/ 30 July 2010

National Advisory Council On Innovation

ANNUAL NACI SYMPOSIUM ON THE
LEADERSHIP ROLES OF WOMEN IN
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
The feminine face of women in science is disturbingly hard to fi nd, but we
can change this!

13 August 2010
Premier Hotel, Pretoria
08:00 to 16:00

THE NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL ON INNOVATION (NACI) The annual symposium on women and leadership in science aims to address innovation policy and challenges faced by women in science, and to formulate socially desirable policy responses. NACI, established in terms of the National Advisory Council Act, was constituted to serve as a think-tank on innovation policy matters; it advises the Minister for Science and Technology on the role and contribution of science, technology and
innovation in achieving national objectives. NACI operates through expert committees
focusing on various scientifi c disciplines and issues. One of these is Science, Engineering
and Technology for Women (SET4W), the host of this symposium.

THE SYMPOSIUM
The primary focus of the symposium will be on policy issues that require cooperation
between NACI and stakeholders, experts and policy makers. The symposium will be
addressing two themes, Women as managers in science, technology and innovation and
Women as leaders of scientifi c output. Each theme will be covered in the plenary session
and breakaway sessions, with the latter aimed at fi nding solutions. The symposium will advance policy thinking and contribute to fi nding strategies for women to enter and excel in leadership positions in science, technology and innovation.

This will include —

  • providing a platform for interaction and networking
  • sharing information on the status of women as managers and leaders of scientifi c output in
    South Africa, and on current international viewpoints and policy approaches to facilitating
    and enhancing the contribution of women in science
  • taking stock of what has been achieved in policy terms with regard to advancing the
    status of women in science, technology and innovation
  • agreeing on what, in practical terms, and from an innovation policy perspective, still needs to be done to improve women’s contribution to science.

A report on the symposium, outlining agreed upon implementation mechanisms and strategies to advance women in science, will be used to provide policy advice to the Minister of Science and Technology.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The target group includes women scientists and stakeholders in the National System of
Innovation, individuals interested in the advancement of women’s leadership roles (both
in management and research), government departments, development agencies, science
councils, business executives, universities, research-based institutions and industry,
community-based organisations and women’s associations.

The symposium will be addressed and facilitated by prominent women scientists of national and international standing.

Do not miss this opportunity to join leading women in science and contribute to the debates that shape innovation policy in South Africa and the development of strategies to mainstream gender in the science environment.

CONFERENCE FEES
No registration or conference fees will be charged, but delegates will be responsible for their
own travel and accommodation costs and arrangements.

REGISTRATION
The deadline for registration is 31 July 2010. There are limited places available, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Contact Charlotte Mzolo:
Tel.: 012 843 6511. Fax: 086 681 0144. Email: [email protected]