The 2014 pan-African Profile Awards for science and technology journalism
have been launched by global engineering firm Siemens with a call to
recognise the media’s important role in communicating how science and
technology support Africa’s economic development.
“Journalists play a vital role in distilling complex science, technology
and engineering into a language that business, government and the public
can understand,†says Clifford Klaas, Executive Director Siemens Southern
Africa, which started and supports the awards.
Economic growth in Africa is expected to accelerate to 4.7% this year and
5% in 2015. A wealth of science and technology stories can be found with
the growth of industries like oil and minerals, natural gas, coal,
off-shore gas, copper and uranium, as well as infrastructure development
and transport.
Minister for Science and Technology in South Africa, Naledi Pandor said:
“We rely on journalists to explain how science and technology are an engine
for economic growth and a vital factor in building a knowledge-based
economy.â€
The Profile Awards give hard-working journalists an opportunity to submit
their work, and earn recognition for outstanding journalism. The
long-standing Profile Awards cover science and technology in the widest
sense – from infrastructure development, energy and mining to bio-sciences,
health care and agriculture.
A student arm of the Profile Awards has also been introduced. The 2014
Student Profile Awards are open to journalism students from across Africa,
with five student journalists in line to be 2014 Student Profile Award
winners.
In addition to entries from working journalists, the 2014 Profile Awards
also allows nominations of journalists by their peers, government, business
or the public.
“The public engagement programme of the 2014 Profile Awards is crucial to
raise awareness about the role of science and technology in our society and
economy,†says Clifford Klaas.
For more information, go to www.profileawards.co.za
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