Gertjan van Stam

Research Fellow at the Science and Industrial Technology Development Centre (SIRDC) in Zimbabwe

BIO:

At present, Gertjan van Stam is Research Fellow at the Science and Industrial Technology Development Centre (SIRDC) in Zimbabwe, among other volunteering activities. He has been involved with strategic developments in ICT in Africa since 1987, holds an Doctor of Philosophy from Tilburg University (Humanities, Cultural Studies) and a Master of Technology (cum laude) from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (RSA). In his research, Gertjan deploys ethnographic analysis on the displacement of technology and meaning making in an African place. Using African communities as extended case studies, he discusses the importance of studying the cognitive and epistemological connection between technology and culture in a holistic manner.

Gertjan’s goal is to engender recognition of indigenous progress in disenfranshised communities and to identify and inspire local talent.

He proposes conceptual frameworks that moves the discourse on technology and culture to a more nuanced continuum and inclusive narrative that celebrate diversity/pluralism in meaning making, knowledge production and dissemination. He disseminates his deductions in person and writings within local, national and international settings, with all community deposits freely available at this site https://www.vanstam.net/gertjan-van-stam