To ensure that Sci-Bono focuses on current science and technology and that it is able to close the gap between education and industry, it works in partnership with, and is supported by, a broad range of companies, institutions and other organisations. The Centre’s principal partner is the Gauteng Department of Education. It also has strong collaborative relationships and receives support for specific projects or events, as required, according to the respective fields of science and technology:
MST Projects:
Sci-Bono has partnerships with iThemba LABS, the Royal Society of Chemistry, SASOL Ltd and other companies and receives support from the Department of Science & Technology, SAASTA and other donors for various science and technology education projects. Sci-Bono hosts a TRAC Lab at the centre.
ICT Centre and Projects:
Sci-Bono receives support from ABSA, DELL, Intel, Microsoft, SAP and other role players in the ICT industry.
Themed Exhibitry:
Various organisations have elected to support selected areas. BMW supports the automotive exhibit area; ESKOM have funded the electricity exhibition; TOTAL South Africa have co-funded the ME GAMES cognitive skills exhibition; Telkom and Vodacom have funded the Amateur Radio centre, a partnership project with the SA Radio League. Murray & Roberts have provided the Building Africa construction playground; SENTECH have provided the FM radio station; The Energy Development Corporation have provided the Sustainable Energy exhibition and Lego have provided the Lego Pit play area.
Education & Teacher Development:
Sci-Bono has partnership agreements with Wits University. A similar agreement with the University of Johannesburg is being considered.
Events:
Special events and industry focus weeks are run in partnership with a range of companies, professional bodies such as the various institutes of engineering, Sector Education and Training Authorities as well as Science Councils such as the Water Research Commission.
Sci-Bono has benefited from ongoing support from the French embassy on a range of different projects. The Ile de France Regional Council in France has also provided support for a range of projects since 2005. The German embassy was responsible for the world famous Max Planck Science Tunnel being hosted at Sci-Bono. Other agencies, such as the British Council, have also assisted with various projects.
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