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National Commission on Research, Science and Technology - NCRST

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National Commission on Research, Science and Technology - NCRST

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NCRST is Namibia’s national agency for research, science, technology and innovation; created through the Research Science and Technology Act of 2004.

The Republic of Namibia has embarked on a major effort to position itself in science technology innovation, towards the rapid development of knowledge-based industries, and diversified sustained economic growth. The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology or NCRST is a State Owned Enterprise that reports administratively to the Ministry of Higher Education Training and Innovation. NCRST is the country’s national agency for research, science, technology and innovation; created through the Research Science and Technology Act of 2004; responsible for policy making; funding and other services such as registering scientists.

30/10/2026

Ready to tackle real-world machine learning challenges?

Applications are now officially open for the Hack4dev Regional Data Science Hackathon 2026, hosted by the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) in partnership with Hack4dev

Over three intensive days, participants will work in multidisciplinary teams using multi-spectral satellite imagery to develop transferable machine learning models under the guidance of experienced technical mentors.

Key Details:
Dates: 16–18 November 2026 (Starts daily at 07:30)

Venue: NCRST, Windhoek, Namibia

Eligibility: Enrolled university students (undergraduate/postgraduate) and young professionals.

Application Deadline: Friday, 6 November 2026

Apply here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/CV9reyaCcH

30/10/2026

NCRST Wellness Week | Day 2: Health, Creativity and Team Spirit

Day 2 of NCRST Wellness Week was a blend of learning, creativity and fun!

Dr Vijanda Pack from Integrated Dental Holdings delivered an informative presentation on dental care and hygiene, emphasising the importance of oral health and preventive care.

The day continued with engaging games and painting activities led by the HR team, giving staff an opportunity to express their creativity, strengthen team spirit and celebrate the winners.

It was a day of learning, laughter and connection, reinforcing the importance of wellness, teamwork and a positive workplace culture.

26/10/2026

NCRST Kicks Off Wellness Week

The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) launched its Wellness Week on 26 October 2026 under the theme “Flourish at Work, Thrive in Life”, with activities running until 30 October 2026.

The welcoming remarks were delivered by Mr Moses Shifotoka, Human Resources Officer, who welcomed staff members and highlighted the importance of prioritising health and well-being in the workplace. Mrs Frieda Naimhwaka, Manager: Human Resources and Organisational Development, officially opened the programme, marking the start of a week dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and employee wellness.

As part of the opening activities, Namibia Medical Care (NMC) conducted voluntary health screenings for staff, including blood pressure, blood glucose, BMI and other key health assessments. The NMC team also emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The initiative reinforces NCRST’s commitment to employee wellness, preventive healthcare and work-life balance, recognising that a healthy workforce is essential for a productive and supportive workplace.

Wellness is wealth — investing in our health is investing in our future.

26/10/2026

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) is deeply saddened by the passing of Prof. Dr Martha Kandawa-Schulz, who served as Chairperson of the NCRST Biosafety Council since 2014.

NCRST acknowledges her dedicated service and valuable contribution to biosafety and human capacity development in Namibia.

We extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time of bereavement.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

23/10/2026

NCRST CONGRATULATES STAFF MEMBER DR SELMA NINGENI FORTUNATO

The Namibia Commission for Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) congratulates Dr Selma Ningeni Fortunato, Senior Programme Officer: Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer (IP&TT), on obtaining her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Information Science from the University of South Africa (UNISA).

This achievement reflects her commitment to academic excellence and professional development. NCRST celebrates this important milestone and wishes her continued success in her career.

Congratulations, Dr Fortunato, on this well-deserved achievement!

21/10/2026

NCRST EXTENDS CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF FORMER FIRST LADY PENEHUPIFO POHAMBA

The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) extends its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Hifikepunye Pohamba, former President of the Republic of Namibia, and the entire Pohamba family following the passing of former First Lady, Her Excellency Madame Penehupifo Pohamba, on 17 October 2026.

Madame Pohamba will be remembered for her dedication to public service, particularly her contributions to healthcare, women’s empowerment and the welfare of vulnerable communities. Her compassion and commitment to improving the lives of Namibians leave a lasting legacy.

During this difficult time, NCRST joins the nation in mourning her passing and extends its deepest sympathies to the bereaved family.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

20/10/2026

Happy Birthday, Mr Benyamen Nathanael!

As you celebrate another year, NCRST sincerely appreciates your valuable contributions. May this new chapter inspire greater accomplishments and professional milestones.

17/10/2026

9th National ICT Summit 2026 | Highlights from Ongwediva

The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), a proud sponsor of the 9th National ICT Summit 2026, showcased its work in research, science, technology and innovation, including the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Institute, at Queen Hall, Ongwediva Trade Fair.

