Science for Development

Building bridges across disciplines

Science for development as reflection, and as practice

A collection of essays and projects where science in all its aspects contributes to development challenges in all their complexity

2020 Science for Development Workshop

On January 30-31 2020, the first Science 4 Development workshop was jointly hosted by the International Science Council’s (ISC) Regional Office for Africa (ROA) and the International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), both supported by the Department of Science and Innovation and National Research Foundation.

We analyse the parallels in science, of the changes brought in by the 4th Industrial Revolution in terms of technology and human attitudes that are not replaceable by technology.

In November 2020, the Inter-University Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy Development and Outreach department signed an MoU with the International Astronmical Union's Office of Astronomy for Development to collaborate on the science4development project.

We are developing a science for development course at graduate student level to ensure that students leaving with a science degeree can contribute their skills to development challenges


We have written a contributing paper to the UNDP-ISC led project to redefine Human Development 30 years after the initial report on Human Development by the United Nations Development Programme.

This essay describes how, in South Africa, Astronomy, and excellence in astronomy in particular, has been successfully used as an instrument for development.

We support and run hackathons for big data skills development and accompany them with industry skills development to ensure graduate employability.

The Science Engagement And Development Seminars (SEADS) are a forum for University community outreach to non- profits, private citizens and civil society organisations to come together and share their practice.

The speakers: Ms. Palesa Nombula (left) and Dr. Lynndle Square (right).

This model of outreach focuses on distributed role-modelling in small career steps.

Questions?

Contact codman@uwc.ac.za to get more information on the project