The public will have an opportunity to visit science exhibitions, participate in interactive demonstrations and attend science-related workshops during National Science Week, which runs from 2 to 9 August 2014. The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, will launch the flagship initiative on 2 August at the University of the Free State's South Campus in Mangaung. National Science Week is an annual celebration of science, engineering and technology, attracting thousands of learners and members of the public to workshops, science shows and lectures held at universities, schools, science centres and public facilities countrywide.
The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement, part of the National Research Foundation, implements the initiative through various stakeholders, role players and interest groups. Zoos, astronomy societies and botanical gardens will be involved in creating awareness about their respective fields, with science centres offering young and old the chance to engage with interactive science exhibits and participate in workshops. This is the 15th National Science Week in South Africa and, taking into account how science contributes to the economy and people's quality of life, it will be celebrated under the theme "Today's science, tomorrow's world".
The subtheme of this year's National Science Week is the "International Year of Crystallography". Crystallography is the branch of science that examines the structure of crystals and how this can change the way materials behave. The public will get an opportunity to experience science at work on the day of the event, with some of the best projects of the Department of Science and Technology's entities on show. The Minister will be joined at the launch by the Premier of the Free State, Mr Ace Magashule, the University of the Free State's Vice-Rector: External Relations, Dr Choice Makhetha, and several other dignitaries.