The Innovation Bridge (IB) Technology Matchmaking and Showcasing Event and Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) provided Africa with an “open science” event, similar to forums convened with great success elsewhere in the world. The forum provided for all interested parties to ignite conversations about science, which has held over four successful events to date with over 3000 delegates attending each year.
Above: Charleen Duncan, Director Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, UWC (right); Prof Jan Crafford, DVC Academic (middle) and Dr Segun Obadire, Acting Director International Relations UNIVEN (left), during the programme
The SFSA Science Forum took place at CSIR ICC, Pretoria between 4 and 6 December 2019. The forum organised by the Department of Science and Innovation hosted the USA-SA Higher Education Network where the topic: ‘Role of collaborative University partnerships in achievement of SDGs’ was discussed by panels including Prof Jan Crafford, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), University of Venda (UNIVEN); Prof Stephanie Burton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Postgraduate Education, University of Pretoria (UP); Prof Nthabiseng Ogude, Dean Mamelodi Campus, University of Pretoria (UP) and Charleen Duncan, Director Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, University of Western Cape (UWC). The discussion was moderated by Dr Segun Obadire, Acting Director International Relations, UNIVEN.
Above L-R: Prof Jan Crafford, Charleen Duncan, Prof Nthabiseng Ogude and Prof Stephanie Burton
The session was attended by participants from different works of life including delegates from USA and other countries. The presentations centered around Entrepreneurial university’s role in achieving SDGs; Community engagement projects at HDI university; Collaborative work at the Mamelodi campus; the international engagement, collaboration and university partnership in achieving the SDGs. Questions and comments followed after the presentations. The panel agreed that universities have an important role of providing leadership and direction in the attainment of the SDGs. It is therefore, important for universities to produce a high-impact, cross-cutting research through multi-disciplinary teams and approaches using appropriate technology and innovation.
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 10 January 2020
