b) German - South African Year of Science 2012 / 2013 Ms N Hurtz: International Bureau of the BMBF led the presentation which highlighted the following key issues: . The International Science Years were part of the Federal Government's Strategy for the Internationalization of Science and Research carried out together with a strategically important partner country and, focused on research, education and innovation. . The examples of German International Years of Science in other developing countries included Egypt 2007, Israel 2008, China 2009, Brazil 2010 and Russia 2011. . The goals of the German - South African Year of Science included visualizing the existing variety of co-operations and their excellence; initiating new partnerships between research institutions, universities and companies and enhancing the institutional cooperation between Ministries, intermediary and funding organizations. . The target groups included decision-makers in politics, research facilities, funding organizations, educational institutions and providers, young scientists, disseminators and the general public with an interest in science. . The thematic areas were climate change, human capital development, bio- economy, urbanisation, astronomy, health innovation, social sciences and the humanities. . The launch of the German - South African Year of Science was planned for April 2012 and the closing event planned for April 2013. A joint research programme with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) would be established.