Young scientist to rub shoulders with Europe's best

A FORT Hare University professor is one of two young researchers from South Africa who will be among thousands of scientists and researchers attending Europe's largest science conference in Copenhagen from tomorrow.

Professor Mamello Thinyane, who is an associate professor at Fort Hare's department of computer science in Alice, and Takatso Semenya, a physiotherapist at the University of Limpopo, will be accompanying Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor, and newly-appointed president of the Medical Research Council and leading HIV/Aids specialist Professor Glenda Gray.

The EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) is a platform to debate science and a showcase for global research.

It also aims to promote dialogue on the role of science and technology in society and public policy.

Speaking ahead of the event, Pandor said: "The EuroScience Open Forum presents an opportunity for South Africa to showcase its latest advances in science.

"There is much to learn from this country."

Thinyane is particularly interested in how information and communication technologies (ICTs) can be used to address socio-economic challenges, particularly in rural areas and among the youth.

"For me, this event presents a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge in the ICT field and network with researchers from other countries.

"There are many Europeans who are interested in Africa, and ESOF is a chance to sell South Africa and find ways to form partnerships towards the development of this country," Thinyane said.

Semenya said attending the conference would help her glean best practices in science, technology and innovation, which she would share and implement in South Africa.

"My plan is to use this opportunity to learn from different experts to help transform this country's health sciences research environment and products into something uniquely African yet being globally competitive."

Gray is scheduled to make a presentation on how health diplomacy drives business and innovation. Themed "Science Building Bridges", the conference is aimed at raising the public's awareness of science and strengthening the bridges between science and society.

South Africa remains one of the most successful participants from outside Europe in the EU Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development, with major participation dating back to the fourth framework programme.

Under the seventh, more than R400-million in EU funding was allocated to South African organisations. - Herald Reporter