2003 Media release

eGoli BIO Life Sciences Incubator in collaboration with the Public Understanding of Biotechnology Programme (PUB) is hosting a Biotechnology Day on 9 July 2003 for the winners of the National Science Olympiad as part of a week of science events organized by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA).

"This exciting joint initiative hosted at the eGoli BIO and CSIR Bio/Chemtek facilities aims to bring science and business basics together on the same platform thus encouraging young learners to take up careers in science, with a strong focus on careers in Biotechnology," says Dr Paul Abrahams, CEO of eGoli BIO, the Life Sciences Incubator that serves as a development conduit for the commercialisation of life sciences research leading to new products, services and technology platforms.

"The incubator creates an environment of learning and sharing in which information, experience and ideas are freely exchanged," says Abrahams. eGoli BIO aims to create a critical mass of biotechnologists and biotechnology organizations to stimulate the economic development of the industry in South Africa. eGoli BIO is the result of a joint initiative between CSIR Bio/Chemtek, the Innovation Hub and AfricaBio.

The 100 Grade 11 and 12 learners will enjoy a full day programme packed with interesting information and edutainment at the premises in Modderfontein. In addition to CSIR researchers giving exciting presentations, they will be taking the learners on tours of the biocatalysis, fermentation and genetic laboratories as well as the pilot plant facilities. Interactive workshops will focus on the science of biotechnology - both the controversial and non-controversial areas, and writer/actor David Muller from the MTN Science Centre in Cape Town, will entertain the learners with his one-man play "Ta Ta Ma Genes" focusing on the different areas and views of Biotechnology, one of several on-going PUB projects.

"This collaborative day of events is a wonderful opportunity to focus on biotechnology as a whole - and to highlight how it has been a part of our everyday life for centuries as well as highlighting potential future applications and the related ethical and social issues" says Helen Malherbe, PUB Programme Coordinator.

The top 200 achievers in the Science Olympiad were invited to attend Science Week; it is a meeting place for young scientists to learn and socialize. The focus is educational, giving participants a broader perspective on science. They are shown different careers in the scientific field other than just medicine and engineering. The purpose of the Biotechnology Day is to further encourage and educate these top achievers to take up careers in Biotechnology.

The PUB programme, launched ealier this year, is a three year initiative funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and is being implemented by SAASTA, a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF). The overall aim of the PUB programme is to promote a clear understanding of the potential of biotechnology and to ensure broad public awareness, dialogue and debate on its current and potential future applications.

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