The esteemed High-Level ARISE Scientific Convening held in Hammamet, Tunisia, from June 4-6, 2024, witnessed Professor Leptin eloquently articulate the profound impact of strategic leadership and robust policies on shaping Africa's research landscape. The presence of 20 African ERC grantees resonated as a powerful affirmation of the continent's vast research potential, ripe for exploration. Furthermore, emphasis was placed on the vital role of collaborative efforts and innovative funding mechanisms like Horizon Europe in propelling innovation to new heights. Through his insightful teachings, Professor Leptin underscored the importance of ensuring research breakthroughs translate into tangible societal benefits, effectively addressing real-world challenges.

At the heart of the High-Level Roundtable Conversation on "Role of Leadership in Catalyzing Research & Innovation for Development" during the ARISE event on June 4-6, 2024, Dr. Laurent Bochereau, the EU Science Counsellor to the African Union, left a significant imprint. His focus on the ARISE program as a linchpin for enhancing science, technology, and innovation capacity in Africa highlighted the collaborative synergy between African nations and the EU in overcoming common obstacles and fostering sustainable advancement. Dr. Bochereau emphasized the pivotal aspects of strategic leadership, sound policies, effective funding models, and capacity building as fundamental pillars for driving research and innovation toward impactful outcomes. By exemplifying the EU's Horizon Europe program as a driver of efficient funding mechanisms and collaborative endeavors, he reaffirmed the indispensable role of research and innovation as catalyzers of development, translating scientific progress into tangible societal gains.

Taking part in the session dedicated to "Cooperation and Mobility Opportunities at the European Commission (EC)" within the framework of the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE) on June 3 and 4, 2024, the representative of EURAXESS Africa engaged both online and on-site. Against the backdrop of the event's theme, "Catalyzing Africa's Development through Scientific Excellence: Catalyzing Africa's Development through Research and Innovation," which unfolded in Hammamet, Tunisia, vibrant photographs captured the essence of dynamic exchanges among representatives from the European Commission (EC), the African Academy of Sciences, and esteemed Tunisian research and innovation officials at the EURAXESS stand.

ARISE is an innovative Research and Innovation (R&I) support programme implemented by the AAS with support from the African Union Commission (AUC) and the European Commission (EC). The programme is mainly funded by the European Union, with some co-funding from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Founded on the AU-EU High Level Policy Dialogue on Science, Technology, and Innovation, ARISE provides a vibrant platform and pathway for R&I exchanges within Africa and beyond, in contribution to sustainable and inclusive development, economic growth, and job creation. Launched in December 2020, the current €25.5 million pilot phase of ARISE - mainly funded by the European Union with additional support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York - supports nearly 600 early- to mid-career researchers across Africa, led by 47 principal investigators (ARISE Fellows), hosted in 38 African countries. More information about ARISE is available at https://bit.ly/3CRcQta

Original article published in EURAXESS Africa.