African Academy of Sciences

African Academy of Sciences
Name	African Academy of Sciences
Founded	0 1985
Headquarters	Nairobi, Kenya
Focus	Science, Technology, Innovation
Website	https://www.aasciences.africa/

African Academy of Sciences. The African Academy of Sciences is a pan-African, non-governmental organization established to promote sustainable development across the continent through the advancement of science, technology, and innovation. It serves as a platform for recognizing scholarly excellence, fostering collaboration among scientists, and providing evidence-based policy advice to African Union member states and other stakeholders. Headquartered in Nairobi, it plays a pivotal role in coordinating and implementing major continental research and capacity-building programs.

History and establishment

The organization was conceived in 1985 following a proposal by distinguished scientists including Thomas Risley Odhiambo from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology in Kenya. Its founding was formally endorsed by the then Organization of African Unity, with its inaugural General Assembly held in Accra, Ghana. Early leadership and vision were provided by key figures such as Mohamed Hassan, a Sudanese mathematician, who served as its founding Executive Director. The institution was initially based in Trieste, Italy, under the auspices of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics, before relocating its headquarters to Nairobi in 2012 to strengthen its African presence and partnerships.

Mission and objectives

Its core mission is to drive sustainable development in Africa by leveraging science, technology, and innovation. Primary objectives include mobilizing scientific expertise to address continental challenges in areas like health, agriculture, climate change, and water security. It aims to build a critical mass of high-quality scientists and engineers, promote the application of research for policy and societal benefit, and champion the role of science in achieving the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. A key focus is on supporting the next generation of researchers and fostering gender equity in science.

Governance and structure

Governance is overseen by a Governing Council, which includes a President, Vice-President, and elected representatives from its fellowship. The Council sets strategic direction and policy, while day-to-day operations are managed by an Executive Director and a secretariat based in Nairobi. The organizational structure comprises thematic programmatic divisions and regional nodes that facilitate its work across the continent. It operates under a charter and constitution ratified by its fellowship, ensuring alignment with the strategic frameworks of the African Union and the New Partnership for Africa's Development.

Programs and initiatives

It designs and implements large-scale, continent-wide programs, often in partnership with major funders. Flagship initiatives include the Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa, a partnership with the African Union Development Agency and global entities like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust. Other key programs focus on climate change adaptation through the Climate Research for Development in Africa initiative, support for clinical trials and public health research, and grand challenges in areas like food security and clean energy. These initiatives provide grants, fellowships, and platforms for collaborative research.

Membership and fellows

Election to its fellowship is a prestigious recognition of outstanding scientific achievement and contribution to the advancement of science in Africa. Fellows, elected through a rigorous peer-review process, form the core membership and are entitled to use the designation FAAS. The fellowship includes eminent scientists from diverse fields such as Kevin Marsh in medicine, Rose Gana Fomban Leke in immunology, and Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius and a biodiversity scholar. The body also has associate and affiliate membership categories for early-career researchers and institutions.

Partnerships and impact

It maintains extensive partnerships with continental bodies like the African Union Commission, African Development Bank, and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Globally, it collaborates with institutions such as the Royal Society, the World Academy of Sciences, and major philanthropic organizations. Its impact is evidenced by its role in shaping science policy, building research ecosystems through multi-million-dollar grant programs, and increasing the visibility of African science on global platforms like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It is a key implementing agency for the African Union's Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa.

Category:Scientific organizations based in Africa Category:Organizations established in 1985 Category:Science and technology in Africa