Ben Durham is a Chief Director of Bio-innovation at the National Department of Science and Innovation in South Africa. His responsibilities include the implementation of the South African Bio-economy Strategy, launched in January 2014, and he oversees innovation developments in Agriculture, Health, Industry & Environment, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Ultimately, the purpose is to develop and improve the efficiencies of the National System of Innovation through science and technology, ensuring socio-economic and environmental benefits to the broader society. Ben has been appointed to, or is currently serving on: Deputy Chair of the GMO Act Executive Council, The Board of the National Health Laboratory Service, and Bioeconomy Metrics committee of the National Advisory Committee on Innovation, and a variety of steering committees for Research Infrastructure and Centres of Excellence.

Contact: Ben.Durham[at]dst.gov.za

Publications and activities

Department of Science and Technology, 2013. The Bio-economy Strategy. ISBN 978-1-919966-06-9.