PUB website gets a new look

The Public Understanding of Biotechnology (PUB) programme’s website now has a new look. The new website is available at the old web address: http://www.pub.ac.za/

PUB is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and implemented by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) with the aim 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.

“The new PUB website was designed with the user in mind and we hope it will encourage more visits, and even a greater debate on biotechnology issues such as bio fuels and genetic modification (GM),” says Beverley Damonse, the Executive Director of SAASTA.

The new PUB website has introduced features such as fact files, information on past media round table (MRT), frequently asked questions (FAQs) as well as a section on careers packed with information on careers in biotechnology and a profile of stories from students who have studied biotechnology.

All comments and/or compliments can be sent to info@pub.ac.za

Call For Proposals - Audiovisual production & touch screen adaptation of SAASTA media round table material

The Public Understanding of Biotechnology (PUB) programme, an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), is implemented by SAASTA’s Science Communication Unit across all sectors of society.

PUB has been hosting a series of media round tables (MRTs) around South Africa. The MRTs are interactive media briefings where the media are the target audience, involving a cross section of relevant stakeholders to enable all perspectives/viewpoints to be expressed and discussed in equal standing. MRTs also help to bridge the communication divide between researchers/scientists and the media which is often responsible for the poor quality and quantity of accurate media reporting. Ultimately, MRTs will lead to improved understanding by the South African lay person of biotechnology issues.

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Release of new classroom resource material on electricity - released as part of the Primary Science Day implementation

Click here for more information

SAASTA Young Science Writers

An announcement on the SAASTA Young Science Writers Competition will be made in April 2009. This will include the launch date with an entirely new  competition  format.

Click here for more information on the competition