[AstroNet] SAASTEC Conference in Sutherland

[Kevin Govender]

Hi all
Please note that the closing date for submission of abstracts for the 
SAASTEC (Southern African Association of Science and Technology Centres) 
conference is 31 July 2009.

The conference has been themed "Reach for the Stars" and is aimed at 
science centres and science outreach personnel from all over the world! 
In this International Year of Astronomy delegates have the opportunity 
to visit Sutherland and SALT (Southern African Large Telescope). It 
promises to be a unique experience for all, especially those who have 
never been to Sutherland before. It will be a great way to start 
bringing the year of astronomy to a close with science education 
outreach people coming together for a conference (and team building 
opportunity) of note! The phenomenal skies of Sutherland and the amazing 
high tech facilities at the observatory will certainly leave many 
completely blown away.

I look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible to Sutherland 
this November and we fully intend to give you a life changing experience 
at this conference!

All the information you need can be found on www.saastec.co.za but the 
basics are below. Please spread the word!
Regards
Kevin
0824878466

Basics:

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Professionals from science and technology centres, national research 
facilties, innovation support centres,
museums, planetariums, aquariums and art galleries as well as 
researchers, educators, teachers, government
officials, administrators and policy makers involved with the public 
understanding of science, mathematics and
technology (PUSET), curriculum developers and subject advisors. 
Sponsors, industry partners, stakeholders and
other interested members of the community are also welcome.

VENUE, DATE AND REGISTRATION FEE
Venue: The conference will be hosted by SAAO and will take place in 
Sutherland, Northern Cape.
Date: Monday 23 November to Friday 27 November 2009 (this includes 2 
days travelling).
Registration: Evening of Monday, 23 November.
Registration Fee:
SAASTEC MEMBERS R950
NON-SAASTEC MEMBERS R1200

TRANSPORT
Transport will be provided from MTN Sciencentre, Canal Walk, Cape Town 
to the conference venue in Sutherland.
Buses will leave MTN Sciencentre at 11h00 on the 23rd November, and will 
return to the MTN Sciencentre on
Friday 27th November (probably only around mid afternoon – so don’t make 
your travel arrangements too early).
MTN Sciencentre opens at 09h00 in the morning – so make sure you come 
early and spend a few hours exploring,
before catching the bus to Sutherland.
Please do note – there are various different options of travel from the 
rest of South Africa to Sutherland (for your
own expense if you are not going on the conference bus from CT). You 
could go by train / plane / bus or car. For
those who fancy a train trip (quite a bit cheaper than a flight but 
considerably more time consuming) bookings do
have to be made 3 months in advance.

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES
Papers will be invited in line with the following objectives:
• To share ideas and experiences about how science centres promote and 
support the development of
the pool of scientific and technological skills in Southern Africa.
• To share experiences on the theme of the conference and catalyse 
future exchange of knowledge
among colleagues in the SADC countries and the world networks.
• To focus on the impact of science and technology centres in the 
regions they serve
• To stimulate the development of science and technology centres and to 
present models that could
enhance education and change in Southern Africa
• To interact with the relevant regional and national government 
officials, partners from the private
sector, academics and students from HEI’s (Higher Education 
Institutions, e.g. universities), principals,
teachers, interested stakeholders and members of the community.

CALL FOR PAPERS, POSTER PRESENTATIONS OR EXHIBITIONS
Delegates are invited to respond to this circular by submitting 
proposals for oral and/or poster presentations.
Commercial displays are also welcome. Please see the proposal forms on 
www.saastec.co.za.

*Please note that the deadline for the submission of proposals is 31st 
July 2009.