International Workshop On Promoting a Knowledge and Innovative Society for Sustained and Responsible Growth in Developing Countries

Introduction

It is well understood now that capacity building in Science is one of the major prerequisites for the development of any Nation and the whole world is investing in this direction. Generation and continuous development of such capability is extremely important particularly for countries which are having transition from resource based economies to knowledge based economies. Naturally, in all such cases the youth is the primary target. Science Museums and Science Centres all over the world have consciously joined hands in this effort to enhance scientific literacy and awareness among the people at large. In addition to the programmes made for the students and the youth, various other programmes are being evolved to scientifically empower the public so that a sizable portion of it can take part in the process of decision making in issues related to Science and Technology in the lives of the people.

The role of Science & Technology in improving the lives of people, the ultimate achievement index of any development or growth process, is well recognized. This is why; developmental plans and strategies in all countries like to put utmost importance on the improvement of Science and Technology capabilities. A major factor to ensure such capabilities is creation and sustenance of adequate human resources in the fields of Science & Technology. In the present context, the goals of development plans of a Nation, particularly in the developing world, are set with considerations of complex parameters ranging from weather forecasts to geo-political situations. However, in no part of the plan process, the stress on the S & T capabilities can be lessened. In fact, in the terms of modern growth theories, human capital is as important as financial capital in the growth momentum of a nation.

To take the process of growth on a sustainable path, continuous innovation through scientific research is essential and this calls for creating and organizing a sizable base of practicing scientists and technologists. To start with, therefore, the youth need to be motivated in choosing careers in science and technology. In this age of globalization of every trade and professional practices, young and talented high school graduates are lured to lucrative careers in commerce, finance or management fields leaving the pure science careers generally for students of lesser merit at the entry level. But as sustenance of national growth need high quality scientific research products, talent must be recruited and retained in S & T fields.

One of the very effective ways to make young students interested in science and careers in science is to expose them to an easily accessible non-formal science learning ambience where they can have the opportunity to do science with there own hands, learn to put questions and discover the scientific principles involved all by themselves. The so called gaps in the formal science learning process in schools and colleges require to be filled in by this approach. A Science Centre makes such a learning ambience by offering experiences in science that goes deep into young minds to inculcate in them a spirit of inquiry – the fundamental gateway to a scientific attitude. The Science Centres therefore are important agents to introduce to the students the taste and thrills of science at an early age. The more the students participate in Science Centre activities, the more is the chance of getting more young students into the science stream for studies and also for careers resulting in creation of a broader human resource base in Science & Technology for sustainable growth.

Our societies have taken lessons from history. The powerful role of science and technology in economic development is not going unquestioned anymore. One is inclined to believe now that Science, unless used responsibly, can cause harm – sometimes, irrevocable damages to human lives and physical conditions of our planet. The process of growth therefore, should not only be sustainable but also responsible to the future of the Humanity in general and of a Nation in particular. This calls for opening up the decision making process in the areas of application of Science & Technology to the people contrary to the present practice of restricting it only to a handful of politicians, administrators or scientists. Science Centres play a major role in taking the messages of Science & Technology to the masses by conducting numerous in-house and outreach science awareness programmes with direct participation of various sections of the society. The awareness is meant to percolate to all sections of the society bringing forth a scientific temper and a logical attitude among the masses. This empowers the society as a whole in giving its mandate for responsible growth to the national policy makers.
Science Centres promote a knowledge society for sustainable and responsible growth in countries where the traditional resource based growth engines are changing their forms to knowledge based ones. This is being done by supplementing the formal science learning system with a non-formal approach and by empowering the society through awareness programmes. Through out the developing world, the role of Science Centres is being recognized by the Governments by giving it a definite place in formulating National growth policies.

In order to deliberate on the above issues, the Centre for Science & Technology of the Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre) jointly with the National Science Centre, Kuala Lumpur and Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysia announces the organisation of a 4-days International Workshop on Science Centre in Promoting a Knowledge and Innovative Society for Sustained and Responsible Growth in Developing Countries during 11-14 October 2010 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Objectives of the Workshop:

• To highlight the important role of Science Centres in nurturing a knowledge society for the sustainable development of a country.
• To help the Science Centers in developing world to prepare for the greater demands for their services.
• To stimulate and promote joint collaboration, training programmes or exchanging ideas among its members and advancing their common goals.
• To help in the establishment of links between Science Centres and related organizations involved in S&T promotion among NAM and other developing countries.

