The Next Einstein Forum (NEF), an initiative
of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in partnership with
Robert Bosch Stiftung, has revealed plans to host NEF Africa Science Week in Abeokuta
and Lagos, respectively, reports ITRealms.
NEF
Ambassador, who specializes in petroleum and environmental geochemistry of oil
basins, Dr. Sojinu Olatunbosun Samuel, will lead the event.
The AIMS
President and NEF Chair, Thierry Zomahoun, said NEF Africa Science Week is the
first coordinated science week across Africa.
“Our primary
objective is to develop tomorrow’s scientists and technologists by engaging
children and young people in scientific activities like science caravans and
hackathons. Our activities will also demonstrate the critical impact of science
to the general public. By bringing together key stakeholders from all sectors,
we hope to catalyse investment in research and development and discuss best
practices for attracting and retaining young people, especially girls and
women, in the sciences.”
Africa Science
Week in Nigeria will witness exciting sessions such as engaging students in
active learning of STEM using interactive experiments but also a Cancer/Hepatitis
awareness walks on the streets of Ikeja, Lagos.
“The weeklong
signature event will also strengthen research networks and communities of
scientists across Africa and we hope that the next few editions will see
technology facilitate coordinated regional activities. We would like to thank
our partners in the public, academic and private sector for supporting this
initiative. Africa will only compete globally if there are coordinated
sustainable investments in building the pipeline of researchers and
innovators,” said Mr. Zomahoun.
Africa Science
Week in Nigeria is the first of a 13-country series. Looking to the future, the
NEF will expand the reach of its Africa Science Week to 30 countries in 2018
and all 54 by 2020. Beyond numbers, the NEF hopes that Africa Science Week will
grow to include major activities in schools and universities, and result in
concrete collaboration between the research community and private sector.
“Africa Science Week is the only platform
bringing together actors passionate about science and technology. This is the
best opportunity for the Nigerian youth to learn more about what science can
achieve and how it changes life. I am proud to be part of this first edition”,
said Sojinu Olatunbosun Samuel.
In line with the
NEF’s Dakar Declaration,
issued at the first biennial NEF Global Gathering, held in in Dakar, Senegal in
March 2016, Africa Science Week will place public engagement at the heart of
advancing Africa’s scientific agenda. The next edition of the NEF Global
Gathering will be held in Kigali in March 2018 under the patronage of H.E. Paul
Kagame, President of Rwanda.
Africa Science Week is funded by Johnson
& Johnson Innovation, Google and local sponsors
in each country.
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