Title: Role of scientific academies and scientific societies in promoting science and technology: experiences from Singapore

Authors: Leo Wee Hin Tan, R. Subramaniam

Addresses: Singapore National Academy of Science, c/o Singapore Science Centre, 15 Science Centre Road, 609081 Singapore; National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore 637616. ' Singapore National Academy of Science, c/o Singapore Science Centre, 15 Science Centre Road, 609081 Singapore; National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore 637616

Abstract: The example of the Singapore National Academy of Science (SNAS), as well as its constituent scientific societies, is used to illustrate the point that an ||invisible college cum voluntary cadre|| model affords tremendous scope for jump-starting the formation of scientific academies and scientific societies. Over the years, this model of operation has been effective in establishing a diversified portfolio of programmes and activities in a cost-effective manner, and this has contributed significantly to the promotion of science and technology in Singapore, thus complementing/supplementing official efforts in this direction. Some lessons for developing countries based on the Singapore experience are suggested.

Keywords: science and technology promotion; public understanding; scientific academies; scientific societies; SNAS; Singapore National Academy of Science.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2009.022674

International Journal of Technology Management, 2009 Vol.46 No.1/2, pp.38 - 50

Published online: 25 Jan 2009 *

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