3rd Announcement 16th Annual Conference of the Southern African Association of Science and Technology Centres to be held at the Nelson Mandela Bay Science & Technology Centre Uitenhage, Eastern Cape 17 - 20th November 2014 It is with great pleasure that Nelson Mandela Bay Science & Technology Centre invites you to attend the 16th Annual SAASTEC conference. WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Professionals from science and technology centres, national research facilities, innovation support centres, museums, planetariums, aquariums and art galleries as well as researchers, educators, teachers, government officials, administrators and policy makers involved with the public understanding of science, mathematics and technology (PUSET), curriculum developers and subject advisors. Sponsors, industry partners, stakeholders and other interested members of the community are also welcome. CALL FOR PAPERS, POSTER PRESENTATIONS OR EXHIBITIONS Delegates were invited to respond by submitting proposals for oral and/or poster presentations. Commercial displays are still welcome. Please see the registration form for details. Please note that the deadline for the submission of proposals was 31st July 2014. CONFERENCE THEME & SUB-THEMES The theme for this conference is “Science Centres - lighting up the way”. The sub-themes have been aligned to the 7 goals from the SCWS2014. 1. Engage more effectively with local communities and increasingly diverse audiences. 2. Continue taking actions that have a positive global impact and that will make people everywhere more aware of the opportunities that science and technology hold for the sustainable advancement of humankind. 3. Draw the attention of decision makers and the media to the essential role of public engagement with science and technology by setting up high-profile global activities. 4. Position science centres as “trusted” places to introduce the public to new technological solutions and sustainable technologies, and to broaden the potential use of these solutions. 5. Develop the best methods for engaging learners and optimizing their education in both formal and informal settings. 6. Engage the public more directly with research, to help empower people, broaden attitudes and ensure that the work of universities and research institutions is relevant to society. 7. Work together in a creative celebration of the International Science Centre Year 2019. CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES Papers will be invited in line with the following objectives: To share experiences on the theme of the conference and catalyse future exchange of knowledge among colleagues in the SADC countries and the world networks. · To focus on the impact of science and technology centres in the regions they serve. · To stimulate the development of science and technology centres and to present models that could enhance education and change in Southern Africa. · To interact with the relevant regional and national government officials, partners from the private sector, academics and students from HEI’s (Higher Education Institutions, e.g. universities), principals, teachers, interested stakeholders and members of the community. · SAASTEC Website : http://www.saastec.co.za VENUE, DATE AND REGISTRATION FEES Venue: The conference will be hosted and take place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Science & Technology Centre, Uitenhage. Date: Tuesday 18th November to Thursday 20th November 2014 The programme is on The web site. Registration: Afternoon of Monday 17th November 2014 @ Bayworld in Port Elizabeth (and every morning at NMBSTC) ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORT Cost : SAASTEC Members - R1500.00 NON-SAASTEC Members - R2000.00 Transport will be provided from Bayworld Parking Lot in Summerstrand - these hotels are nearby: Kelway Hotel Humewood Hotel Sun 1 Hotel More details on web site. PAYMENT OF REGISTRATION FEES All payments must be made into the SAASTEC account and the deposit slip together with the reply form must be emailed to the address indicated on the reply form. The reply form should preferably be sent electronically. Participants from South Africa deposit registration fees to Standard Bank Account, while delegates from all other countries can do a wire swift from any bank (SWIFT code provided). Account name: Southern African Association of Science and Technology Centres (early bird registration has now expired) Bank: Standard Bank Accompanying persons are welcome to attend the social functions at an additional cost. Please indicate your interest on the reply form. Final cost will be provided at a later stage. Current Account: 000 092 851 Conference organiser : Ginny Stone Email: [email protected] Swift Code: SBZAZAJJ Branch Code: 00 02 05