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THE SMART NEWS SOURCE | Feb 09 2012 15:32 | LAST UPDATED Feb 09 2012 15:32 |
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Want to encourage science? Start with one person at a time. Nominate a scientist for the next round of awards hosted by the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF). Nominations open on August 7. But be warned: rat researcher and evolutionary biology professor Christian Chimimba of the University of Pretoria -- this year's winner in one of the senior-researcher categories -- says there is enough form filling to make respectable academics wonder if they shouldn't be filling out National Research Foundation grant applications instead. Chimimba, Malawi-born but based in the department of zoology at the University of Pretoria, cheerfully confesses to being bullied into summiting the mountain of paperwork after he was nagged by his head of department, Professor Sue Nicolson, who was supported in her efforts by A-rated scientist Professor Clarke Scott. The 51-year-old Chimimba protested. "There are so many other really good and deserving scientists out there.'' But Chimimba's head of department didn't take no for an answer, and as a result he won the Thamsanqa Kambule award, named after the renowned mathematician and teacher from Soweto. Now Chimimba's mission is to see that those other "deserving'' researchers receive recognition as well. But he needs your help. You have to nominate them. "If anyone gets confused by the paperwork, I can provide some advice,'' said the father of two boys. There is a wide variety of categories, including research newcomers, mentors and veterans. Winners can be science-related individuals, corporates, small businesses and not-for-profits. But there are gaps that need to be filled. "Women scientists, particularly black women, seem to be particularly reluctant to put themselves forward,'' said NSTF director Jansie Niehaus. "This might be a window of opportunity for a more senior researcher or a peer to nominate a colleague and really reinforce their self-confidence and provide some much-needed support.'' Applicants in previous years have tended to come from the big urban universities. Niehaus suggested that nominating colleagues from universities such as Fort Hare, Zululand, the Western Cape, Venda and Limpopo would be a good way to encourage excellence off the beaten track.  CONTINUES BELOW And the pain of not winning? "Just the idea that somebody thought I was worthy of being nominated is honour enough,'' Chimimba says. For more information about the awards, phone Khathu Mphaphuli on 012 841 3987 or email nstf@scientia.co.za. Website: www.nstfawards.org.za TOPICS IN THIS ARTICLE
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