21 Oct 2013

Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) has established long-term collaborative partnerships with specialised research institutions in science and technology in South Africa.

A news release from BIUST stated that the collaborations were part of the university’s quest to open new frontiers in the areas of its specialisation, namely engineering, science and technology. The university’s new Vice Chancellor, Professor Hilary Inyang, on October 7-10 led a high-level delegation to South Africa and met with the management of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Natural Resources for Environment (NRE).

The CSIR is one of the leading scientific and technology research, development and implementation institutions in Africa and had the mandate of directing research and development for socio-economic growth and improvement of the quality of life of South Africans in such areas as the built and natural environment, health, defence and security, energy, advanced manufacturing and mining, and information and communications technology.

The release stated that BIUST delegation also met with the management of South African National Space Agency (SANSA).  SANSA was established to catalyse the promotion and use of space and co-operation in space-related activities, foster research in space science, advance scientific engineering through human capital and, support the creation of an environment conducive to industrial development in space technologies within the framework of national government policy.  

The BIUST delegation held talks with the management of the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI).  SANEDI was officially launched in July 2012 with the main purpose of directing, monitoring and conducting applied research and development, demonstration and deployment as well as undertake specific measures to promote energy efficiency throughout the country.

The two institutions are scheduled to sign a Memorandum of Agreement through which they will collaborate in identifying energy efficient projects in both countries and the region. BIUST mission held its last meeting with the management of the Research and Development Division of MINTEK, one of South Africa’s top research institutions in the mining industry.  

The two institutions identified a number of areas for collaboration going forward which include:  technology transfers; student and staff exchange; joint research projects; provision of internship opportunities to BIUST, the opportunity for MINTEK experts to serve as adjunct lecturers of BIUST. ENDS