The fourth annual conference of the African Science Academy Development Initiative will be held Nov. 4-5 in London at the Royal Society, the national science academy of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. The initiative is a 10-year effort led by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences to bolster the capacity of African science academies to provide independent, evidence-based advice on important public policy matters. At the conference, leaders of several African science academies will gather with representatives of North American and European science academies, as well as with African policymakers and officials of donor agencies and foundations from around the world.

With a focus on health, agriculture, education, and water, participants will discuss how the unique, independent expert advice of local science academies fits within the policymaking and development goals of African governments, international donors, and nongovernmental organizations.

Opening remarks will be delivered by Lord Martin Rees, president, Royal Society. Keynote addresses will be given by Patrick Amuriat Oboi, Member of Parliament, Uganda, and Bruce Alberts, professor, University of California, San Francisco, editor in chief, Science, and former president of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.

DETAILS:

The conference runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 4 and from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London. A reception open to reporters will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 4.

For more information, visit http://nationalacademies.org/asadi .

Source: Bill Kearney
National Academy of Sciences