Lecture and panel discussion with the Director-General of the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission, Mr Marc Lemaître, on “EU-South Africa cooperation: Enabling Innovation – lessons learnt and funding for addressing global challenges“.
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) in collaboration with the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA) and the European Union (EU) through the EU Delegation to South Africa and the Directorate General for Research and Innovation (DG-RTD) in the European Commission (EC), has the pleasure of inviting you to a special High-Level Lecture and Panel Discussion to be presented as part of the Strengthening, Technology, Research and Innovation Cooperation between Europe and South Africa (ESASTAP) Programme, with a guest speaker the Director-General (DG) of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Mr Marc Lemaître (see biography).
The High-Level Lecture by the guest of honour and a stimulating panel discussion will take place at 14:00-15:00 on Wednesday 27 November 2024 at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria. The programme will conclude with a networking cocktail at 15:00.
Mr Marc Lemaître, the Director-General in the European Commission for science, technology, and innovation (STI) is responsible for implementing the largest EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon Europe. The programme facilitates collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting, and implementing EU policies while tackling global challenges.
DG Lemaître will be visiting South Africa at the invitation of his South African counterpart, the Director-General of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI). DG Lemaître’s keynote address will focus on “European Union-South Africa cooperation: Enabling Innovation – lessons learnt and funding for addressing global challenges.” Members of the South African National System of Innovation (NSI) and stakeholders interested in cooperation with the European Union are encouraged to make use of this unique opportunity for a strategic, high-level engagement and conversation with the DG.
Mr Marc Lemaître joined the European Commission in 2007 as Head of the private office of Regional Policy Commissioner. He was appointed the Director-General for Research and Innovation (RTD) in February 2023.
We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Lecture.
Agenda
13:30 – 14:00 | Arrival and registration
14:00 – 14:05 | Opening remarks: Welcome and purpose
Daan du Toit, Deputy Director General, International Cooperation and Resources, Department of Science and Innovation (DSTI)
14:05 – 14:10 | Introduction of the speaker – DG-RTD, Mr Marc Lamaitre
HE Ambassador Sandra Kramer, Head of EU Delegation to South Africa
14:10 – 14:40 | Lecture on “EU-South Africa cooperation: Enabling Innovation – lessons learnt and funding for addressing global challenges”
Mr Marc Lemaître, Director-General, Research and Innovation (European Commission)
14:40 – 14:55 | Panel Discussion Facilitated by DSTI
Panel: NACI, SA Government Department, DSTI, University/Research Council
14:55 – 15:00 | Conclusion and Key takeaways
15:00 – 16:00 | Networking
Enquiries
Please contact Shane Thivhafuni at SThivhafuni@csir.co.za or call +27 (0)12 841 3286.
For enquiries on STI cooperation between South Africa and the European Union please contact the ESASTAP team on contact@esastap.org.za.