The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation explains, in a statement to which VerAngola had access, that the award aims to "recognise and value the excellent work carried out by Angolan researchers, inventors and innovators (in the country or abroad) and foreigners residing in the country, whether active or retired".
According to the ministry, the awards will be "awarded in various categories, covering a wide range of scientific and technological areas".
There are eight categories in total, namely the National Science Award; the National Innovation Award; the National Invention Award; the National Career Award; the National Female Scientist Award; the National Young Scientist Award; the National Young Innovator Award and the National Young Inventor Award.
According to Alice de Ceita e Almeida, quoted by Jornal de Angola, the National Career Award is the main one of the eight categories.
The Ministry of Higher Education also states that these categories "are intended to reward significant contributions in the areas of Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Medical and Health Sciences, Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts".
As for applications, these can be submitted from 14 September, and will last for one month.
"The application submission period for the 2024 edition of the National Science and Innovation Award will begin at 12:00pm on 14 September 2024 and will end at 12:00pm on 14 October 2024", reads the statement, which adds that applications should be sent by email (Pn.ciencia2024@mescti.gov.ao).
In terms of prizes, according to Jornal de Angola, the winner will receive 12 million kwanzas. In turn, the second place will receive six million kwanzas, while the third place will receive four million kwanzas.
In addition, the secretary also reported that the first three places in each of the categories will also be awarded medals, diplomas and honorable mentions.
The awards will be given at a ceremony scheduled for December 13th of this year.
Regarding the jury, according to the ministry's statement, it will be composed of 10 members, with José Octávio Serra Van-Dúnem and António André Chivanga Barros as president and vice-president, respectively.
"The applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria: scientific quality and complexity of the work, product or process; originality of the work, product or process; innovative nature of the work, product or process; relevance and scientific, economic, social or environmental impact of the work, product or process", points out the ministry.
The publication of the selected applications will take place by 29 October, "when the jury will publish the list of applications that met the established requirements", and the "evaluation of the works selected for the award will be concluded by 29 November", with the award ceremony taking place the following month.
"The National Science and Innovation Award was established by Executive Decree No. 116/24, of 24 May 2024, with the aim of stimulating and recognising the contribution of researchers, inventors and innovators to the sustainable development of Angola", the ministry also recalls.
