global communities that nanotechnology has great potential.
Our government is in full agreement with this view, and has steadily increased its funding for nanotechnology research and development – the R30 million that was spent in the 2006/7 financial year has grown to more than R120 million in the current financial year. This is clear evidence of our commitment to making a serious impact with regard to nanotechchnology development. The increased levels of funding – a trend that is set to continue – have enabled us to make significant strides in our implementation of the National Nanotechnology Strategy.
I am delighted to be able to return to Mintek today to celebrate yet another milestone in our ongoing quest to harvest the potential benefits of nanotechnology. We have gone through the first phase of the establishment of the country’s two nanotechnology innovation centres. We move into a new phase with a sense of achievement, because, barring a few teething problems in the establishment of the Centres, the latter have delivered beyond our wildest expectations.
Naturally, other programmes continue to do very well too, thanks to the dedication of our researchers and students to the cause of advancing societal development through science. This dedication truly inspires the Department, hence the fact that we have committed ourselves to continue, as far as it is possible, to create an environment enabling this continued excellence in research. In line with that commitment the Department continues to invest in the establishment of world-class research facilities, raising the level of competitiveness of our research environment. A pertinent example is the recently established Centre for High Resolution Electron Microscopy at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. This Centre is among the leading microscopy centres in the world and the first of its kind on the continent. So there is no doubt that we have raised the bar significantly when it comes to nanotechnology research.
Our efforts in the sphere of nanotechnology development, continue to yield amazing results, evidence of which is detailed in the report of a recent study commissioned by the DST to establish our progress in this regard. The report indicates that our research has already generated more than 300 publications in peer reviewed journals, with more than five patents having been filed. It further indicates that a significant number of students have been trained, with about ten PhDs already having been awarded.
I’m sure you will agree with me when I say that with this phenomenal progress, we have once again proved to the world that we have what it takes to compete on a global stage. While this can be partially accredited to the investment the Department is making in the development of nanotechnology, the truth is that this investment is but a small piece in the puzzle. The majority of the essential puzzle pieces belong to the dedication of our researchers and students, to support from research institutions and to the common vision we all share.
It is pleasing to observe that human capital development is at the centre of our nanotechnology efforts. This is by design, given the importance of the existence of a critical mass of researchers with requisite skills to conduct cutting-edge research in the field of nanotechnology – research that helps us reach the goals of our National Nanotechnology Strategy. The progress being made in this regard is very encouraging. Just take, for example, this workshop. The number of students who have gathered here, and the work they will be presenting, is a demonstration of our success in building a core of knowledgeable researchers. I would like to encourage the Mintek NIC to keep up the good work, and I commend it for its invaluable contribution to human capital development.
The good work of this NIC is attributable to its operational model. The strategic partnership and collaborative efforts between Mintek, universities and other science councils provide a platform for the expeditious movement towards nanotechnology innovation. These relationships have catapulted nanotechnology research to an enviable status in the country. I therefore urge all those involved in this NIC to do everything possible to nurture and strengthen it. Make it your business to support it and to ensure its success. It is what the country requires if we are to build a strong and effective national system of innovation.
The NIC’s operational model is also responsible for its commendable achievements which include the development of Point-of-Care prototype devices such as the TB and Malaria test kits, all achieved in a very short time since its establishment. I would be inclined to believe that given the rate of its current progress, this NIC is destined to deliver on its mandate. I would also like to express my gratitude to all universities and other science councils that are in partnership with Mintek. It is thanks to your hard work and unparalleled commitment that we are today able to talk about the successes of the Mintek NIC.
This workshop, ladies and gentlemen, would be failing in its aim if it did not, once again, take stock of the progress made since the previous workshop. As we do that, let us not lose sight of the mandate of the Nanotechnology Innovation Centres. These Centres were established by the Department to achieve excellence in nanotechnology innovation and to help realize the goals of the National Nanotechnology Strategy. This mandate should guide our deliberations and be a constant reminder as we set our annual targets. We should use this gathering to reflect and determine whether we are not veering off track. The workshop should not be just a talk shop, but a chance for introspection, for self-examination, and of course for vibrant, robust debate on the issues that excite us all. I see on the workshop programme that this afternoon’s discussions will centre around the development of nanotechnology-based therapeutic approaches towards the treatment of HIV. With World Aids Day coming up in a few days’ time, I am sure that this discussion will take on an added significance.
The workshop should further consider how the NIC will help enhance other national initiatives, particularly around nanotechnology. The Department is currently hard at work developing means of ensuring the responsible development and application of nanotechnology. As a culmination of these efforts, processes are underway to establish the Nanotechnology Health, Safety and Environmental research platform to build the capability for determining and mitigating risks associated with nanotechnology. These processes have reached an advanced stage. I hope that this workshop will offer you an opportunity to discuss how best the NIC can assist such processes.
Ladies and gentlemen, a lot of work is also going into the development of a code of conduct for nanotechnologies research. For this, a national conference will be held this coming Friday (25 November), to present progress and to solicit inputs on how we should proceed as a country. I encourage you all to participate in the conference and to help shape the policy landscape in this regard. Our success is a joint responsibility and we will have to join our efforts in pursuance of our goals.
Before I conclude, I would like to leave you with some words of wisdom to ponder as you settle down to discuss and debate the important issues on the agenda at this workshop. It was the great Albert Einstein who once said “The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking.” Einstein also said: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Ladies and gentlemen, may you achieve what you set out to achieve with this workshop by refining your everyday thinking, by applying your knowledge, and by giving free rein to your imagination.
With these few words it is my great pleasure to declare this workshop officially open.
I wish you all well in your presentations and deliberations. May the workshop offer an opportunity for us to better our programmes and to enhance our chances of success. Let us not miss this opportunity.
Thank you.
.jpg)