Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Organization

National Commission on Research, Science and Technology

Also known as: NCRST · National Commission on Research Science and Technology

National Commission on Research, Science and Technology — Namibian government body that recognizes research excellence, promotes innovation, and supports the country's scientific infrastructure.

Society

Researcher identifies antimalarial drug resistance markers in Namibia

The News

Lydia Eloff, a University of Namibia PhD candidate in malaria genomics, has identified molecular markers associated with drug resistance in Namibia using genomic tools. Her research, which won the Best Student Researcher Award, is informing national surveillance efforts and therapeutic efficacy studies as the country experiences rising malaria cases, particularly in northeastern regions.

16 April 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 16 April

  1. Researcher identifies antimalarial drug resistance markers in Namibia

    Lydia Eloff, a University of Namibia PhD candidate in malaria genomics, has identified molecular markers associated with drug resistance in Namibia using genomic tools. Her research, which won the Best Student Researcher Award, is informing national surveillance efforts and therapeutic efficacy studies as the country experiences rising malaria cases, particularly in northeastern regions.

    16 April 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 15 April

  1. Namibian youth develop AI tool for media data analysis

    A team of young innovators created a prototype at a 48-hour hackathon that uses artificial intelligence to help media organisations interpret operational and commercial data more effectively, enabling faster and better-informed decisions.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. Cheetah conservationist Laurie Marker wins lifetime research award

    Laurie Marker, founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement in Research Award by Namibia's National Commission on Research, Science and Technology. Over 35 years, Marker has built the Cheetah Research and Education Centre in Otjiwarongo into a multidisciplinary hub that has trained generations of Namibian researchers and contributed significantly to scientific literature and conservation efforts.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

  3. Two academics shortlisted for Nust vice-chancellor role

    The Namibia University of Science and Technology has shortlisted Unam pro-vice chancellor Frednard Gideon and NCRST chief executive Anicia Peters for the vacant vice-chancellor position. The university has operated under acting leadership since October last year after the previous vice-chancellor was suspended on misconduct allegations.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 8 April

  1. Laurie Marker wins lifetime research award for cheetah conservation

    The founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund has received a lifetime achievement in research award from Namibia's National Commission on Research, Science and Technology in recognition of her conservation work and contribution to building Namibia's scientific infrastructure. Marker founded the CCF in 1990 and has led pioneering efforts including reintroducing cheetahs to India after decades of extinction there.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 31 March

  1. Namibian graphic designers urged to adapt to AI reshaping

    Chairperson of the NCRST ethics and responsible use of AI committee Taljaard Uaputauka has urged local graphic designers to adapt as artificial intelligence transforms lower-end design work, warning that entry-level roles face pressure from automation but stressing that higher-level functions like strategy, originality and client engagement remain dependent on human expertise. Uaputauka cautioned designers against competing with AI on speed alone, noting that clients value judgment, clarity and risk reduction, while a local designer said that adaptation requires stronger focus on creativity and using AI as a tool rather than a replacement.

    31 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 30 March

  1. NCRST honours top researchers at annual excellence awards

    The National Commission on Research Science and Technology held its 2026 National Research Excellence Awards ceremony in Windhoek to recognise and celebrate contributions of researchers to Namibia's socio-economic development. Award winners across twelve categories—including lifetime achievement, student researchers, mid-career and senior researchers—received certificates, trophies, and prize money of N$10,000–N$20,000.

    30 March 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 17 March

  1. New Era and NCRST award AI hackathon competition winners

    The New Era Publication Corporation and National Commission on Research, Science and Technology held a maiden AI Innovation Hackathon themed "Coding the Future of Media" to give young innovators the opportunity to apply their skills to solve real-world problems. Twenty-five participants from tertiary institutions competed, with judges assessing entries on originality, impact, and usability.

    17 March 2026 · New Era →

Friday 27 February

  1. PM Ngurare calls for innovation-led public sector reform

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said economic transformation requires institutional transformation and an efficient, digitally-enabled public service aligned with Vision 2030 and NDP6. Speaking at Namibia's inaugural Public Sector Innovation Conference, Ngurare emphasised that public sector innovation is central to economic development, expanded employment, and improved service delivery.

    27 February 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 25 February

  1. ScaleUp Namibia platform connects innovation hubs to support SME growth

    Namibia has launched the ScaleUp Namibia (SUN) platform to strengthen support for small and medium enterprises by coordinating fragmented innovation support structures under a single national framework. The initiative, structured around five pillars including funding, infrastructure, and capacity development, aims to help entrepreneurs scale beyond survival by making the innovation value chain more accessible and reducing barriers to growth.

    25 February 2026 · The Namibian →

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