Lise Korsten, president of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), warned that a lack of scientific evidence produced in Africa is weakening policymaking and the continent’s position in global trade. She spoke on the sidelines of the Transatlantic Big Science Conference on 27-28 June and was appointed last year as the first woman to lead the AAS. Drawing on her work in food security, Korsten said most data on antimicrobial resistance in human, animal and plant health comes from developed regions, which can cause policy missteps and reduce export opportunities.
To address the gap, the AAS is building networks and promoting science diplomacy, including a Nile River Basin Project. The academy will host a workshop in August where AAS fellows and world experts in hydrology and water security will speak with policymakers. The AAS is also creating programmes to encourage African researchers abroad to return, mentor young scientists and help build centres of excellence; they can apply for funding to do so.
Funding remains a major challenge, and the AAS is recovering from past problems. After a 2022 investigation found donors had suspended millions in funding, Korsten said the academy is stabilising, rebuilding trust and seeking cooperation across the continent. "Africa must speak with the united voice, we can’t be fighting each other," she said.
Difficult words
- evidence — facts or information that show something is true
- policymaking — process of creating public rules or government plans
- antimicrobial resistance — when medicine stops killing microbes like bacteria
- science diplomacy — using science to support international relations and cooperation
- hydrology — study of water and its movement on Earth
- mentor — experienced person who gives advice and support
- funding — money provided for a project or organization
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could more scientific evidence produced in Africa change policy decisions in African countries?
- Do you think encouraging researchers abroad to return will help build science capacity in Africa? Why or why not?
- What effects can reduced or suspended funding have on young scientists and research programmes?
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