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One of the strategic objectives of NASAC is to enhance the capacity of existing science academies and support the creation of new academies in countries where none exist. To achieve this, NASAC developed the Academy Development Initiative (ADI), an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the value of science academies and inspiring scientists to establish them.
Background of ADI
- Launched in 2020, ADI is a collaboration between NASAC and the United Nations Technology Bank for LDCs.
- Since its initiation, four new academies have been established in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, and Malawi.
- Scientists in several other African countries are also working towards creating their own national academies.
Objectives of ADI
The ADI’s primary aim is to:
- Raise awareness on the process of setting up a national academy.
- Provide shared lessons, guidelines, and experiences on how to create and strengthen science academies in Africa.
- Ensure that established academies serve as advisors to their governments, industries, and the science, technology, and innovation (STI) community.
Key Features of ADI
- Interactive Webinars: NASAC hosts ADI webinars, moderated by its secretariat, where:
- Scientists and stakeholders can discuss the value of national academies.
- Existing academies motivate and inspire scientists in countries without academies.
- Lessons on setting up not-for-profit, apolitical, non-partisan, and merit-based academies are shared.
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.
- Stakeholder Relations and Management – 14th March 2024
- Effective Communication Strategy for Science Academies– 13th June 2024
- Maintaining Financial Sustainability with Independence– 12th September 2024
