Jun 30, 2011

Shannoo Farwell Party May 2011

A farewell party was organised for Mr Shannoo Khoyratty who has now registered for a Phd programme at the University of La Reunion and Leiden University, Netherlands. We wish him well and plenty of success. Some photos are posted to remember the event.

Jun 10, 2011

The African Presidential Round Table 2011- Energy Issues in Africa

Mr K, Boodhoo attended he African Presidential Round Table 2011 which was launched on June 1, at the Maritim Hotel, Balaclava. This event is an initiative of the African Presidential Archives and Research Center of Boston University and its director, former U.S. Ambassador Charles R. Stith. About ten former heads of state, including Presidents Thabo Mbeki from South Africa, Joaquim Chissano from Mozambique, Cassam Uteem and Karl Offman from Mauritius are taking part in what has been described as “a multi-continental conversation involving former African heads of state, diplomats, industry leaders, international dignitaries, and students and faculty from the United States, Europe, and Africa.” This year’s theme is “21st Century Energy Agenda for Africa.”

Speaking at the launch of the Round Table today, U.S. Embassy ChargĂ© d’Affaires Troy Fitrell said that the leaders chosen for this event had shown commitment to democratic practice. In his remarks, Mr. Fitrell also addressed the topic of energy, pointing out the energy challenges which the African continent faces and also to the ways in which it could work towards finding solutions. For instance, he observed that there is enough energy from wind and sun in the Saharan desert to meet the current electricity requirements of the entire planet, but the appropriate technology to harness and transmit this energy is still lacking. The Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and former President Karl Offman also gave remarks at the opening ceremony.








 The deliberations of the 2 day sessions are summarised in this document

Source: US Embassy and Africa Forum

Jun 8, 2011

Workshop on Biosafety Risk Communication.

The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGBE) in collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture and Food and Agricultural Research Council (FARC) is holding a 3 day workshop on Biosafety Risk Communication from 8-10 June 2011 at Gold Crest Hotel, Quatre Bornes. The opening ceremony was launched on 8 June 2011 and was attended by the Hon R. Jeetah, Minister of Tertiary Education, science and Research and Technology, the rep of Minister of AgroIndustry and Food Security, Dr D. Dumur the Vice Chancellor of the University Prof K. Morgan, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Assoc Prof M. Driver, the Director of FARC, Mr Jairay Ramkisson and Assoc Prof D. Puchooa the local organiser of the workshop.
The workshop has drawn several participants from several parts of the world to share their experiences on biosafety issues.

President Nathan awarded Mauritius honorary degree

President S R Nathan has been awarded an honorary degree from the University of Mauritius on the 7 June 2011 at the University Auditorium. The Honorary Degree of Civil Law Honoris Casa recognises his contributions in education and culture.

In his speech at the award ceremony, Mr Nathan drew on his early education and on his subsequent career in the labour movement and the public service. He left his audience with three lessons: to seize every opportunity to learn, to act in good faith and to stand on one's own feet.  He said: "In all our life experiences, there are lessons to be learned. Whatever the circumstances, however dark the situation may seem, within ourselves we can find unexpected resources, hidden abilities, which provide hope for the future."

- Courtesy CNA/ir

Jun 7, 2011

4-day short course on: “Microbiology: Fundamentals & Applications” by the Faculty of Agriculture

                                      
27 to 30 June 2011
(MQA approved)


A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO INTERACT WITH WORLD CLASS MICROBIOLOGISTS!
The course will be delivered by world renowned Prof James Gannon, Fulbright scholar from the University of Montana, USA. Prof Arvind Deshmukh, Marathwada University, India will also contribute to the course.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The course is designed for technical personnel, engineers, chemists, and other professionals desiring to expand or refresh their understanding of microorganisms in natural and engineered systems such as cooling water systems, sugar processing industry, food and beverage industry, wastewater systems, and environmental biotechnology. The course program will be tailored to address specific needs of participants and will include lectures/discussions, lab practicals and site visits.


A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to participants
Course fees: Rs 12000 inclusive of lunches, tea-breaks, course materials and transport for site visits
Mode of Payment: A crossed cheque to the order of the University of Mauritius
Closing date for application: 15 June 2011
For application purposes and any other queries, please contact Sunita Santchurn: Tel: 403 7656  Fax: 465 5743 email: sunitab@uom.ac.mu
The University reserves the right not to run the course.

Jun 6, 2011

Welcome to the World Summit Youth Award website! Application open

What is the WSYA about?
The WSYA selects and promotes best practice in e-Content. It demonstrates young people's potential to create outstanding digital contents and serves as a platform for people from all UN member states to work together in the efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
WSYA is therefore both a showcase to the world for young e-content creators, journalists and writers, application designers, technologists and as well as a contribution on a global scale to adressing poverty, protecting the environment, sharing knowledge and empowering young people. Visit the website for more info.

When will the next competition start?
Application for WSYA 2011 will be open from May 2nd till mid of July 2011. You can enter your project here.