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26 October 2023 | Story André Damons | Photo SUPPLIED
Dr Yolandi Schoeman
Dr Yolandi Schoeman, a postdoctoral fellow in the Centre for Environmental Management (CEM) at the University of the Free State (UFS), attended the 2023 World Women Scientists Conference in China.

Dr Yolandi Schoeman, a postdoctoral fellow in the Centre for Environmental Management (CEM) at the University of the Free State (UFS), represented South Africa at the recently concluded 2023 World Women Scientists Conference in China.

She was part of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professionals (SACNASP) delegation at this global event, which was made possible through a collaboration between SACNASP, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), and the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST). She was also invited to participate in a panel discussion on science and the future of women in science.

Dr Schoeman, a distinguished scientist and ecological engineer in South Africa, said it is an honour to have received the invitation to represent South Africa at the conference. The event, co-sponsored by CAST and the People's Government of Zhejiang Province, took place from 13 to 15 October 2023 in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China.

Foster international collaborations and partnerships

“It was a great experience to represent South Africa at the 2023 World Women Scientists Conference,” Dr Schoeman said. “It's a tremendous privilege to be part of such a prestigious global event and to have the opportunity to showcase South Africa's contributions to the field of science on an international stage.

“I had hopes for this conference which were multifaceted. I hoped to foster international collaborations and partnerships with fellow women scientists from around the world. These collaborations between China and the University of the Free State, including the Ecological Engineering Institute of Africa, can lead to groundbreaking research, shared knowledge, and innovative solutions to some of our planet's most pressing challenges.”

She said she would like to think she achieved what she set out to, and realised her hopes of establishing important international networks for future collaboration between the UFS and China, especially related to addressing sustainability challenges in Africa. 

With the overarching theme of "Openness, Trust, Innovation, and Development”, the conference focused on fostering a global community with a shared future for humanity, and advancing the goals of sustainable development. 

Importance of conference for women scientists 

According to Dr Schoeman, the importance of this conference for women scientists cannot be overstated. “It provides a unique platform for women scientists to showcase their achievements, share their experiences, and build networks with peers and mentors from diverse backgrounds,” she said. 

“The conference is a powerful avenue to address gender disparities in science and promote inclusivity, ultimately paving the way for more women to confidently pursue and excel in STEM fields. I aimed to contribute my insights and expertise to discussions on advancing science, technology, and innovation. 

“I looked forward to learning from the experiences and accomplishments of other women scientists, gaining new perspectives and ideas that can be applied in my own work. Overall, my goal was to return from the conference with enhanced knowledge and a broader network to make a positive impact in the field of science, both in South Africa representing the UFS and on a global scale.”

Alliance of World Women Scientists

Dr Schoeman, who works closely with Prof Paul Oberholster, Director of the CEM and an expert in wastewater treatment, was also invited to participate in the launch of the Alliance of World Women Scientists. This alliance, which was launched during the conference, seeks to bring together women scientists from across the globe, along with academic institutions and organisations representing them. 

Dr Schoeman's participation in this global gathering is a testament to her dedication and contributions to the field of science. South Africa takes pride in her representation at this prestigious event and looks forward to the insights and collaborations that will emerge from her involvement.

News Archive

SASOL TRAC laboratory launched at UFS Qwaqwa Campus
2006-05-08

Some of the guests attending the launch of the Sasol TRAC Laboratory at the University of the Free State's (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus were from the left Prof Peter Mbati (Principal of the Qwaqwa Campus), Mrs Zimbini Zwane ( Communications Manager of Sasol Infrachem), Prof Gerhardt  de Klerk (Dean : UFS Faculty of the Humanities), Prof Fred Hugo
 Director of TRAC SA) and Prof Jack van der Linde (Director of RIEP at the UFS).

SASOL TRAC laboratory launched at UFS Qwaqwa Campus

The Research Institute for Education Planning (RIEP) of the University of the Free State (UFS) today unveiled the Sasol TRAC Laboratory at its Qwaqwa campus.

The laboratory will be used to help grade 10, 11 and 12 learners and educators from the Qwaqwa region to conduct the experiments from the physical sciences outcome-based curriculum.

“The Sasol TRAC Laboratory introduces learners not only to the latest technology used by engineers and other scientists in practice but also to stimulate the learner’s interest in the field of science in such a way that more of them will enter into science related careers,” says Mr Cobus van Breda, Co-ordinator of the TRAC Free State Regional Centre.

According to Mr van Breda the newly established Sasol TRAC Laboratory will enable RIEP to train learners and their educators in Physical Sciences.  The laboratory will consist of six work stations equipped with computers and electronic sensors.

“Learners from the Qwaqwa region will visit the Sasol TRAC Laboratory on regular basis to conduct experiments based on the curriculum.  Data will be collected with electronic apparatus and presented as graphs on the computer so that results can be analysed and interpreted,” says Mr van Breda.

“There is a serious shortage of suitable qualified teachers in maths and science in the Qwaqwa region.  Many schools in the region are not yet part of the RIEP project and are in dire need of assistance.  A large number of these schools are in remote areas not reached regularly by intervention programmes,” says Prof Peter Mbati, Principal of the UFS Qwaqwa Campus.

“The establishment of the Sasol TRAC Laboratory at the Qwaqwa Campus provides us the opportunity to engage with our community and assist in the development and training of these vital education subjects.  We are pleased that Sasol agreed to fund the project,” says Prof Mbati.

Students from the Qwaqwa Campus will also benefit from the TRAC programme.   “Some promising students will also undergo further training and become assistants for the TRAC programme,” says Prof Mbati. 

“Nurturing science and mathematical skills is of great importance in growing our national economy. Annually, Sasol invests more than R50 million in supporting mathematical and science education in South Africa. Our primary aim is to increase the number of learners gaining access to tertiary education in the science fields. Therefore, our Corporate Social Investment (CSI) education interventions at secondary school level focus on educator development and direct learner interventions such as the Sasol TRAC Laboratory,” explains Ms Pamilla Mudhray, CSI and SHARP manager at Sasol.

According to Ms Mudhray the implementation of the National Curriculum Statement for physical sciences in the further education and training (FET) phase from 2006, under resourced schools will need greater access to the tools and equipment necessary to teach the syllabus and fulfil the ideals of the curriculum.

TRAC South Africa is a national non-profit programme focused on supporting and expanding science, mathematics and technology education in secondary schools. The programme was first introduced to South Africa in 1994. In 2005, RIEP established the TRAC Free State regional centre on the UFS Main Campus in Bloemfontein.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel:   (051) 401-2584
Cell:  083 645 2454
E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
5 May 2006

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