Throughout the Summit, NCRST engaged with visitors, particularly high school learners, raising awareness of research, digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

A key highlight was the panel discussion on “National AI Policies and the National AI Institute,” moderated by Ms Paulina Shifugula, Lead Coordinator at the National Artificial Intelligence Institute. Experts explored Namibia’s AI priorities, skills development, research and responsible AI adoption.

Key takeaways included:

1. Preparing young people and the workforce for the future.
2. Developing solutions to address national priorities.
3. Strengthening access to local datasets and computing resources.
4. Promoting ethical, inclusive and safe AI use.
5. Strengthening partnerships across government, academia, industry and research institutions.

The discussion highlighted the National AI Strategy’s role in providing direction and the National Artificial Intelligence Institute’s role in translating priorities into action.

Hosted by Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MICT) under the theme “Harnessing ICT for Inclusive Growth: Digital Pathways to Reduce Unemployment and Eradicate Poverty,” the Summit promoted knowledge-sharing and collaboration on how ICT can create opportunities, drive inclusive growth and support national development.

15/10/2026

NCRST Hosts Inception Meeting of the NJRST Editorial Board

The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) hosted the inception meeting of the Namibia Journal of Research, Science and Technology (NJRST) Editorial Board on 15 October 2026 at the Roof of Africa.

The meeting was moderated by Prof. Kassian T. T. Amesho, Chief Editor of the NJRST, and focused on strengthening the journal’s editorial processes, enhancing peer-review arrangements, reviewing the current call for papers and establishing priorities for publication planning and journal development.

Members also established task forces to address challenges affecting the journal and developed an action plan to improve workflow, streamline manuscript processing and strengthen editorial co-ordination.

The discussions reaffirmed the Journal’s commitment to promoting research excellence, strengthening editorial practices and enhancing the visibility and dissemination of research in Namibia and beyond. NCRST appreciates the continued dedication and contributions of the Editorial Board towards the growth and development of the Journal.

NCRST remains committed to advancing research, science, technology and innovation to support national development.

15/10/2026

Six researchers from Namibian institutions named in the 2026 World’s Top 2% Scientists database

The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) congratulates six researchers affiliated with Namibian institutions. They appear in the 2026 update of the Stanford University and Elsevier database of standardised citation indicators, widely known as the World’s Top 2% Scientists list. Professor John P.A. Ioannidis of Stanford University oversees the list, compiling the database from Scopus data; Elsevier published the 2026 update on 7 October 2026. The single-year list recognises citation impact during 2025 and ranks each of the six in the top 2% of their scientific subfield worldwide.

Each rank below is the researcher’s worldwide rank in the database, excluding self-citations, followed by their position within their subfield.

Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST)

- Prof. Michael Sony, Business and Management, world rank 7,458, top 0.343% of subfield (now at Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand)
- ⁠Prof. Uchendu Eugene Chigbu, Urban and Regional Planning, world rank 33,861, top 0.691% of subfield
- ⁠Prof. Heike Winschiers-Theophilus, Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing, world rank 229,475, top 1.977% of subfield

University of Namibia (UNAM)

- Prof. Kassian T.T. Amesho, Environmental Sciences, world rank 103,201, top 1.687% of subfield
- ⁠Prof. Kazhila C. Chinsembu, Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry, world rank 111,476, top 0.371% of subfield (now Director-General of the Higher Education Authority of Zambia)
- ⁠Prof. Ndakalimwe Naftal Gabriel, Fisheries, world rank 239,532, top 1.296% of subfield

These achievements speak directly to the mandate of NCRST under the Research, Science and Technology Act, 2004 (Act No. 23 of 2004). Among the objects of the Act, in section 2(1)(b), is “to promote and develop research, science and technology in Namibia”. Section 5(1)(f) further tasks the NCRST “to promote awareness and national appreciation of the value of research, science and technology to social, cultural and economic development”.

At the same time, citation indicators capture one dimension of research and NCRST values equally the teaching, mentorship and public service behind these careers. Even so, this kind of visibility matters for Namibia’s research system and for the young scientists who will follow. Congratulations to all six researchers and to NUST and UNAM, whose research environments made this work possible.

Fostering Excellence through Knowledge and Innovation.

Source: Ioannidis, J.P.A. (2026) August 2026 data update for “Updated science-wide author databases of standardized citation indicators”, Version 9, Elsevier Data Repository.

https://lnkd.in/eBUwmeVq

Address

Cnr Louise Raymond And Grant Webster Street, Olympia
Windhoek
9000

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00

Website

http://www.ncrst.na/

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