Sharp minds for Science Week
SPACE buggies, climate change and lasers will be on show for the public of Port Elizabeth when some of the brightest scientific minds in South Africa gather for the 60th annual conference of the South African Institute of Physics.
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) and Rhodes University will host the four-day conference, which falls within NMMU ’ s annual Science Discovery Week from June 29 to July 3.
The theme for this year ’ s conference is light-based technologies in keeping with 2015 being the International Year of Light.
The public are invited to attend the free lectures presented by acclaimed scientists including laser physicist Professor Andrew Forbes of Wits University, experimental nuclear physicist Dr Don Mingay and Nasa ’ s Dr Japie van Zyl.
“I don ’ t think it matters what we talk about in reaching out to budding young minds. But fortunately for me, light is a wonderful topic. Our future lies with light. Think back 10 to 20 years … Telephone calls would have involved copper wire and electrons, today it is fibre optics and light.
“I want learners to know that there is a place for everyone in what we call the photonic revolution that is here today,” Forbes said.
At least 450 scientists are expected to attend the conference. NMMU physics head of department Professor Andre Venter said pre-booking for lectures was free and essential and could be done through Computicket.
“We believe that these events will get people excited about the possibilities of science.
“Science Discovery Week allows learners to see for themselves what careers open up for those who pursue a science degree,” Venter said.