OWSD/British Council South Africa Science Communication Training Workshop Programme for Female Scientists

Application Deadline: 2nd March 2016

The Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) South African National Chapter and the British Council are requesting applications from early career female researchers and scientists for skills training on science communication and engagement.

This workshop is a component of the first phase of a programme of Professional Development for Female Scientists in South Africa as part of a joint project between the Academy of Sciences South Africa (ASSAf) and the British Council Newton Fund (UK). The project aims to support Female Scientists and Researchers to develop their skills in science communication and engagement through a year-long training programme, beginning with a 3 day workshop with a master class UK trainer in science communication and engagement.

The Newton Fund is a bilateral initiative between the Department of Science and Technology South Africa and the Department of Business Innovation and Skills (UK) and aims to support collaboration between South Africa and the United Kingdom and to support local socio-economic and development priorities. This programme also forms part of the activities of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) South African National Chapter. A select group of candidates from this programme will also participate in a science communication and engagement study tour to the UK.

The programme aims to meet the following National priorities:

1. Promote science communication that will enhance science engagement in South Africa- Strategic Aim 3 of the Science Engagement Framework (DST, 2014)
2. Contribute to social inclusivity by improving access, opportunity and success of women in science through a focus on female researchers and scientists
3. A focus on women scientists and researchers from historically disadvantaged higher education institutions (HDI’s)
4. Improve the capacity of female scientists in providing science advice (science advice for policy makers and other decision makers)

Note that participants in this workshop will be expected to participate and be available for the year- long programme as outlined in the following section

• Call for applications from female scientists opens: 19 February 2016
• Applications close : 2 March 2016
• Selection of applicants : 4 March 2016
• Travel arrangements for Workshop in Sandton, Johannesburg : 7 – 11 March 2016
• Training Workshop: Science Communication and Engagement :  16 – 17 March 2016
• Applications for organisational grants for Training of Trainer workshops open : April – May 2016
• Implementation of National workshop ToT’s: May – June 2016
• Selection of 5 participants:  July 2016
• Study tour to the UK: September 2016

Application Procedure: