2003 Media release

In the spotlight at BLUE IQ Smart Industry Expo, 22 - 24 October 2003, Sandton Convention Centre

Since 2001, the investment made by the National Research Foundation (NRF) in Biotechnology has increased with 50% in just three years from about R50 million per annum (during 2001) to more than R75 million per annum (in 2003).

This shows that the NRF regards Biotechnology as one of the key areas to stimulate South Africa's industry and global competitiveness.

The NRF's role in creating new knowledge and developing new skills in Biotechnology will be showcased at the Blue IQ Smart Industry Expo, to be held from 22 - 24 October 2003 in Sandton (Stand E1-4 in the Ballroom of the Sandton Convention Centre; 10:00 - 18:00 daily).

The NRF invests in research and skills development across a wide spectrum of disciplines. The growth of its investment in Biotechnology through a number of programmes are as follows:

• Funding for biotechnology research in NRF Focus Area Programmes increased from R5,3 million per year to R8,8 million per year over this period.
• In the NRF's THRIP (Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme) the investment in biotechnology jumped from R19,2 million in 2001, to R32 million in 2003.
• Innovation Fund investments in biotechnology also increased from close to R25 million to nearly R32 million during this period.
• Support for biotechnology students increased from R1,35 million to close to R3 million.

The stand will also focus on the important aspect of public understanding of biotechnology, and how the NRF's outreach arm (the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement - SAASTA) is creating opportunities for public dialogue and debate about biotechnology and its applications in society. SAASTA will also host an exhibition, in collaboration with the British Council, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA.

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