The Next Einstein Forum (NEF) has launched the search for 54 science and technology Ambassadors, one champion from each African country. The selected NEF Ambassadors will join the NEF Fellows Class as part of the NEF’s Community of Scientists.
NEF Ambassadors attend the NEF’s signature event, the NEF Global Gathering, the second edition of which will be held in March 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda. They will have the opportunity to network with emerging and world renowned scientists and technology leaders as well as industry and policy leaders at an innovative gathering that will focus on how science and technology can solve global challenges, boost sustainable growth and accelerate human development.
(TOP: NEF Fellow @sherienelagroud, Environmental Engineer and founder of first Solid Waste Management Plant in Egypt. Photo: Twitter).
“The NEF Global Gathering 2016 held in Senegal was a resounding success, primarily because 60% of the participants were young emerging scientists and technologists. The NEF Ambassadors, part of the NEF Community of Scientists, bring a fresh, local perspective, in addition to their growing expertise in science and technology. NEF Ambassadors will represent their countries and the continent on a global stage, championing science-driven growth and development,” said Thierry Zomahoun, Chairperson of the NEF and President and CEO of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS).
NEF Ambassadors should be residents of an African country, under forty-two years of age, have completed advanced studies in science, technology or have significant entrepreneurial achievements. They should also have a track record of leadership in their community, be passionate about promoting science and technology, and have an active online profile and following.
“NEF Ambassadors drive the NEF’s local public engagement activities while growing their own careers through the NEF’s partnerships that offer opportunities for mentorship and collaborations with established researchers,” said Dr. Youssef Travaly, NEF Director of Programs and Content.
Applications are available online and will be received until May 26, 2017. The final list of NEF Ambassadors will be published in September 2017.
Launched in 2013, the Next Einstein Forum (NEF), an African Institute for Mathematical Science (AIMS) initiative in partnership with the Robert Bosch Stiftung, is Africa’s global platform for science and technology. The NEF unites outstanding thinkers and distinguished stakeholders from around the world together in Africa in biennial Global Gatherings with the first NEF Global Gathering held in March 2016 under the patronage of Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal. The NEF Global Gathering 2016 had over 1000 participants, with 50% of participants under the age of 42, 40% of whom were women.
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 Institution runs a NEF Fellows program that identifies and awards Africa’s top scientists and technologists; an Ambassadors Program that selects 54 science and technology ambassadors across the continent, one per country; as well as running science benchmarking, policy and public engagement activities.
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.
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