Webinar Report on Academies responses to COVID-19

Webinar Recap: Science Academies’ Response to COVID-19 Pandemic—NASAC and IAP Collaboration

The Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), in partnership with the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP), hosted a pivotal webinar on the response of science academies to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event brought together 60 participants, including representatives from member academies, secretariat staff, and notably, national young academies, ensuring diverse and inclusive participation. This report highlights the key discussions and initiatives undertaken by science academies since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic in March 2020.

NASAC’s Call to Action: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
The President of NASAC urged science academies to leverage the current challenges posed by the pandemic to identify innovative and context-specific solutions for Africa. Several academies showcased their proactive efforts during the webinar. For instance, the Ugandan National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) developed an innovative model for COVID-19 management, while the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) established partnerships and initiatives that resulted in joint research papers, grants, and funding for COVID-19-related projects.

Why This Matters
The webinar highlighted the critical role of science academies in driving evidence-based solutions and fostering international collaboration during global health emergencies. By sharing best practices and leveraging partnerships, academies can amplify their impact and contribute to a resilient post-COVID recovery.

Key Initiatives by Participating Academies

Participants highlighted their contributions to combating the pandemic, including:

• • Providing expert committee support to national governments.
  • Fundraising for COVID-19-related activities.
  • Leveraging partnerships to advance research and innovation.

InterAcademy Partnership (IAP): Emphasizing Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The IAP underscored the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to managing the pandemic, integrating physical, biological, and behavioral sciences to ensure a sustainable recovery. Additionally, the IAP established a multi-country COVID-19 Advisory Group to provide technical guidance and support to academies globally.

Key Recommendations from the Webinar
The webinar concluded with a strong recommendation for science academies to adopt a multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder approach in addressing the pandemic. This collaborative framework is essential for developing effective strategies and ensuring a coordinated global response to COVID-19 and future health crises.