Summary
On 16 April 2025, the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and France’s National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) co-hosted a landmark conference at Alliance Française in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme “Catalysing East African Science through Scientific Partnership.”. The hybrid event brought together scientists, policymakers, funders, and institutional leaders to discuss the transformative role of collaboration in advancing African science, —highlighting successes from the ARISE programme and outlining future pathways for sustainable research. A total of 150 participants were at the event, both online and physically. 
 Event Highlights
The conference showcased the impact of the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE) and CNRS-funded research projects, with compelling presentations and discussions on how locally led science can address global challenges.

• Dr. Bridget Kanini-Mutuma (ARISE Fellow, University of Nairobi) shared how ARISE funding helped her to build a lab, train regional students, and develop low-cost water purification technologies using recycled plastics—offering real-world solutions to pollution and water safety.
• Dr. Laurent Bochereau, EU Science Counsellor to the African Union, emphasised the importance of long-term institutional support and regional collaboration: “It’s not just about funding researchers; it’s about building networks and infrastructure that last”.
• Dr. Benoît Hazard, CNRS Nairobi Director, praised AAS as a pan-African beacon of talent: “Africa is one of the places where the future of science will emerge. ARISE is a reservoir of that promise”.
• Dr. Boniface Ushie (AAS) and Dr. Obed Ogeda reiterated the need to scale up investment in African science beyond pilot phases, advocating for continuous support to unlock the full potential of African researchers.

The event closed with a strategic commitment between AAS and CNRS to co-create a roadmap for deeper, structured collaboration focused on basic and applied sciences.
 
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View highlights from the event here Conference Catalysing East African Science through scientific partnership - April 2025