Over the last three decades, the global research landscape has undergone important changes. Global Research and Development (R&D) expenditure has continued to rise; Africa has increased its gross expenditure on R&D as a proportion of GDP to about 0.5%, and has thus started closing the gap to the African Union’s target of 1%. An increasing number of African countries have emerged amongst the top research performers; African scientists have multiplied their scientific production, they are more mobile and better interconnected with international research networks.
Yet, there are still less than 100 researchers per million people in the continent, which is over ten times less than the global average. African countries continue to lose some of their best research talents to other sectors and to research centres abroad. African research institutions and universities lack a critical mass of role models for the upcoming generation of African researchers, as well as the enabling and secure environment to support career development and retain talents.
There is clear need to specifically support a new generation of African researchers, who wish to work on the cutting edge of science, within the African continent, and lead the global research efforts to solve pressing societal challenges. The ARISE Pilot Programme will support African research institutions and universities in building a critical mass of role models for African researchers. It will also enable and secure career development and will contribute to retain talents.
speakers
Jutta Urpilainen
European Commissioner for International Partnerships
Sarah Anyang Agbor
African Union Commissioner of Human Resources, Science and Technology
Mariya Gabriel
European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, European Young Leader (EYL40)
Isayvani Naicker
Director Strategy and Partnerships at African Academy of Sciences
Sandra Kramer
Director of EU-AU relations, West and East Africa, European Commission Directorate General for International Cooperation and Development (DEVCO)
Maria Cristina Russo
Director for Global Approach & International Cooperation in R&I at the European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD)
