Scientists, researchers, delegates and key decision makers from Africa and around the globe will convene for the the first-ever virtual edition of the Next Einstein Forum Global Gathering (NEF-GG), Africa’s largest scientific gathering from 8-10 December 2020. The event will take place through the Airmeet video conferencing platform.
With a focus on identifying ways to strengthen Africa’s scientific future, this year’s conference will address science leadership in combating pandemics such as the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, building resilient educational systems, the crucial role of the digital economy and youth employment among other issues.
On the topic of Finding the Next Einstein – Africa, leading the world in scientific discovery, AIMS Founder and Board ChairProf Neil Turok will be joined by other leading global voices in the innovation and policy ecosystem to discuss pathways to a scientifically self-sufficient Africa.
This will be followed closely by IRCAD France President, Prof Jacques Marescaux’s session on Mathematics and the future of surgery, alongside the summit’s signature NEF Fellows Spotlight sessions. NEF-GG 2020 will also feature plenary and breakout sessions like the contribution of Mathematical Sciences in supporting robust disease prevention, how to tap into the virtual workforce and COVID-19 innovations from Africa.
Some of the speakers that will grace the virtual event include; Hon. Dr Valentine Uwamariya; Minister of Education, Rwanda, Diane Karusisi; CEO of Bank of Kigali, Prof. Caucher Birkar, a Fields Medalist,
Prof. Loyiso Nyongxa; Vice-President International Mathematical Union, Dr. Dunstan Matekenya; Data Scientist at the World Bank, Dr. Kommy Weldemariam; Chief Scientist at IBM Research Africa Labs, Hennie Bester; Insight 2 Impact Lead/CENFR, Dr. Eliane Ubalijoro; Deputy Executive Director, Global Open Data in Agriculture and Nutrition.
The biennial NEF Global Gatherings are the NEF’s marquee event. Far from an ordinary science forum, the NEF Global Gatherings position science at the centre of global development efforts.
In the presence of scientists (Nobel Prize and Field Medal laureates), political and industry leaders, civil society and media, and with a strong focus on youth and women, the voices of global science leaders have the opportunity to be heard and to have a significant impact on Africa’s scientific future.
