40 young and emerging African researchers, early career scientists and their ideas are set to benefit from a pilot programme launched by the European Union in collaboration with the African Union and the African Academy of Sciences (AAS).  The €25 million programme dubbed “African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence Arise” (ARISE) will enable these talents deliver advanced research across Africa.

ARISE programme is fueled by the recognition of the role of Science, Technology and Innovation as the vital driver of sustainability, more so, in the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  The AU and EU equally acknowledge the importance of research and innovation in accelerating green and digital transitions, strengthening resilience and crisis preparedness, and supporting global competitiveness, especially during the corona virus pandemic. 

The programme is in line with the long-standing EU cooperation with the African Union under the High-Level Policy Dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation with its investments reaching more than €1.8 billion, and follows the Research and Innovation (R&I) Ministerial held on 16 July 2020 between the EU and the AU,

The beneficiaries of the ARISE programme will be selected through a rigorous continent-wide open competition based on scientific excellence. They will be recognized and offered development opportunities with grants of up to €500,000 over a five-year period to start their independent research teams and projects. They will be hosted in various higher education or research institutions in 40 African countries.

The ARISE programme will be implemented by the AAS with strategic direction of the EU and AU.  The AAS is a non-aligned, non-political, not for profit pan-African organization that aims to use science to transform lives in the African continent.

Photo courtesy / Google

Article by Esther Nyandoro

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_2324