Next Einstein Forum

Africa's Global Forum for Science - Connecting Science to Humanity

The NEF is a global platform where scientists, policy makers, industry and civil society come together to leverage science and technology for global development. The NEF’s theme is ‘Connecting Science to Humanity’ with a particular focus on youth and women.

The NEF has two major programmes:

1. The NEF Global Gathering: This is a biennial gathering with the first NEF Global Gathering to be held 8-10 March 2016 in Dakar, Senegal. NEF Global Gatherings are more than 3-day conferences; they are global meetings of the minds to position science at the centre of global development efforts. With this strong focus on youth, and the expected presence of 10 Heads of State from across Africa, there is an exceptional opportunity for global science leaders’ voices to be heard and have major impact on Africa’s scientific future, through mentoring young people and through influencing continental science policy.
2. The NEF Institution: The NEF wishes to impact real change. To do so, the NEF is spearheading several programs including but not limited to:

• The NEF Fellows programme which will showcase Africa’s top 15 scientists under 42 years old.
• The NEF Ambassadors Programme which will select country ambassadors to help the NEF initiate science public engagement programs in their respective countries.
• A campaign that will highlight the stories of Africa’s top young scientists as well as highlighting the exciting science happening on the continent. The video will call viewers to sign a petition showing their support for science-based development in Africa in a 1Million1 Signature Campaign. These signatures will be presented as a mural to Heads of State, science and private sector leaders at the NEF Global Gathering 2016.
• The NEF Global Gathering will serve to identify key issues where policy interventions and investments are required. The NEF plans to establish a ‘Science and Technology Institute’ which, together with the African Union, will convene leading researchers to contribute to evidence-based policy.
• An African Women in STEM Taskforce (AWIST) will bring together leading women scientists and technologists to highlight the contributions of women in STEM. AWIST will commission studies and data collection on the current status of women in STEM and lead continent-wide programmes to increase women’s participation in STEM.