The African Academy of Sciences (AAS), in partnership with the Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) and supported by the UK Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, is set to host the Africa Evidence Gathering Workshop in Nairobi on 15-16 October 2024. This landmark event will bring together experts, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Africa to address and strengthen clinical research career pathways on the continent.

The workshop aims to gather evidence and insights from African institutions about the current state of clinical research career pathways, identifying gaps, challenges, and opportunities to develop sustainable and locally embedded career pathways. This initiative is part of a broader project led by the AMS to support clinical research across Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), including regions in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Key Objectives of the Workshop:
• Understanding Barriers and Opportunities: Experts will explore the barriers and facilitators to developing clinical research within African institutions.
• Knowledge Sharing: Participants will share best practices in building and strengthening locally embedded clinical research career pathways.
• Evidence Collection: Insights and data will be gathered from researchers at various career stages, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the landscape.
• Policy Recommendations: Discussions will focus on developing targeted policy interventions to support and promote the retention of talented clinical researchers in Africa.

This two-day event will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and breakout sessions designed to foster collaboration and identify innovative solutions for enhancing clinical research in Africa. The workshop will also provide a platform for cross-regional knowledge sharing, with contributions from experts in Asia and Latin America.

"This workshop is a pivotal step in understanding and enhancing the career pathways for clinical researchers across Africa. By bringing together a diverse group of experts, we aim to create actionable strategies that will shape the future of clinical research on the continent," said Dr Peggy Oti-Boateng, Executive Director of the African Academy of Sciences.

NOTES TO EDITORS

The African Academy of Sciences 
The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) is a non-aligned, non-political, not-for-profit Pan-African organisation headquartered in Nairobi, with a hosting agreement with the government of Kenya. The AAS’s vision is to see transformed lives on the African continent through science. It is the only continental Academy in Africa enjoying the support and recognition of the African Union, as well as several governments and major international partners. It has a tripartite mandate: to recognize excellence through its highly prestigious fellowship and award schemes; to provide advisory and think tank functions for shaping the continent’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) strategies and policies; and to implement key STI programmes aimed at addressing Africa’s developmental challenges.

Follow us on our social media platforms for more information:
Twitter: @AASciences
Facebook: African Academy of Sciences
LinkedIn: African Academy of Sciences
Website: https://aasciences.africa/

The Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS)
The Academy of Medical Sciences is the independent, expert voice of biomedical and health research in the UK. Our mission is to help create an open and progressive research sector to improve the health of people everywhere. The Academy’s elected Fellows are the United Kingdom’s leading medical scientists from the NHS, academia, industry and the public service. We work with them to improve lives, strengthen research, support researchers, work globally and build our resources.

MEDIA CONTACTS 

The Africa Academy of Sciences (AAS)
Communications Team
communication@aasciences.africa