Department of Science and Innovation

The Department of Science and Innovation (DST; formerly the Department of Science and Technology) is the South African government department responsible for scientific research, including space programmes. The current Minister is Blade Nzimande.[1]

Department of Science and Innovation
Department overview
JurisdictionGovernment of South Africa
Annual budgetZAR 6.69 billion (2008-2009)
Minister responsible
Department executive
  • Dr Phil Mjwara, Director-General: Science and Technology
Websitewww.dst.gov.za

Much of the department's work is ultimately carried out through various quasi-independent agencies (although still usually government bodies) including:

  • the National Research Foundation (South Africa), which receives a substantial proportion of the DST budget to carry out various research support tasks, including supporting key national research infrastructure ("National Research Facilities"), scientific research grant administration and a student grant scheme;
  • the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, which acts as a quasi-privatised research and development agency with a specific focus on research of application to industry;
  • the Technology Innovation Agency, which serves to provide funding to turn innovative research into commercial products;
  • the South African National Space Agency, which covers space-related research and development initiatives;
  • the Human Sciences Research Council (South Africa), which focuses its research on human health and disease.

References
  1. "Minister". www.dst.gov.za.
  • Official website
  • SEDS South Africa (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space, South Africa)
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