ICGEB at SA National Science Week – Celebrating the role of basic sciences in the modern world

This past weekend, ICGEB Cape Town participated in the launch of South Africa National Science Week (NSW) 2022, at Mangosuthu University of Technology , in Durban, South Africa.

ICGEB Cape Town was at Mangosuthu University of Technology , Umlazi, Durban, South Africa for the launch of NSW 2022 on Saturday, 30 July 2022. NSW will run from 01 – 06 August 2022, under the theme “Celebrating the role of basic sciences in the modern world ”.

National Science Week is an initiative of the South African Department of Science and Innovation, coordinated nationally by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement – SAASTA. NSW is an annual celebration of the role and value of science and technology in people’s daily lives, with countrywide celebrations of science, connecting various stakeholders and role players conducting science-based activities during the week.

ICGEB ran a hands-on Foldscope workshop at the launch, bringing the ‘magic’ of the paper microscope to the exhibition, with more than 600 learners and their life sciences teachers present. ICGEB also donated some Foldscopes to various science teachers, to be used in the classroom and outdoor setting, making science more accessible.

‘Wow, it’s magic!’, ‘This is cooler than a big microscope’, ‘I actually have no words’, ‘I’m overwhelmed’. NSW Learners comments on using the Foldscope

Celebrating NSW, ICGEB Cape Town will welcome a visit of 20 learners from Thandokhulu High School on 4 August 2022 to the Component. The School Outreach Programme will see learners in the lab, working on DNA isolation, protein quantification, tissue culture and using the Foldscope.