Feb 01, 2023---The Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MICSTI), Honourable Nthati Moorosi is  expected to officiate Research and Innovation Management (RIM) symposium including a science data workshop to be held in Maseru next month.

These events will be led by the department of science within MICSTI. The workshop will be held on March 02 to March 03 and it shall be preceded by the symposium on March 01.

Unpacking the symposium, Mrs. ‘Matsépo Mosoka, Senior Research Officer in the department of science said this is part of SADC programming meant to strengthen research and innovation in the region.

“The region is faced with amongst others challenges in the economic and technical spheres, the more reason why the region ought to work together to achieve common goals hence the symposium,” she said.

She highlighted that this event will be held in line with the theme ‘bridging the collaboration divide in RIM.’ She reiterated that on this day, science institutions will come together, and engage on key issues, challenges, and opportunities within research and innovation ecosystems.

Meanwhile, Research Officer, Mr. Mojalefa Sello told MICSTI social media reporters that the ultimate goal of the data science workshop supported by the Common Wealth Secretariat is to ensure that participants are taught how to analyze data in its different forms.

This he said will include how to store and analyze, adding this will help in identifying gaps so that better programs and policies meant to strengthen science can be developed. “Covid-19 has shown us that the need to be innovative in this era of new technologies in terms of data storage is key if we are to plan accordingly.

The department of science is mandated to implement programs that will promote growth of science and technology, and create an enabling environment in which technological development will make a meaningful contribution to the nation.

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