Photo of Prof. Malik Maaza who chaired the committee

The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) is taking steps to create a new scientific journal designed to give African research a stronger platform in the global scientific community.

The Academy has established an Editorial Board/Planning Committee to steer the proposed publication, bringing together scientists and experts with experience across multiple disciplines and in scholarly publishing. The committee held its inaugural virtual meeting on September 17, marking the first formal step towards developing the journal.

Rather than simply adding another publication to the growing scientific literature, the initiative is being shaped around a broader question: how can Africa create a journal that reflects the continent’s research priorities while meeting the standards expected of an international scientific publication?

Chaired by Prof. Malik Maaza, the committee is expected to help define the journal’s identity, scope and editorial framework. Its members will also examine how the publication can contribute research from Africa to wider scientific discussions.

AAS President Prof. Friday Okonofua welcomed the committee and called for progress towards a clear concept and practical launch strategy. The inaugural meeting examined draft Terms of Reference and a proposed 12-month work plan, setting out the areas that will require attention before the journal can become operational.

These include editorial governance, publishing infrastructure, long-term financial sustainability, partnerships and strategies for increasing the journal’s visibility.

The committee will also consult AAS Fellows as it considers a name for the publication and assess the existing scholarly publishing landscape. Potential partnerships with established publishing organisations will form another part of the early work.

The group includes Prof. Olorunseun Ogunwobi, Prof. Fengting Li, Prof. Oualid Hamdaoui, Prof. Cynthia Amaning Danquah, Dr. Felicitas Esnart Mukumbo, Dr. Judicaël Obame, Prof. Ngianga-Bakwin Kandala, Prof. Asfawossen Kassaye, Dr. Dickson Amugsi, Prof. Donald Kugonza, Dr. Nowsheen Goonoo and Prof. Olukayode Amund. Dr. James Mushori serves as Managing Secretary.

The proposed journal comes at a time when African researchers are producing work across fields ranging from health and environmental science to engineering and technology. The committee’s task will be to determine how that diversity can be brought together within a publication with a clear scientific identity.

For the AAS, the immediate priority is therefore not simply launching a journal, but establishing the foundations for one that can be credible, sustainable and relevant to researchers on the continent and beyond.

The committee’s 12-month planning process will provide the roadmap for turning that ambition into a functioning scientific publication.

Article by Jed Mwangi

photo courtesy:Google

https://aasciences.africa/news/aas-launches-committee-to-shape-a-new-journal-for-african-science