Expected Results/Outputs:

This conference of Science Centre professionals aims at exchanging views, information and data to understand the role of Science Centres in developing countries in promoting a knowledge society for sustainable and responsible growth. It is expected that the resolutions taken in the Workshop after elaborate professional discussions would help
Governments to take note of the profound role the Science Centres are playing in national development and to take proactive gestures to support the Science Centre activities for national growth.

About the Organizers

NAM S&T Centre

The Centre for Science and Technology of the Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre; www.namstct.org) is an inter-governmental organization with a membership of 44 countries spread over Asia, Africa, Middle East and Latin America. The Centre was set up in 1989 in New Delhi, India in pursuance of recommendations of various NAM Summit meetings for the promotion of South-South and North-South cooperation in science and technology. The Centre undertakes a variety of programmes, including organization of workshops, symposiums, meetings and training courses and implementation of collaborative projects and offers short-term research fellowships to the scientists from the developing countries in association with various Centres of Excellence. The Centre also brings out technical books and other scientific publications in different subjects. These activities provide opportunity for scientist–to–scientist contact and interaction; familiarizing participants on the latest developments and techniques in the subject areas; identification of the requirements of training and expert assistance; locating technologies for transfer between the members and other developing countries, dissemination of S&T information etc. The Centre also encourages academic-research-industry interaction in the developing countries through its NAM S&T-Industry Network.

National Science Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The National Science Centre (NSC; www.psn.gov.my) was established in 1996 to promote greater understanding and interest in science and technology. It provides an aptly futuristic setting for nine galleries depicting various scientific exhibitions. Located in a harmonious and attractive environment, Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, this new national landmark has a unique architecture that resembles a truncated cone capped by a geodesic dome. The National Science Centre, an institution of informal learning, was entrusted with the mandate to promote awareness, appreciation, interest and understanding of Science and Technology.

The Centre houses many different exhibits designed to stimulate, excite and encourage visitors to take an active interest in Science and Technology. The exhibits located in various galleries are based on different themes, which can be categorised into two groups, 'Basics Sciences' and 'Technology'. The overall concept of the Centre is to relate science with all aspects of life, knowledge and applications in our daily life. Among the fascinating themes featured in the exhibition galleries are Pathways to Sciences, Future World, Thinking Machines, Digital Lifestyle, Little Explorer, Wonderspark, We Did This!, Energy World and Kidz World. Another unique feature of the Centre will be the outdoor park named as Science Wonderland.

Participants

The workshop has been primarily designed for the specialists and professionals from the government departments, academic institutions, private sectors, science centres and voluntary agencies in the developing countries with relevant background and active
involvement in development policy and implementation of S&T programmes through science centres and museums.

The selection of the participants will be strictly based on merit and quality of the extended abstracts of the presentation material to be submitted along with the completed Nomination Form. A pre-condition for participation in the workshop is that the participants must submit the final manuscript of their presentation material at least a fortnight before the commencement of the workshop.

Venue

The Workshop will be organised at National Science Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

Resource Persons

Resource persons for the Workshop will comprise eminent experts from India and other countries.

Submission of Application

Experts and scientists desirous of participating in the Workshop, excepting those from Malaysia are required to submit their Nomination Forms directly to the NAM S&T Centre as early as possible but latest by 10th September 2010. The form should be completed in all respects and no column should be left blank. Applicants from Malaysia should however contact National Science Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The submitted application should contain an extended abstract of the paper to be presented in the Workshop.

Presentation of Papers

Each selected participant will be required to present a country status report and / or a research / scientific paper on any of the themes appropriate to the Workshop.

Publication of Proceedings of the Workshop

A publication edited by one or more international expert(s) and based on the papers presented during the Workshop and also containing papers contributed by eminent experts in the field will be brought out as the follow up to the deliberations of the Workshop. Therefore all participants are required to submit the manuscripts of their full country reports / scientific or research papers well in advance, but at least 15 days before the commencement of the Workshop (i.e. before 25th September 2010).

Local hospitality and travel

The National Science Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia will provide free local hospitality, including accommodation and meals, to the participants during 10th October (Noon) to 15th October 2010 (Noon), i.e. commencing from one day before the workshop and for an additional day after its conclusion. The participants will have to make their own arrangement of stay beyond these days and therefore they should arrange their flight schedules accordingly. Free transport will also be provided to the participants for their travel from/to the airport to/from the place of their stay and for visits in connection with the workshop programme.

Financial Arrangements for Travel

This is being conveyed separately to each member country of the NAM S&T Centre and other developing countries.

