Can the Next Einstein Come from Africa?

PRESS RELEASE

At less than a week to global science forum, Next Einstein Forum launches global call for a new era in science and technology in Africa

700 participants from 80 countries already registered, 52% of them young people and 40% women

DAKAR, Senegal, March 3, 2016/ -- In less than a week, the first global forum for science on African soil will take place in Dakar, Senegal, from 8-10 March 2016. The Next Einstein Forum (NEF) (http://gg2016.nef.org) has launched a global call for support for Africa’s scientific and technological emergence (http://www.IamEinstein.org). The video, which asks the question, "Can the next Einstein come from Africa?" calls on game changers from Africa and around the world to support Africa’s scientific renaissance.

Watch the video "Can the next Einstein come from Africa?": https://youtu.be/sR8TClNe9Ts

The Next Einstein Forum Global Gathering 2016, Africa’s premiere global science and technology forum is convened by the NEF, a global platform that brings together leaders in industry, policy, science, and technology. The first edition of this biennial event will set the stage for a vibrant conversation on transforming Africa and the world through a renewed and increased focus on science, technology and innovation. The NEF is an initiative of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) (http://www.NextEinstein.org) in partnership with the Robert Bosch Stiftung.

“At more than 700 participants from 80 countries already registered, 52% of them young people and 40% women, we are expecting a truly global forum that discusses opportunities, innovations, and solutions. The NEF Global Gathering will unveil Africa’s global contributions to science and technology and as the forum opens on International Women’s Day, we will specifically acknowledge the contributions and address the challenges faced by female scientists,” said Thierry Zomahoun, NEF Chair and President and CEO of AIMS.

The NEF Global Gathering 2016 will showcase the innovations and contributions of the NEF’s 15 Fellows –some of Africa’s brightest young scientists (http://www.NEF.org/fellows) who are on the frontline of Africa’s science renaissance. Flying under the radar, these scientists have been tackling some the continent's most urgent technological and development challenges – from, big data and cybersecurity to hypertension, heart disease, immunology and public health. In addition, for the first time in history, all 54 African countries will come together to talk science and technology each represented by a NEF Ambassadors (http://NEF.org/ambassadors) that will work to raise awareness about science and technology in their countries.

“A great idea can come from anywhere in the world, and there is no doubt that new and novel scientific ideas to solve global health challenges will come from Africa.,” said Seema Kumar, Vice President, Innovation, Global Health and Science Policy, Johnson & Johnson and Member of the NEF International Steering Committee. “The scientific talent in Africa is outstanding with the potential to produce the next Einstein, Pasteur or Madame Curie. The world needs the best science from across the globe to solve the medical challenges of our lifetime like HIV, TB, and other infectious diseases like Ebola and Zika virus, and non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes.”

With a truly exciting program (http://gg2016.nef.org) that focuses on advances in basic and applied science and technology as well as an innovation pitching competition, a Presidential Panel with H.E. President Macky Sall of Senegal and H.E. President Paul Kagame of  Rwanda and other exciting sessions like Meet and Greets with groundbreaking scientists and inventors, the NEF Global Gathering 2016 will be live-streamed to a global audience from 8 March 2016 starting at 10:10 am UTC at www.NEF.org. 

Supporters of science, innovation and technology as drivers of growth in Africa can join the NEF movement by pledging their signature at www.IamEinstein.org.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Next Einstein Forum (NEF).

MEDIA PARTICIPATION
Complimentary meeting registration is available to members of the media who provide appropriate press credentials and identification via the conference registration system. If you would like more information, contact us at info@nef.org

MEDIA CONTACTS
Nathalie Munyampenda
NEF Communications and Media Manager
T: +221 777967234
E: nmunyampenda@nef.org

For AIMS:
Mimi Kalinda
Director of Communications
E: mkalinda@nexteinstein.org

About the Next Einstein Forum

Launched in 2013, the Next Einstein Forum (NEF) (http://www.NextEinstein.org), an African Institute for Mathematical Science (AIMS) initiative in partnership with the Robert Bosch Stiftung, will unite outstanding thinkers and distinguished stakeholders from around the world together in Africa for the first ever NEF Global Gathering on 8-10 March 2016 under the patronage of H.E. Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal. Held every two years, NEF Global Gatherings will showcase Africa’s top young scientists and connect them with leaders from Africa and the rest of the world in high-profile, invitation-only forums that touch on the three pillars of science, society and policy.

The NEF has been endorsed by the African Union Commission as well as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Governments of Rwanda, Senegal and South Africa, the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and a growing number of private sector and civil society partners from across the world who are passionate about positioning Africa’s scientific community as an influential member in the global scientific community, which will ensure sustainable human development in Africa and other parts of the world.

SOURCE
Next Einstein Forum (NEF)

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