NASAC

Programmes

ACADEMY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (ADI)

Theme : Inclusive and Policy Relevant Science Academies

VIRTUAL MEETING

 

ADI WEB 2026
ADI Sessions 2025

📅 Save the Dates for 2025 Sessions:

The Academy Development Initiative (ADI) is designed to inspire, educate, and connect scientific communities by providing a dynamic platform for sharing best practices, fostering collaborations, and guiding the establishment and strengthening of national science academies. The initiative is an essential resource for academicians, scientists, and stakeholders seeking to advance science, technology, and innovation (STI) across the continent by examining the essential components needed to establish and preserve a thriving, autonomous, and merit-based national science academy.

Objectives

The primary goal of the ADI Virtual meetings is to demystify the process and modalities involved in setting up a national academy that is contextually relevant, apolitical, and oriented towards honorific and programmatic excellence. By spotlighting the success stories and practical experiences of existing academies, the virtual meetings aim to:

  • Educate and Inspire: Encourage scientists and innovators to consider the establishment of new academies in their respective countries.
  • Provide Practical Guidance: Share proven methodologies for managing stakeholder relations, communications, financial sustainability, and science diplomacy.
  • Enhance Advisory Roles: Empower academies to serve as trusted science advisors to governments and industries, ensuring that policy decisions are grounded in robust scientific evidence.
  • Raise Awareness: Emphasize the value of science academies in national development and global competitiveness.
  • Share Expertise: Offer shared lessons, guidelines, and real-world experiences from established academies.
  • Foster Collaboration: Provide an inclusive space for scientists, academicians, and stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in academy development.
  • Drive Sustainability: Highlight strategies to ensure long-term financial and operational independence.

Why Participate in ADI Webinars?

The ADI virtual meetings are not only a learning platform but also a catalyst for change in the realm of science and innovation in Africa. By participating, stakeholders can:

  • Gain Invaluable Knowledge: Learn from the experiences of successful academies and industry experts.
  • Expand Professional Networks: Connect with peers, policymakers, and thought leaders in science and technology.
  • Drive National Development: Contribute to the establishment of robust, independent academies that can effectively guide national STI policies.
  • Stay Ahead in Science Diplomacy: Equip themselves with the latest strategies in science communication, stakeholder management, and financial sustainability.
  • Promoting Collaboration and Partnership Among Science Academies in Africa –  26 March 2026
  • What Makes an Academy Contextually Relevant in Africa? –  25 June 2026
  • Enhancing the Capacity of Newly Established and Young Academies in Africa –  24 September 2026

Below are the topics that were chosen for the 2024 ADI sessions. To see the report for each session, click on the links that are highlighted.