Posted: May 19, 2008

International Nanotechnology Exhibition comes to South Africa

(Nanowerk News) The Department of Science and Technology (DST), in partnership with the government of France and the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, announced the imminent arrival of the La Villette Nanotechnology Exhibition.
This world premier travelling nanotechnology exhibition will be officially opened by the DST Group Executive, Dr Bethuel Sehlapelo and his French counterpart Ambassador Denis Pietton at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown on 20 May 2008.
The interactive exhibition will be exhibited at the Sci-bono Discovery Centre from 19 to 23 May. Following this, the exhibition will be hosted by the University of Venda, Vuwani science centre in Limpopo.
Newtown is known as the cultural hub of arts and entertainment in Johannesburg. The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre is no stranger to hosting large school groups and visitors and is looking forward to welcoming all South Africans to the La Villette Nanotechnology exhibition where they will be able to enjoy the existing Sci-Bono exhibits in conjunction with the nanotechnology exhibition.
It is comprised of four focus areas that present the foundations, techniques, applications and issues around nanotechnology through the use of posters, videos and interactive displays.
The exhibition explains the basic science, minute scale and origins of nanotechnology and moves on to focus on the work that scientists do, how the research is conducted, what instruments are used and how cross-cutting nanotechnology is. Nanotechnology is present in physics, chemistry, biotechnology and many other spheres or fields of science.
Furthermore, the exhibition takes a look at what nanotechnology can deliver, addresses energy and environmental issues, health treatment, new materials for various applications and sports and leisure. The 'Issues'-section addresses risk factors that may be encountered and what measures are put in place to make sure that the products are safe.
The DST strives towards introducing measures that put science and technology to work to make an impact on economic growth and development in a sustainable manner, in areas that matter to all the people of South Africa.
The efforts by government to ensure that South Africa is informed about nanotechnology and its potential benefits will result in a renewed sense of excitement and interest surrounding science and technology. The exhibition is being marketed to the general public and high school learners in particular. The exhibition runs from 19 to 24 May 2008 and entrance is free.
All media are invited to attend the official opening at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre.
Details of the event are as follows:

Date: 20 May 2008

Time: 13h30 to 15h00

Venue: Sci-bono Discovery Centre, Newtown, Johannesburg

For more information on the Nanotechnology Exhibition, contact:

Nontombi Marule

Tel: 012 843 6456

Cell: 083 471 0007

E-mail: [email protected]

Source: Department of Science and Technology, Government of South Africa