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.

The research is believed to be the first of its kind. 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 – a useful starting point in developing a strong culture of scientific reporting on the continent.

“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, Head of Corporate Affairs for Siemens Southern Africa.

Indeed, the Siemens Africa Profile Awards, now in their tenth year, are the only pan-African awards that exclusively promote science and technology journalism. 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 Doha Qatar, “I am delighted that the Siemens Africa Profile Awards ceremony will be held at WCSJ2011,” says 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 continues.

Entries for 2011 may be submitted in five categories, namely, industry, energy, health care, information technology (with emphasis on business process and outsourcing), technology-related corporate social responsibility and environmental issues.

Online submissions are welcome at www.profileawards.co.zaor by post or courier to Siemens country offices around Africa.

The Siemens Africa Profile Awards aim 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,’ says Mokaeane.

For information, contact Ms Sithembile Mokaeane, Head of Corporate Affairs, Siemens Southern Africa, Tel: +27 (0) 11 652-2146, Fax: +27 (0) 11 652-2446, Email: Sithembile.mokaeane@siemens.com