The Durban University of Technology is co-hosting COVIDSET 2011, the fourth in a series of conferences which aims to provide a platform for Vice Chancellors, Deans, Heads of Departments, the Private Sector and Development Partners in Africa and the Diaspora to exchange ideas, experiences and share good practices. It also aims to sensitise university leaders on new and emerging trends in science, engineering and technology to enhance Africa’s global competitiveness and high-level training and research.

Aims and Objectives

The aim of the conference is to bring together university leaders/policy makers, researchers, development partners and the private sector to deliberate on how to exploit research and innovation capacities in Africa and capabilities to generate new products, processes and markets for its socio economic development as well as increase Africa’s global competitiveness under the theme: “Harnessing Africa’s Scientific, Engineering and Technology Innovations for Sustainable Development: The Role of Universities”

Sub-themes include: Innovative use of science, engineering and technology in meeting the Millennium Development Goals, University-Private Sector-Donor Partner collaboration, Intellectual Property Rights and the State of Science and Engineering Universities in Africa. In addition there will be parallel

sessions on new and emerging trends in Nanotechnology, Climate Change Adaptation and Green Energy.

Expected Outcome

• Strengthening the capacity of university leaders responsible for science and technology teaching, researchers and private sector actors to exploit Africa’s available knowledge base, human resources in science and technology for sustainable development;

• Increase the opportunity for Vice Chancellors and Deans to acquire skills to respond to challenges in new and emerging areas of science, engineering and technology;

• Develop an Action Plan for harnessing science, engineering, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship capacity and capabilities in universities in Africa for sustainable socio economic development; and

• Develop strategies for strengthening Science and Technology Institutions in Africa.