By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK – The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) conducted a two-day training workshop and capacity building session for the NamPower National Science Fair judges, with 70 participants representing all regions of Namibia participating.
The NamPower National Science Fair, of which the NCRST is a co-sponsor and partner, is an annual event where the best science fair projects from all the regions compete against each other. The training took place in Windhoek this week. This year’s NamPower National Science Fair will take place on 9-12 September at the SKW Sport Fields in Windhoek.
The fair aims to stimulate interest in young people in science, maths, and engineering; provide educational experience through participation in scientific research; give public recognition to learners for the work that they have done; encourage inquisitive students to explore their environment in a systematic, logical manner; and to stimulate students interest in science and technology while simultaneously promoting the development of the life skills of communication, decision making, evaluation of alternative solutions and critical thinking.
To ensure a fair and objective judging process, judges were reminded of the judging procedures, confidentiality, conflict of interest guidelines, as well the judging criteria, namely: creative ability; scientific thought or engineering goals; thoroughness; skill; and clarity.
Participants were briefed on the NCRST’s role in the institutionalisation of research, science, technology and innovation systems in Namibia, as well as the commission’s research, science and technology support and coordination function.
“One of the functions of the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology is to facilitate scientific human and institutional capacity building, as well as to promote science as a preferred area of study. Partnering with NamPower is thus a valuable endeavour for the commission, and we hope to have more of these kinds of trainings to enhance the significance of national science initiatives countrywide,” said Dr Diina Shuuluka, General Manager for Research, Science and Technology Coordination and Support.