Boitumelo Makgabutlane

Ms Boitumelo Makgabutlane, Science Communication Division

Ms Boitumelo Makgabutlane joined the Science Communication Division at the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) in July 2018 as a volunteer under the DST National Youth Service Programme. Ms Makgabutlane is part of a vibrant team that is responsible for the implementation of science engagement projects linked to the DST priority research areas. She holds a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering that she obtained from the University of South Africa. She is currently completing a short course in Science Communication with the University of Stellenbosch and has future plans of registering for a PhD. She is looking forward to advancing the departmental objectives and bringing innovative ideas with her acquired skills in science as well as communication.

The priority research areas science engagement programmes managed by SAASTA on behalf of DST include the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Public Awareness, Demonstration and Education Platform, the Nanotechnology Public Engagement Programme and the Public Understanding of Biotechnology. The main aim of the programmes is to promote credible, fact-based understanding of priority research areas through dialogue, education and engagement that will enable informed decision making on related technological innovations amongst local and international stakeholders. The programmes will also aim to entice and inspire the next generation scientists towards science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI) careers, especially those in the priority areas.