..:: Mauritius Science Portal

Several programmes are organised by institutions around the country in view of promoting science & technology literacy and appreciation.

Innovation Week is a yearly event organized by the University of Mauritius with objective to complement and reinforce existing initiatives in the promotion of Science, creativity and innovation. It is specifically targeted to students of primary and secondary schools and the public at large. The Innovation week provides an added impetus to creative thinking to students, and help to create a synergy on the theme of “Creativity and Innovation”, that is identified as part of the new Educational curriculum.

Foresight Arena has been designed with the goal of putting people at the centre of the development process in terms of debates, policy and advocacy with the intention of having far reaching implications and going beyond the confines of the University of Mauritius campus to people’s long term well-being. It also aims at bringing about development of the people, by the people and for the people.

Research Week is an initiative of the University of Mauritius to promote Research & Development activities to create an innovation culture crucial for the future economic success of the country. The symposium provides an opportunity for University academics to link to the business world and to reinforce interaction with Industries. The event aims at bringing to the attention of the general public and researchers the University’s contribution to advancement of the frontiers of knowledge including its contribution to national development. This event is open to all faculties, students, experts and the public .

The Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre (RGSC) organises the National Science Challenge every year since 2006. This project-based competition aimed at Upper Secondary School Students (Form IV and Lower VI), will provide the latter with an opportunity:

(i) to investigate issues related to science and technology using the scientific method

After working on their science project individually or in a group during more than four months, students will present and display their work to the public at the RGSC.

The Science Communication Contest is a science and technology elocution contest aimed at Lower Secondary School Students (Forms I, II and III), whereby each student chooses a topic in science and technology, carries out research on the topic and presents his findings to the public.

(i) to encourage development of analytical thinking, communication and presentation skills by our young people.

(ii) to encourage our students to research on a topic of their choice in science and technology and present their work among students of their age group.

(iii) to promote awareness of the importance of information technology tools for effective communication in science and technology.

(iv) to recognize and reward talented students who can explain enthusiastically a scientific topic.

InnovEd (Innovation for the Education Sector) is a joint Ministry of Education & Human Resources (MOE& HR) and National Productivity and Competitiveness Council (NPCC) Project, which was launched in 2005. The aim of InnovEd to promote critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and innovation among students. Innovation is the key to sustained economic growth. Simply put, it means doing new things or doing things in a new way.

InnovEd is open to all to all pre-primary, primary and secondary students in the Republic of Mauritius. Participants are required come up with innovative projects which can be in the form of drawings, models or prototypes. All the students will have the chance to showcase their exhibits and win recognitions!

Increase the level of creativity of students.
Arouse the curiosity of students.
Develop the eagerness of students to learn.
Develop creative thinking and doing.
Develop self-learning ability.
Enable students to apply knowledge and develop “what if attitude”.
Develop a culture of continual improvement.
Help acknowledge and celebrate children’s uniqueness and diversity.
School children will experience the rewards of creating something and will grow up into talented individuals having great respect for innovation and creative powers.