FOR most Â鶹´«Ã½ readers, access to science education and research is something they can take for granted. But in many nations, the option to study or to pursue a career in science is not available.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has realised that to change this and achieve its 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, scientists must be supported. And it is through international collaboration that scientific research and education is being used as a catalyst for change. One of the regions facing challenges is Africa. Although the continent has taken substantial strides, there is more to do, especially regarding science funding, research support, policy development and innovation. Fields such as health, agriculture and industry must all overcome problems, which in many cases are being addressed by public-private partnerships.
One such initiative, the UNESCO-Merck Africa Research Summit, now in its third year, is the product of cooperation between UNESCO and the world’s oldest pharmaceutical company, Merck. The summit in Mauritius in 2017 addressed the role of African scientists tackling two major challenges facing the continent: treating cancer and making vaccines more widely available. This conference attracted 145 young African researchers, whose expenses were covered, and hosted a ministerial panel discussion attended by 16 African ministers of science, education and health. The summit has become a platform for researchers, scientists and students to share their work, as well as an opportunity to interact with African government ministers.
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Over the past three years, the conference has generated publications, workshops and education opportunities. It has also funded fellowships for many young African scientists, as well as supporting their PhD research. Ahmed Fahmi, UNESCO
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