Talatona – The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESSTI) informed, on Wednesday, that applications for the National Science and Innovation Prize's I Edition, begin on September 14th and go until October 14th.
The initiative of the aforementioned ministerial department aims to recognize and value the excellent work carried out by Angolan researchers, inventors and innovators, and applications must be sent by email to pn.ciencia2024@mescti.gov.ao.
The award, valued at AKz 82.5 million (US$90k), includes several scientific and technological categories, such as the "National Science Award", "Innovation", "Invention", "Career", "Woman Scientist", "Young Scientist", "Innovator" and "Young Inventor".
The announcement was made official by the secretary of State for Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESCTI), Alice de Ceita e Almeida, clarifying that Angolans, both residing in the country and abroad, as well as foreigners residing in the country can participate, whether they are active or retired.
During a press conference in Luanda, Alice de Ceita e Almeida said that the biggest prize is the National Career Prize, the first place of which will receive AOA 12.000.000 (US$ 13.036,4), the AOA 6.000.000 (US$6.518,22), and the third AOA 4.000.000 (US$ 4.345,48).
For the National Science, Innovation, Invention and Woman Scientist awards, the values will be AOA 6.000.000 for the 1st placed, AOA 3.000.000 for the 2nd, and AO 2.000.000 for the 3rd.
As for the Young Scientist, Innovator and Young Inventor awards, the 1st place winner will receive AOA 3.000.000, the 2nd AOA 1.500.000, and AOA 1.000.000 for the 3rd one.
According to Alice de Ceita e Almeida, the categories are intended to reward significant contributions in the areas of Natural Sciences, Engineering and Techs, Medical and Health Sciences, Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts.
The Woman Scientist award, in particular, aims to boost the increase of women's participation in the areas of science.
Applications will be evaluated based on criteria such as scientific quality and complexity of the work, originality, innovative character, relevance and scientific, economic, social or environmental impact of the work.
The publication of the selected applications is scheduled for October 29th, and the evaluation of the works selected for awards will be completed by November 29th.
According to the Secretary of State for Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESCTI), the awards and honorable mentions ceremony is scheduled for December 13th this year.
In turn, the national director of Science, Technology and Innovation, António de Alcochete, foresees a significant number of candidates from across the country, both from higher education and scientific research and inventors.
He also informed that the jury panel will be made up of 10 members and chaired by professor Dr. José Octávio Serra Van-Dúnem.
The National Science and Innovation Award was established by Executive Decree nº 116/24, of May 24, 2024, with the aim of stimulating and recognizing the contribution of researchers and inventors to the Angola's sustainable development.
This initiative reinforces the Angolan Government's commitment to promoting science, technology and innovation as essential pillars for the country's progress, as the application form is available on www.ciencia.ao website.
The 1st Edition of the award is coordinated by the general director of the Foundation for Scientific and Technological Development (FUNDECIT), Mário Fresta.
GIZ/MDS/CF/jmc
