German-South African Year of Science 2012-2013
South Africa and Germany are united by a long standing, successful partnership. Since 1996 they have enjoyed a mutual collaboration agreement in the fields of science and technology. Cooperation takes place across a broad spectrum of topics, from technology and applied sciences, to sustainability research and cutting-edge fields like biotechnology, nanotechnology and production technologies. There are almost 140 cooperation agreements between German and South African institutions of higher education.
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German research and intermediary organisations like the German Research Foundation, Helmholtz Association, Max-Planck-Society, Fraunhofer Society, and Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation, are also heavily involved in South Africa and the German Academic Exchange Service maintains an on-site information office at the Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg.
On the following pages learn more about this partnership and the significant events as part of the German South African Year of Science.
The Year of Science’s key subject "climate change" was the focus of several events held at the end of November and start of December in South Africa: representatives from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) had the opportunity to visit two research vessels during their trip to South Africa.
Researching the ocean and the polar regions
Germany and South Africa usher in a new era of cooperation with the official launch of the joint Year of Science on April 16 in Cape Town. The year promises dynamic offerings in both countries covering seven themes and demonstrates the long standing and successful scientific cooperation between the two nations. German Research Minister Schavan and South African Science and Technology Minister Pandor opened the event.
Joint Year of Science begins
The establishment of a Binational Mixed Commission to promote bilateral cooperation was agreed on the occasion of President Mandela's state visit to Germany in 1996. The initiative was the expression of the interest on both sides in developing a long-term and broad-based partnership between the two countries. The partnership has developed very positively for both sides since then, with almost 100 cooperation projects between German and South African institutions of higher education.
Cooperation framework
A year-long programme of activities will begin in April focused on Germany and South Africa’s long-standing and diverse partnership in the fields of research, science and technology. The Year of Science will feature live and virtual activities throughout both countries during 2012 and 2013. The opening will take place in Cape Town with German Education and Research Minister Dr. Annette Schavan and South African Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor in attendance.
German-South African Year of Science
