On August 14th, 2024, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture, José Honório, took part in the opening of Sci-Tech EXPO 2024, an international conference dedicated to the theme ‘Science, Technology & Innovation: Path to Transformation and Sustainable Development in Timor-Leste’. The event, held in the Great Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, was organised by the Presidency of the Republic in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture (MESCC) and the National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT).
Sci-Tech EXPO 2024, which runs from August 14th to 16th, 2024, brings together academics, internationally renowned scientists, and leading figures in science and technology to promote scientific and technological advancement in Timor-Leste. Among the participants are Nobel laureates and other prestigious honours invited to share their experiences and knowledge with the Timorese community.
In his opening speech, the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, emphasised the importance of this event for the development of Timor-Leste, which he considered to represent “a significant milestone in Timor-Leste’s journey towards scientific and technological advancement. By bringing these brilliant minds to our country, we aim to inspire our youth, foster innovation and pave the way for growth in Timor-Leste”.
During the three-day conference, participants will have the opportunity to attend lectures on topics such as mobile health technologies, telemedicine, and educational technology and take part in panel discussions focused on strengthening innovation in Timor-Leste. The direct interaction between Timorese students and professionals with the laureates is one of the most valued features of this event, which aims to foster the exchange of ideas and intellectual growth in the country, promoting knowledge and innovation as drivers of development.
The conference was inaugurated with a photographic exhibition featuring photographer Peter Badge, documenting the journeys of Nobel Peace Prize laureates in portraits.
Guests of honour include Prof. Shwetak Naran Patel, PhD, winner of the ACM Prize in Computing in 2018 and the MacArthur Fellowship in 2011; Prof. Eric Allen Brewer, PhD, recipient of the ACM Prize in Computing in 2009; Prof. Julie A. Kientz, PhD, awarded the MIT TR-35 Prize in 2013; Prof Sir Konstantin Novoselov, PhD, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010; and Prof Martin Chalfie, PhD, winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2008.
Sci-Tech EXPO 2024 is part of Timor-Leste’s Tourism Promotion Programme 2024. It aims to strengthen the country’s scientific and technological capacities and position it as a destination of excellence for research and innovation.
The event is open to the public and is expected to be well attended by students, academics, and professionals. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in discussions that could influence Timor-Leste’s technological and scientific future.