Science and Technology Minister Derek Hanekom would engage in bilateral talks with Germany’s Education and Research federal Minister Dr Annette Schavan on Tuesday in a bid to strengthen scientific relations between the two countries.

During her visit from February 4 to 8, Schavan would meet with representatives of the science, research, politics and business communities in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town to discuss further enhancing cooperation between the countries.

South Africa and Germany signed a science and technology cooperation agreement in 1996 to support research and development projects (R&D) in agricultural sciences, life sciences, earth sciences, mathematical sciences, engineering, physical sciences and health sciences. 

To date, more than R80-million has been spent on over 400 R&D projects at research institutions and universities, as well as with industrial partners.

To celebrate the success of this 16-year collaboration, the two countries would host the German–South African Year of Science 2012/13, which would include exhibitions, seminars and workshops on priority areas aimed at enhancing science partnerships for innovation and sustainable development.

During the Year of Science, 41 initiatives were selected to be funded, including initiatives in human capital development, health innovation, climate change, bioeconomy and astronomy. 

Schavan would also visit education and research institutions, such as the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Mintek, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Maths Center – a nongovernmental organisation offering initial and continuing training programmes for teachers and students in the areas of mathematics, science, technology and entrepreneurship.

Further, the German delegation would gain insight into practical vocational training in South Africa when it visits the Builders Training Centre, in Soweto.

On February 7, Schavan, together with the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, would present the first Humboldt Research Award in memory of the late Neville Alexander, who had been dedicated to the establishment of independent education and research capacities beyond national borders.

The award would honour three outstanding African researchers who, in close cooperation with German scientists, had made important contributions to tackling the challenges facing emerging and developing countries in their respective fields.

In addition to receiving €60 000 in prize money, the prize winners would go to Germany to conduct research projects of their choosing together with German colleagues.