News in Brief

Here you'll find the latest NewsBriefs as published on our homepage throughout the year.

Building networks of Centres of Excellence in water science and technology development
29 March 2007
In order to address the challenges of water in Africa, it is envisaged that building a continental network of Centres of Excellence in water science and technology will be important instruments to address the problem.

Dr Heidi Kugeler shares thoughts on time spent in NEPAD
28 March 2007
As part of the Bosch Fellowship Programme in International Affairs, Dr Heidi Kugeler joined the NEPAD Office for Science and Technology for three months. On the eve of her departure, she shares some thoughts on her experience.

SANBio holds a workshop on The Scientific Validation of Traditional Medicines for Affordable Treatments for HIV/AIDS and Opportunistic Infections
26 March 2007
Gracing this important workshop was the Zambian Minister of Science Technology and Vocational Training, Dr. Brigadier General Brian Chituwo, MP. In his official opening remarks, the Minister said that more people were now seeking the services of traditional doctors for their health needs than ever before, particularly with the advent of HIV/AIDS. Dr Chituwo observed that it was for this reason that traditional medicines and remedies should not be looked down upon and dismissed out hand.

Report: Extraordinary Conference of the African Ministerial Council on Science and Technology
28 November 2006
The African Ministerial Council on Science and Technology (AMCOST) held its Extraordinary Conference in Cairo, Egypt from 20-24 November 2006. Organized by the African Union (AU) Commission and hosted by the Government of Egypt, the conference opened with an experts meeting from 20-22 November, followed by a ministerial meeting from 23-24 November. It was attended by representatives from 26 AU member states and agencies, international and continental government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the Diaspora. The details of the proceedings at the meeting are reported here: www.iisd.ca/africa/amcost

New AU summit discussion group and news focus
5 September 2006
SciDev.Net wants to ensure your views as African scientists, policymakers, science communicators, research funders and investors are heard. What do you feel African leaders need to focus on and what would you like to come out of the 2007 African Union summit? Join the group and air your views! In addition, this site will bring together coverage in the run up to the summit. To find out more visit: www.scidev.net/ausummit07.

Feedback on responses received about your views on the ASIF
18 September 2006
The ASIF Project Team wish to thank all those individuals and teams that responded to our request for views and ideas on the proposed African Science and Innovation Facility. Your comments and thoughtful responses are being analysed and will shape the options paper we have been asked to prepare by the NEPAD Office of Science and Technology.

SANBio welcomes new Director
1 September 2006
At the beginning of September, SANBio (Southern African Network for Biosciences) welcomed Professor Luke Mumba on board, as its new Director.

AU/NEPAD High Level African Panel on Modern Biotechnology held successful second meeting
30 January 2006
The AU/NEPAD High Level African Panel on Modern Biotechnology held its second meeting at the Library of Alexandria in Egypt from 14 to 16 January 2006.