Conference to debate how science can tackle economic challenges

Isaac Pinielo | Friday September 2, 2016 14:51

To be held from September 5-7, the prestigious sixth international conference is hosted by the University of Botswana (UB) in collaboration with the International Association of Science and Technology for Development (IASTED).

Briefing the media recently, event coordinator, Dr Ditshupo Ecco Maje, an electrical engineering lecturer at UB, said they are expecting about 150 delegates from around the world to attend the event. Under the theme, ‘Science and technology for development – responding to challenges facing society today’, the conference will cover power and energy systems, modelling and simulation, environment and water resources management, and health informatics.

“It will also put Botswana on the world map of science, technology, medicine and engineering,” said Maje.

He encouraged local practising engineers to participate in large numbers.

He also noted that the international participants will also have the opportunity to become acquainted with tourist attractions in Botswana, adding that the country stand to gain both technically and financially from the conference through acquired knowledge, hotel bookings, tourist packages and more.

Maje further stated that UB continues to bring the IASTED international conferences to Botswana every two years.

IASTED, with its headquarters in Canada, the United States and Switzerland, is a non-profit organisation devoted to promoting social, economic, and technical advancements around the world.

“The purpose of IASTED is to promote economic developments through science and technology.

This goal is achieved through the more than 410 conferences IASTED has organised in over 30 countries around the world,” he said. Established in 1977, IASTED organises multidisciplinary conferences for academics and professionals in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, management, and education.