2019 Science Forum shines spotlight on local tech
by Staff WriterThe Science Forum South Africa (SFSA), the annual event organised by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), remains a relevant platform for debate, says minister Blade Nzimande.
This year’s SFSA was merged with the Innovation Bridge (IB) technology matchmaking and showcase event and held under the theme “Igniting conversations about science for innovation with impact".
Hosted at the CSIR International Convention Centre last week, the joint SFSA-IB welcomed more than 2 400 attendees who discussed topics ranging from development of a culture of innovation, funding challenges for innovators, ethical matters related to genetics and genomics, the future of work under the fourth industrial revolution, climate change and infectious diseases.
In a statement, Nzimande notes the merging of the two events has enriched the science, technology and innovation discourse.
He says the forum had a strong focus on the commercialisation of research to benefit broader society with local technologies generated from publicly financed research and development.
“We believe our Science Forum is a powerful instrument and platform for science diplomacy and we are therefore grateful for the support we enjoy from the United Nations system, especially UNESCO.”
According to a statement, the 2019 event was an opportunity to showcase local technologies developed at publicly funded institutions. A number of DSI entities also had exhibition stalls, including the Technology Innovation Agency.
North West University has developed the Neu Hand, which is a low-cost, hand-wearable robotic device for supplementary rehabilitation therapy for stroke patients.
“The device provides a series of hand movement exercises that can be tailored to suit a wide range of patient needs. The lightweight frame and portability of the device allow the patient flexibility in choosing when and where to use the device. A built-in connectivity platform can link to external devices for better monitoring of patient progress,” notes the statement.