Recent research undertaken by Professor Nixon Kariithi studied the attitudes of 250 African journalists, from 30 countries across the continent, towards science, scientists and technology. Kariithi is a well-known African media scholar and senior research associate at the Department of Media Studies, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa. The study was supported by Siemens South Africa.
Results reveal that in order for African journalists to make a meaningful contribution to the continent's economic development, an improvement in their knowledge and interest in scientific issues must occur. However, despite various challenges highlighted in the study, African journalists demonstrate a high level of trust and confidence in the scientific community.
"This research study has highlighted the importance of events like the Siemens Africa Profile Awards, which foster and reward journalistic contributions within the fields of science and technology," states Sithembile Mokaeane, media relations manager for Siemens Southern Africa.
The 2010 Siemens Profile Awards attracted 375 entries from 19 African countries. Entries were received in four languages: English, French, Portuguese and Arabic.
This year, the awards will be held as part of the seventh World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ2011) at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Cairo, Egypt. "I am delighted that the Siemens Africa Profile Awards ceremony will be held at WCSJ2011," said Nadia El-Awady, co-director of WCSJ2011.
"Science journalism in Africa is reaching new heights and journalists need to have the professionalism in their work recognised. Awards, such as the Siemens Africa Profile Awards, provide outstanding journalists with their deserved recognition and present high-quality examples of good practice to colleagues all over the globe," she said.
2011 entrant categories:
The Siemens Africa Profile Awards aims to advance quality science and technology reporting. "Through these awards we motivate journalists to identify country specific technology issues. We believe that through addressing these issues in the media, socio-economic change is made possible. The awards also promote the practices of sound research, quality reporting and individual journalistic flair," said Mokaeane.
Submissions may be done online at www.profileawards.co.za or by post or courier to Siemens country offices around Africa. For more information, go to www.profileawards.co.za.
