The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) will hold its 15th General Assembly and Scientific Conference in Abuja, Nigeria, from December 9 to 12, 2024. This prestigious event will focus on advancing scientific development across the continent.
Speaking at a press conference, Professor Friday Okonofua, on behalf of AAS President Professor Lise Korsten, highlighted the significance of the conference in promoting Africa’s scientific enterprise. The event, themed “Empowering and Advancing Africa’s Scientific Enterprise,”is expected to attract over 1,000 participants, including thought leaders and key stakeholders from across Africa.
The AAS is a non-political, not-for-profit organization dedicated to transforming lives through science. Its mission revolves around three core mandates: recognizing excellence in scientific research, offering advisory and think tank functions, and driving key Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) programs.
The Academy, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, is governed by a General Assembly of nearly 560 elected Fellows representing all African nations. The leadership team includes a President, Secretary General, Treasurer, and five Vice Presidents, each representing Africa’s sub-regions. The current Governing Council, elected in July 2023, will serve a three-year term.
“This is the 5th consecutive General Assembly, and it will be the first time it is hosted in West Africa,” Professor Okonofua said.
The conference will cover a wide range of critical topics through subthemes such as Health, Climate Change, Science Diplomacy, Science Infrastructure, Agriculture, Social Science and Policy, Basic Sciences, Engineering, Digital and Creative Economy, and Future Funding Mechanisms.
In addition to discussions and presentations, the event will admit new Fellows into the Academy and announce the recipient of the prestigious Olusegun Obasanjo Prize, alongside other awards recognizing scientific achievements across the continent.
