The Max Planck Science Tunnel Exhibition Innovation. Nation building. Redefining Africa. Poverty alleviation. All these words are made tangible in the area of science and technology. There is an urgent need to educate the youth and excite them about mathematics and science, and never more so than in South Africa.
One of the principal goals laid out in South Africa’s National Research and Development Strategy (NRDS) is to develop and maintain a highly competent and representative cohort of scientists. Part of the country’s human capital programmes focuses on renewing the ageing scientist population – because unless something is done now, the significant impact will be felt in the years to come. Scholars of all races and genders need to be attracted to the field of science and technology, and the Max Planck Institute Science Tunnel is part of this initiative
The objective of the exhibition is to inspire and educate young South Africans to become scientists,” says Karen Gallacher, Marketing & Communications Manager at BASF Construction Chemicals South Africa. “There are 12 general topics covered, from advancements in the smallest particles to the largest.”
BASF is one of four sponsors of the exhibition, and this ties into the group’s social investment initiatives. The involvement of sponsors is highlighted in various ways in the exhibition, including detailing company names on specific stands. The 1000 m² interactive exhibition contains moving media, interaction stands, ‘touch and feel’ sculptures and images. The targets of the exhibition are learners from Grade 6 and 7. Children from various schools have been invited, as well as bus groups. Entry is free and media exposure has been high.
BASF focuses on education
Besides sponsoring the Max Planck Science Tunnel, BASF South Africa is also about to embark on a road show where the company will present itself to students at various universities
The intention is to show students the high calibre of research and development that occurs at BASF and the positive environment that exists. It is part of a programme that includes open days, for various schools, at the BASF offices. “We are an employer of choice,” says Petra Bezuidenhout, Corporate Communications Manager at BASF South Africa, “and we want to communicate this to learners and students.”
Further social responsibility programmes include the provision of labs, materials and books. BASF South Africa is in the process of a major sponsorship of lap desks – where the material from which the desks are made is created and provided by BASF.
The 18th of May 2007 saw the Max Planck Institute Science Tunnel exhibition’s launch at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown Johannesburg. It will run until 29 July 2007, part of a travelling exhibition that started in Ludwigshafen, Germany, in 2005, where it was presented by BASF AG as part of its 140th anniversary celebrations. The exhibition has also been to Japan, Singapore, China and Belgium. The launch also coincides with South Africa’s National Science Week. (See www.sci-bono.co.za and www.sciencetunnel.com for further information.)
This unique world-famous travelling exhibition offers a fascinating journey into the mysteries of our world and some of the groundbreaking discoveries that have occurred. Focus areas include ‘On the Way to the Big Bang’, ‘Building Blocks of Life’ (molecular medicine and biomaterial), ‘From Gene to Organism’, ‘Architecture of the Mind’, ‘The World of Senses’, ‘Technologies for the Future’ and ‘Global Challenges’ (such as energy sources for the future, world health and sustainable raw materials).
What is the Max Planck Institute?
The Max Planck Society has a number of research institutes that focus on areas of public interest in the natural sciences, life sciences, social sciences and the humanities. It is able to look at research that universities are not in a position to do so, be it due to organisation, funding or available equipment. Part of its mission is to pass on information and be part of international partnerships. In fact, 27% of the directors at the German-based campuses are foreigners. The opening ceremony was attended by a prestigious group of people. In attendance was the German South African Ambassador, Harro Adt, the Minister of Science and Technology, Mosibudi Mangena, the Director-General of the Department of Science and Technology, Dr Phil Mjwara, and 2005 Nobel Prize winner, Prof Theodor Hänsch, to name a few.
This was significant on a number of levels because, more than a way of communicating the excitement and advances in science and technology, the Science Tunnel exhibition also heralds partnerships. It is presented by the South African Ministry of Science and Technology, with support from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Sasol Ltd, BMW, BASF, Siemens, Germany and the Goethe Institute.
There is a real sense of collaboration, and the arrival of the exhibition in South Africa shows true partnership between governments, business and academia. The Department of Science and Technology considers building partnerships in research and technology, for Africa’s development, a core focus, and part of this is to develop international partnerships with countries like Germany and Institutes like the Max Planck Society.
Germany – the land of ideas
Did you know that…
- 65% of companies in Germany do business within innovative segments?
- 55, 398 million euros was spent on R&D in Germany in 2005?
- 66% of German industry investments go into R&D?
BASF South Africa is an integral part of this collaboration. “As the world’s leading chemicals company, our goal is to use products and services to successfully shape the future of our customers, business partners and employees. This includes social investment projects that shape our global future,” says Petra Bezuidenhout from BASF. “BASF South Africa’s sponsorship of the Science Tunnel shows our commitment to developing young science minds for the betterment of South Africa, Germany, our industry and BASF, the company.”
BASF is the world's leading chemicals company:
The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, refining products, pesticides and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF's intelligent system solutions and high-value products help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to open up additional market opportunities. The company combines economic success with protection of the environment and social responsibility, thus contributing to a future worth living. BASF has over 95,000 employees and achieved a turnover of more than €52.6 billion in 2006. BASF is listed on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF) and Zürich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com