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Socio-economic impact of African-European research infrastructure cooperation

Socio-economic impact of African-European research infrastructure cooperation. Pilar Gómez Policy Analyst ISC Intelligence in Science Rue du Trône, 4 1000 Brussels Belgium www.iscintelligence.com. Objective and context.

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Socio-economic impact of African-European research infrastructure cooperation

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  1. Socio-economic impact of African-European research infrastructure cooperation Pilar Gómez Policy Analyst ISC Intelligence in Science Rue du Trône, 4 1000 Brussels Belgium www.iscintelligence.com

  2. Objective and context To analyze how new research infrastructure development or cooperation using existing research infrastructures, contribute to socio-economic development. Target groups: African and European research infrastructures.

  3. OUR METHOD

  4. SOCIO-ECONOMIC INDICATORS based on FERIAM EU funded project

  5. CASE STUDY- SALT: Context The Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) is the largest single optical telescope in the southern hemisphere with hexagonal mirror array 11 metres in diameter, total of 91 individual mirrors. Similar to Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) in Texas. International partners includes universities and institutes from Africa, New Zealand, Poland, UK, Germany and US. SALT can detect the light from faint or distant objects in the Universe. Its scientific scope extends from searching for planets around neighboring stars to the study of the most distant objects in the Universe. Concluded in 2005. From 2006 to 2009 it entered a period of commissioning and performance verification.

  6. Pictures of SALT

  7. CASE STUDY - SALT: Economic impact Increased economic activity in the area. 60% of contracts and tenders for the construction of SALT awarded to South African industry as well as building infrastructure such as roads and buildings. New skilled jobs in industry. Likewise, many of high tech aspects of the project were undertaken by South African industry – this means the acquiring of skills previously not present or fully realized in the country. Creation of direct new jobs. When SALT became operational, almost 40 specialized jobs were created; software, electronic and mechanical engineering, electronic technicians, etc. Indirect creation of jobs due to boost of tourism in the area: visits grew from few hundred to over 13,000 people. Substantial increase of small business ranging from accommodation, restaurant, and other tourism related business. Estimated at 80 people employed Synergies effects with other related astronomy areas. Decision of the International Astronomical Union to locate in South Africa the Office of Astronomy for Development.

  8. CASE STUDY- SALT: Social impact The SALT Collateral Benefits Programme (SCBP) was established during the construction of SALT within the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) to ensure tangible benefits from astronomy to African society. Training of students. Creation of a graduate programme called “National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme”. It is a combined programme for graduates in physics, applied mathematics or engineering, hosted at the University of Cape Town in collaboration with other 10 universities. Training of scientists and technicians on how to use operate SALT. New astronomer with senior astronomer.

  9. CASE STUDY- SALT: Social impact. cont Education. SALT is well known by every pupil in the country and is part of the school curriculum at different levels. It is used to teach concepts in mathematics, science and technology. Inspire young people. SALT shows that there are great job opportunities in their own country in the fields of science, technology and engineering – prevent brain drain. Structuring effect on building the scientific community. Promoting close cooperation between astronomers, researchers, students and engineers worldwide.

  10. More examples of RI in Africa Research reactors in Africa produce radioisotopes for nuclear medicine – including for European market Surveys by research vessels of marine biodiversity support science education remote rural areas Location of remote stations of distributed telescopes in rural areas enable high-speed Internet connectivity rural populations

  11. Thank you for your attention Pilar Gómez Policy Analyst ISC Intelligence in Science Rue du Trône, 4 1000 Brussels Belgium

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