Hon. Ballotti Urges Innovation at National Research Excellence Awards

Hon. Ballotti Urges Innovation at National Research Excellence Awards. Hon. Dino Ballotti, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC), championed Namibian innovation and research excellence at the 2026 National Research Excellence Awards, calling on researchers to push boundaries, challenge assumptions, and develop solutions that improve lives.

“As a Ministry mandated to build a strong national research and innovation system and develop skilled human capital, we must ensure that science, technology and innovation contribute meaningfully to our country’s socio-economic development and global competitiveness,” Ballotti said.

He emphasized that countries advancing in science and innovation do so through strong policy frameworks and consistent implementation, noting Namibia’s commitment through Vision 2030 and the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). Ballotti also recognized local innovators tackling real-world challenges, citing examples such as e-wallet technology, fog harvesting systems, recycled plastic bricks, and mopane worm protein cookies addressing child malnutrition.

“Research must translate into innovation and directly improve lives,” he added, congratulating nominees and awardees for their dedication and creativity.

Ms. Anicia Peters, CEO of the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), highlighted that research drives progress, shapes policy, and supports innovation. She noted that the awards celebrate excellence while raising awareness of research’s role in Namibia’s socio-economic development.

The event attracted leading researchers, members of the diplomatic corps, and distinguished guests, including Prof. Bavesh Davandra Kana, a South African microbiologist and head of the pathology school at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).

This year’s awards received 44 applications across 10 categories, including Mid-Career Researcher of the Year, Community Impact Research Award, Senior Researcher of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement in Research Award.

The ceremony underscored Namibia’s commitment to fostering innovation and ensuring research outcomes contribute directly to national development.