02 Jun 2016

Scientists from across Africa will gather in Kasane on June 21-22 for the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) general assembly.

A press release from Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) states that the assembly, which is a gathering of Fellows of the African Academy of Sciences, would be jointly organised by BITRI and the Botswana International University of Science & Technology (BIUST).

The 120 scientists would discuss how science academies in Africa could work with governments to use research to shape policies by providing the data and evidence to feed into policymaking processes.
The meeting would also explore ways of how to bridge the gap between academies and policymakers.

The release states that President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama would inaugurate the Botswana Academy of Science that was created in 2015 as an independent organisation that would represent the voice of scientists in Botswana.

It is seen as an important milestone in the S&T landscape as Botswana is increasingly looking to diversify its economy and stimulate research and development in sectors of the economy, the release states.

It says the AAS recognises individuals who have reached the highest level of excellence in their field of expertise and have made contributions to the advancement of the field in the continent and this means that Botswana will be hosting the best minds in Science on the continent. Ends