2026 U.S.-Africa Frontiers Symposium
February 2-4, 2026
Dakar, Senegal

The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is pleased to announce the next U.S.-Africa Frontiers of Science, Engineering, and Medicine Symposium, held in partnership with Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar on February 2-4, 2026, in Dakar, Senegal. The opportunity is now open for scientists, engineers, and medical professionals from the United States and African Union member countries to submit their application online before the deadline of July 31, 2025, 11:59 PM ET (Washington D.C. time).
The U.S.-Africa Frontiers program brings together outstanding early- and mid-career scientists, engineers, and medical professionals from the United States and member countries of the African Union for a series of symposia to explore exciting advances and emerging opportunities in their fields. The program also welcomes participation from the African science diaspora.
These symposia aim to enhance scientific exchange and dialogue, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and promote innovative research partnerships within and beyond the region. A hallmark of the Frontiers series is its multidisciplinary approach, encouraging connections across diverse areas of expertise.
The 2026 symposium in Dakar will feature five plenary sessions, each co-chaired by experts from both the U.S. and Africa:

• Session I: Critical Minerals and Materials
• Session II: AI for Decision Making
• Session III: Bioinformatics
• Session IV: Food Security and Nutrition
• Session V: Child and Maternal Health

We encourage early-career scientists, engineers and medical professionals working on related research to apply to this multidisciplinary meeting, as long as they fulfill the eligibility criteria. Each general participant will also have the opportunity to present their research during poster sessions. Travel of selected participants will be covered. More details on the symposium, organization, and program can be found on the symposium webpage.
 
Please submit your application online by 11:59 PM ET on July 31, 2025. For more information on the U.S.-Africa Frontiers Program, please visit our program website. Please email USAfricaSTEM@nas.edu with any questions.
 
Thank you for your interest in the U.S.-Africa Frontiers program, and feel free to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. We hope to see you in Senegal!

To view more details please visit:

https://www.nationalacademies.org/event/45168_02-2026_u-s-africa-frontiers-of-science-engineering-and-medicine-symposium-2026