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2 November 2004

I welcome you to the inaugural Phillip Tobias Lecture.

The contribution to research by Professor Philip Tobias in the fields of genetics, through anatomical studies to palaeo-anthropology is well known. It is this contribution that has led the Department of Science and Technology to establish an annual lecture, to be known as the Professor Philip Tobias Lecture, to honour Professor Tobias. The idea is to invite prominent scholars in the science and technology field from all over the world to share their experiences and knowledge with the South African community.

“The Professor Philip Tobias Lecture Award” has been designed in honour of his contribution. The inaugural Phillip Tobias Lecture, will be delivered by the esteemed 2002 Nobel Prize Winner in Medicine, Professor Sydney Brenner. Professor Brenner is himself a South African-born scientist with impeccable achievements in genetics and molecular biology.

This lecture is the beginning of many where contributions such as that of Professor Tobias will be given the recognition they deserve, and the knowledge shared with the South African society.

The Department also sees the lectures as a vehicle to promote science and technology, especially among historically disadvantaged students, and to promote the culture of research and development to foster excellence in our higher education and research institutions.

We would like to thank Professor Brenner for taking the time out of his busy schedule to honour our invitation. We are also grateful to you, the audience, for your interest in this lecture. We hope that you will become the ambassadors who will promote participation in these lectures in the rest of the world.

Issued by: Ministry of Science and Technology
2 November 2004
Source: Department of Science and Technology (http://www.dst.gov.za)