AAST Puts Algiers on the Scientific Map: The Impact of Hosting AMASA 2024
When the African scientific community gathered in Algiers for the Annual Meeting of African Science Academies (AMASA 2024), the city emerged as a continental hub for knowledge exchange and scientific collaboration. From 26–28 November 2024, more than 150 delegates from across Africa and beyond convened under the theme “Resources, Science and Technology for Development in Africa.”
For the Académie Algérienne des Sciences et Technologies (AAST), hosting AMASA 2024 was not only a prestigious responsibility, but it was also a powerful demonstration of Algeria’s commitment to advancing science, innovation, and regional solidarity.
A Meeting Defined by Innovation, Insight and Collaboration
Participants described AMASA 2024 as one of the most enriching gatherings in recent years, bringing together diverse expertise across three major scientific domains:
- One Health and the Future of Digital Science in Africa
Delegates explored how AI, mathematical modelling, biotechnology, and digital health platforms are reshaping disease management and prevention. A standout moment was the presentation of a digital health platform for Sickle Cell Disease, alongside discussions on pharmaceutical nanotechnology using natural biopolymers such as Gum Arabic, showcasing Africa’s growing scientific ingenuity and potential.
- Natural Hazards, Climate Realities and Human Resilience
Sessions on natural hazards addressed Africa’s increasing vulnerability to environmental disasters from earthquakes to climate-induced crises. Experts emphasized the need for multi-hazard early warning systems, improved disaster preparedness, and greater integration of scientific research. Mental health impacts of environmental change also took centre stage, highlighting often neglected dimensions of resilience.
- Mobilizing Africa’s Scientific Talent and Shared Resources
Strengthening postgraduate training, ethical research practices, and continental collaboration featured prominently in discussions. Delegates expressed strong support for the establishment of a continental synchrotron facility and reaffirmed the role of open science as a driver of innovation, cooperation, and capacity development.
Side events, including sessions on financial sustainability of academies and workshops on open science for One Health and natural hazard resilience, provided practical tools and strategies that participants widely praised for their relevance and usefulness.
AAST’s Reflection: A Milestone for Algeria and the Continent
For the host academy, AMASA 2024 was more than a scientific meeting, it was a defining moment.
AAST described hosting the gathering as “an honour and a deeply meaningful experience that celebrated African scientific excellence and reaffirmed our shared aspirations for a resilient, knowledge-driven continent.”
The Academy highlighted the enthusiasm delegates brought to Algiers, from senior scientists shaping policy to early-career researchers contributing fresh ideas. The success of the meeting, AAST noted, was strengthened by the unwavering support of NASAC and international partners.
Watching Algiers transform into a centre of scientific dialogue reaffirmed AAST’s belief in the power of science diplomacy, open knowledge exchange, and continental unity. These pillars the Academy emphasized, are essential for Africa’s sustainable development.
“AMASA 2024 leaves a lasting legacy,” AAST reflected. “It strengthened partnerships, inspired new collaborations, and reinforced confidence in Africa’s scientific capability and future.”
A Lasting Continental Moment
As AMASA 2024 concluded, delegates departed Algiers with renewed determination to drive scientific progress across Africa. Many described the meeting as a turning point—one that broadened perspectives, deepened cooperation, and reaffirmed Africa’s capacity to generate knowledge for its own development.
For Algeria, and particularly for AAST, hosting AMASA 2024 stands as a proud achievement and a significant contribution to strengthening Africa’s scientific landscape.