Section 1: What are the NSTF Awards and what is their purpose?

To recognise and celebrate individuals and organisations for outstanding contributions in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET), for the purposes of:

• Achieving sustainable economic growth for South Africa and improving the quality of life of its people;
• Promoting excellence among SET practitioners and innovation;
• Encouraging young people to undertake careers in SET.

In this context and for our purposes, definitions are:

• Science refers to the systematic study of the nature and behaviour of the material and physical universe, defined, in the broadest sense, to encompass both the natural and human sciences;
• Engineering is considered as the practical application of this knowledge especially in industry and commerce but also in human scientific fields; and
• Technology is seen as tangible products of and the means whereby science is converted into engineering and other applications disciplines and undertakings.

The generic value chain which links these elements together has been given expression in the definition of our National System of Innovation (NSI) and spans the stages of inputs, processes, outputs, impacts and outcomes and specifically includes:

• Research, development and creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of people, culture and society and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications;
• Technology transfer activities associated with research and experimental development and contributing to the dissemination and application of scientific and technical knowledge; and
• Scientific and technical education and training.

Note the purpose of the awards in Category G is set out in section 8 Definitions. A new specialist award for Science Communicator Category K is also given in section 8.