Science - deep science

National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) is one of the foremost entities in SA. We have previously covered the NSTF Awards, which are deemed ‘the Oscars of Science’.

On top of, the Executive Director, Ms. Jansie Niehaus, has written the article pertaining to universities also in this edition (in her own capacity that is).

NSTF is emailing me their newsletter. It is a collection of interesting happenings in the science world and really covers a lot of ground for anybody interested in ‘science’.

So, is it all about the professors? NSTF is a lot more than that, and that is where we will unpack some of the initiatives aimed at young people.

We all know that math and science are important topics in school. We also know that students who might excel in math and science might not be greatly inspired in other topics in school and therefore the overall marks might be less impressive.

It is a nice way of saying that the genius in math might be hopeless in language!

NSTF has a special programme to recognise the ‘genius’ in math and science. The Brilliants Programme. And it has been around for 20 years.

We quote: “The NSTF is the only organisation that annually and nationally celebrates achievement in these two subjects only [math and science], without considering the aggregate or marks in the languages”. The criteria for this honour are high: “Two top performers from each province, a young man and woman, are selected by the NSTF for this honour. The criteria for selection are:

• Only learners who matriculated at public schools • Who are first year students registered at South African universities • Who are studying science-related (STEM) courses (mainly natural sciences, mathematics, engineering and medicine), and Who have 90% or higher for the average of their physical science and mathematics marks”.

If anyone is selected, be aware that this person is the absolute top in the province!

NSTF has its Share ‘n Dare programme. I quote: “NSTF Award winners act as role models and ambassadors for science, engineering and technology (SET) and innovation. The winners share knowledge with youth and the public, inspiring young people to pursue studies and careers in SET and innovation.

How does it look? The session in February: UN International Day for Women and Girls in Science Webinar Session at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Gauteng. View the video It is a bit long, but find the bits of interest.

More from NSTF

We have to get used to this new normal of online. NSTF is having a link to something rather great: www.stemulator.org. What is it? Well, first of all, open the link. See for yourself. It is beta and not all of it is there, but if you should find the car, you will be amazed of the scope of this project. It is more than just nice pics and animations. There is a part of career guidance in this. It is not finished. According to NSTF it will be opened up for content submission and then it will take off.

Where does it come from: “The STEMulator is the flagship project of proSET (Professionals in Science, Engineering and Technology), one of seven membership sectors of the NSTF. proSET represents about 40 professional bodies and learned societies in South Africa”.

Could this be a fun project for a high-school project? To actually build content?

I can recommend subscribing to the NSTF newsletter. Get on to www.nstf.org.za and complete the form. … and be amazed!

UAE has announced its new batch of astronauts, inclusive of its first female astronaut.

Source: here: She got selected because she is good at it: “The United Arab Emirates doubled the size of its astronaut corps April 10 with the selection of two new astronauts, including the first woman, who will train at NASA starting later this year. The UAE government announced it picked Nora AlMatrooshi and Mohammad AlMulla from a pool of 4,305 applicants to join the country’s small astronaut corps.

They join Hazzaa AlMansoori and Sultan AlNeyadi, the first Emirati astronauts selected in 2018.

AlMatrooshi is the first woman selected as an Emirati astronaut. A mechanical engineer, she has been working for the National Petroleum Construction Company in the UAE. AlMulla is a pilot and head of the training department of the Dubai Police’s Air Wing Centre Oh yes: UAE’s space programme is done by some 80% women. I didn’t know that!

What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government entity under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)

What does NSFAS do?

Supports access to and success in, higher education and training for students from poor and working-class families who would otherwise not be able to afford the cost of studies at a public university or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college. •Provides financial aid to eligible students who are studying or plan to study at any of the 50 TVET colleges or the 26 public universities in South Africa •Identifies students who qualify for the bursary •Provides bursaries to students

• All South African citizens • All SASSA grant recipients • Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum • Persons with disabilities with a combined household income of not more than R600 000 per annum • Students who started studying at a university before 2018 and whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum

Who qualifies for NSFAS funding?

What does the NSFAS bursary cover?

• Registration • Tuition • Book allowance • Accommodation allowance • Transport allowance • Food allowance • Personal care allowance

Yes, NSFAS further supports funded students with disabilities through an additional allowance that covers:

• Medical assessments • Assistive devices • Human support to cover for the cost of a caregiver, guide dog, scribe or tutor.

Does the NSFAS bursary offer any additional support for students with disabilities?

How, where and when can one apply for NSFAS?

The 2021 application season will be communicated through media, social media and the NSFAS website www.nsfas.org.za. Applications are submitted online through the NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za

To apply for NSFAS funding students must have a registered myNSFAS account. If you plan to study in 2021 and require support from NSFAS, you may open your myNSFAS account now to keep updated with the latest funding information.

Connect with us using the following channels:

National Student Financial Aid Scheme myNSFAS myNSFAS

NSFAS Connect: www.nsfas.org.za and log into your myNSFAS account