Nanotechnology Innovation Centre :: About DST/Mintek NIC ::

DST/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre

The DST/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre (NIC) is a multi-user, national facility that is geographically spread across South Africa. It is comprised of the science council, Mintek, and university “nodes” in the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape and Gauteng.

The DST/Mintek NIC addresses the following objectives outlined in the National Nanotechnology Strategy and the National R&D Strategy:

Development of research platforms.
Formation of collaborative networks.
Human capital development.

Research Platforms:
The nanotechnology research platforms being developed in the DST/Mintek NIC are outlined in the National Nanotechnology Strategy. To ensure co-ordination and alignment with existing priorities and programmes, the respective science councils and bodies have been included in the decision-making Steering Committee. The nanotechnology research platforms are illustrated in the diagram with the respective science council and bodies.

Collaborative Networks:
The cross-disciplinary nature of nanoscience and nanotechnology makes collaboration an integral part of any nanotechnology programme. The DST/Mintek NIC has included university stakeholders in the decision-making Steering Committee, to ensure that expertise is matched to the objectives of the centre. These university stakeholders are in turn networked with other universities, forming a national and international web of activities focused on the research platforms.

Human Capital Development:
The activities in the centre are very focused on developing human capital in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The bulk of the funding is towards research activities, at universities in the form of postgraduate bursaries. Researchers are developed by making it possible to exchange ideas through local and international researcher exchange, conferences, workshops and mobility where required.