Following the Next Einstein Forum's (NEF's) Africa Science Week initiative, the organisation has announced its 2018 Global Gathering forum will be held in Kigali, Rwanda. The three-day event will take place from 26 to 28 March.
NEF chairman Thierry Zomahoun says the aim is to drive a holistic approach towards science and technology that encourages research, development, incubation and commercialisation, with a focus on how science can help achieve sustainable development, and reduce poverty and ine-quality.
Under the theme of "Connecting Science to Humanity", Global Gathering 2018 will focus on four areas: connectivity, ubiquity and mobility; precision health; climate, energy, food and growth; and building Africa's scientific capacity.
There will be about 1 000 delegates, including Nobel laureates, renowned scientists, career re-searchers, innovators, policy and civil society leaders, and industry leaders.
Rwanda's minister of education, Papias Malimba Musafiri, says the NEF Global Gathering falls in line with the government's commitment to making Rwanda a knowledge-based economy, and a regional science and innovation hub.
"We have invested heavily in attracting scientific and technological talent as we build the coun-try's scientific base and the Next Einstein Forum is part of several initiatives that are helping do just that."
Global Gatherings feature a variety of sessions, such as NEF Fellow Spotlight Sessions, live online discussions with special guests, discovery sessions and a continental innovation competi-tion.
Zomahoun says at the first Global Gathering that was held in Senegal last year, more than 50% of attendees were under the age of 42. The NEF has also committed to having 40% of speaker spots taken up by women. "We believe this will enrich our discussions and conclusions."
Share