Entry Formalities, Immigration and Health

Participants of the Workshop must be in possession of a current passport or any other internationally recognised travel document. These must be endorsed for travelling to Malaysia and have a period of validity of at least six months beyond the time of stay allowed in Malaysia.

Participants should have a valid visa for entry into Malaysia. The Malaysian diplomatic mission located in the country of participants should be approached for obtaining an entry visa. If required, the organisers will facilitate the issuance of visa by providing the participants with an official letter of invitation.

Note

° The governments / institutions of all the participants will be required to bear the following costs:
- All expenses in the home country incidental to travel abroad, including expenditure for passports, required medical examinations, vaccinations and miscellaneous expenses such as internal travel to the airport of departure in the home country.
- Salary and other related allowances for the participants during the period of the Workshop.
- Cost of medical insurance to cover the period of participation in the workshop.
° The organisers will not assume responsibility for the following expenditure in connection with the participant’s attendance in the workshop:
- Expenses incurred with respect to any insurance, medical bills or hospitalization fees.
- Compensation in the event of death, disability or illness of participants.
- Loss of personal belongings or compensation for damage caused to them by climatic or other conditions.
- Other costs, including airport tax and excess baggage.

Contact Details

NAM S&T CENTRE
Prof. Arun P. Kulshreshtha, Director,
Centre for Science & Technology of the Non-Aligned and other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre),
Zone-6A, 2ndFloor, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road,
New Delhi – 110003, INDIA
Tel: +91-11-24645134, 24644974; Fax: +91-11-24644973
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Website: www.namstct.org

Mr. M. Bandyopadhyay, Senior Expert & Administrative Officer
Address, Tel. and E-mail: (O) as above.
NATIONAL SCIENCE CENTER, KUALA LUMPUR
Dr. Phyllis Lam Li Wan,
Chief Assistant Director (Exhibition),
National Science Centre,
Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation,
Pesiaran Bukit Kiara,
Bukit Kiara
50662 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA
Tel: (+603) 2092 1150; Fax: (+603) 2092 1250
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.psn.gov.my

In order to avoid confusion, the interested professionals from countries other than Malaysia may in the first instance please correspond only with the NAM S&T Centre, and not with NSC of Kuala Lumpur. All these applications will be initially processed by the NAM S&T Centre. However, the Malaysian applicants should send their forms to NSC, Kuala Lumpur.

CENTRE FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF THE NON-ALIGNED AND OTHER DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

International Workshop on Science Centre in Promoting a Knowledge and Innovative Society for Sustained and Responsible Growth in Developing Countries Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 11-14 October 2010

NOMINATION FORM

Please affix your scanned photograph
PLEASE TYPE OR USE BLOCK CAPITALS; NO COLUMN SHOULD BE LEFT BLANK) SECTION –A
(To be filled in by the nominee)

1 Name (Dr/Mr/Mrs/Ms):............................................................................
(As in Passport) (Last Name) (First Name) (Other Names)
(Please attach copies of the relevant pages of your Passport)

2. Father’s/Spouse Name: ……………………………………

3 Designation (Position held):……………………………………………

4. Nationality:........................................................................................

5 Date of Birth:…………. Place of Birth (City) ……….….. (Country)………

6 Passport No: ....................Place of issue: ........................................

Date of Issue: ............................... Valid up to: .....................................

7 Name of the Parent Institution (Employer):
Full Address (Office):............................................………………………
................................................................................................................

Phone: ........…................................. Mobile: .........................................

Fax: ............................................…. E-mail: ............................................

8 Full Address (Home): ..........................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................

Phone: ........…................................. Mobile: ........................................................

Fax: ............................................…. E-mail: ..........................................................

9 Educational Qualifications: Highest Degree:. ..................................................

Year of Award: ...................... University:..........................................................

Field of Study: ...................................................................................................

10 Brief Bio data: ……………………………………………………………………
(To be attached on separate sheet)

11 What in your opinion qualifies you for the participation in this Workshop?
(To be attached on separate sheet)

12 Brief (1-2 pages) Resume of your paper proposed to be presented in the Workshop
(To be attached on separate sheet)

Date: .............................. Signature: .............................................................….

SECTION -B ENDORSEMENT BY NOMINATING AUTHORITY
(The Applicant in a member country of the NAM S&T Centre may get the following endorsement signed by the Focal Point of the Centre in his/her country, if he/she wishes to take advantages accrued to the official nominee of the country. For the list of member countries and names/addresses of the Focal Points please visit Centre’s website www.namstct.org)

Signature:...............…...............................................................

Name (in full): ...........................................................................

Designation:.......................…....................................................

Date:....................…...................