NACI hosts a Biotechnology Lunch Seminar on the topic
Presenter: Professor Sagadevan, G. Mundree, Deputy Director, Centre for Tropical Crops and Bio-commodities, Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT), Australia
Date: 06 May 2011
Time: 12H30 – 14H00
Venue: Department of Science and Technology Auditorium (directions)
17 May 2010 at Villa Sterne
“The trouble with our times is that the future is not what it used to be.” Paul Valery (1871-1945). Prof John Wood, Chair of the 
European Research Area Board, used this quotation during a NACI dinner presentation to highlight the fact that researchers have to be empowered to respond to a changing global research environment and to mounting global challenges. He shared six strategic approaches for European research to effectively respond to mounting challenges: global warming, scarce water, energy shortages, healthcare, etc. He also discussed the implications for doctoral training in the future.
Dr Camille Limoges, former Deputy Minister of Research, Science and Technology for Quebec, Canada presented a paper entitled “Challenges facing the Canadian innovation system in the context of the global financial crisis” at a NACI lunch seminar held on 10 September 2009 at the Department of Science and Technology. Dr Limoges is currently a member emeritus at the Interuniversity Research Centre for Science and Technology (CIRST), Universit’e du Qu’ebec in Montreal, Canada. The seminar was attended by NRF staff, DST officials, the members of the NACI Secretariat, and other key stakeholders.
Dr Anne Lidgard, a Programme Director and member of the management team of the Innovation Actors Division at VINNOVA in Sweden presented a paper entitled “Swedish Research & Innovation System and VINNOVA Policies and lessons learnt” at a NACI seminar held on 18 March 2009 at the DST. The seminar was attended by the members of the NACI Secretariat and the DST officials from various programmes. VINNOVA is the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems that is tasked with promoting sustainable growth by financing needs-driven R&D and developing innovation systems.