The Fellowship Scheme for Women Scientists for societal programmes is an initiative of the Department of Science & Technology. This scheme is addressed to women scientists and technologists who took a ‘break in their careers’ due to to social responsibilities but have a desire to return to mainstream science and work as bench-level s Women scientists desiring to apply for this scheme are required to develop their own research project/ proposals demonstrating science and technological applications for societal benefits. The fellowships will provide an opportunity to women scientists to re-enter research after a break in career, through support for S&T based R&D project scientists. addressing needs of people in unorganised urban or rural areas and give them an opportunity for S&T capacity building on issues relevant in societal programmes. The scholarship will be given initially for two years and may be extended to the third year in exceptional cases
the National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation states that the establishment of the Swaziland National Commission for Research, Science and Technology (SNCRST) will not necessarily result in the formulation of a research policy.
The commission will advise government on matters relating to research and the scientific and technological activities necessary for the proper development of the country.
The SNCRST will replace the existing National Research Council (NRC). Such a policy will make it possible for Swaziland to integrate the type of research needed to ensure that national development thrives on a sustainable basis.
Meanwhile, former principal secretary for agriculture Noah Nkambule has suggested that applied research should be done. He urged people not to write research papers simply to promote themselves.
INDIA has made available an amount of about E196.7 million (€20 million) towards the development of science and technology in the country. Royal Science and Technology Park Project Manager Moses Zungu said this money would be used towards capacity building.
He said they wanted to train both women and men to capacitate the upcoming biotechnology park.
The country currently has few experts in science and technology with the University of Swaziland (UNISWA) dominating in areas of research.
The National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation states that in the higher education sector, the only institutions that undertake research are UNISWA academic staff, UNISWA Research Centre (URC) and the Swaziland Institute for Research and Traditional Medicine, Indigenous and Traditional Food Plants (SIRMIP).
A study conducted showed that within the Public Enterprise Sector, only the Swaziland Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (SPTC) is known to be undertaking research, though at a limited extent.
research
“It is worth noting that even though some of the institutions in this sector do not have researchers, they do carry-out research through the services of UNISWA academic staff,” the policy states.
Further, the policy reveals that it was highly likely that an autonomous policy making body to be called the Swaziland national Commission for Research, Science and Technology (SNCRST) would be established in the near future with the aim of facilitating S&T/R&D (Research and Experimental Development) activities and would have short-term, medium-term and long-term priorities.
expected
It is also expected to work closely with the Directorate for Research, Science and Technology to be established within the ministry of information communication and technology (ICT). It is also anticipated that the Royal Science and Technology Park together with the Biotechnology Park would be established soon.
This is expected to act as a bridge between public and higher education institutions and industry with the view to maximising value addition, especially in agricultural products and also ensure that research findings developed elsewhere are made available to industry and the general public to solve problems and create/exploit opportunities.
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