News Archive
BIPCEA Entrepreneurship Training on Bioinnovate policy consortium for Eastern Africa
ATPS is organizing a Two-day training workshop on Entrepreneurship Skills for Bio-Scientists in Eastern Africa under the Project Bio Science Innovation Policy Consortium for Eastern Africa (BIPCEA). Bioinnovate policy consortium for Eastern Africa.
Call for Nomination and Elections of AYFST and AWFST Executive Members and Regional Steering Committee
ATPS is seeking nominations of dynamic trans-disciplinary individuals with leadership skills amongst its membership to stand for election to fill the executive positions of its youth (African Youth Forum for Science and Technology - AYFST) and women (African Women Forum for Science and Technology -AYFST) programs. The two programs are initiatives within the ATPS Phase VI strategic plan supported by its consortium of Donors, including the Netherlands Directorate-General of Development cooperation.
ATPS to Participate in the first Africa Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for Youth Employment, Human Capital Development and Inclusive Growth
ATPS, through its African Youth Forum for Science and Technology (AYFST) will participate in the first Africa Forum on STI for Youth Employment, Human Capital Development and Inclusive Growth in Africa. The forum, organised by the African Union Commission, UNECA and UNESCO in collaboration with ADEA and the African Development Bank, will be hosted by the Government of Kenya from 1st – 3rd April 2012 in Nairobi, Kenya.
ATPS Participates in a workshop on ‘Building Trans-disciplinary Climate Change Adaption Capacity’
ATPS Executive Director, Prof Kevin Urama and Senior Research Officer, Dr Nicholas Ozor took part in a seminar/workshop for academic staff and other stakeholders involved in the transdisciplinary climate change adaptation research project at the Nsukka Campus of the University of Nigeria, Enugu State, Nigeria as resource personnel.
The seminar/workshop purposed to develop the capacity of the participating stakeholders in developing research proposals and effectively conducting research projects on climate change issues at the University of Nigeria and to train academic staff on the tools of transdisciplinarity and its application to curriculum review for climate change adaptation, among other things.
ATPS Malawi inaugural Annual Meeting
ATPS Malawi AGM (Click to enlarge)
The African Technology Policy Studies (ATPS), Malawi Chapter held a one day meeting on December 9, 2011. The gathering primarily provided an opportunity for like-minded institutions and registered and potential members to be inducted to the aspirations of ATPS and encourage them to employ ATPS in realizing their own aspirations for a better world by being innovation and knowledge brokers without and within Malawi.
Youth Conference on “Factoring Youth Voices into Critical Issues: Agenda on Environmental Sustainability, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, Food Security and Nutrition in Africa”
The African Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) Network, through its Africa Youth Forum for Science and Technology (AYFST) and Africa Women Forum for Science and Technology (AWFST) programs, has partnered with the University of Nairobi, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences (CAVS) and the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST), Kenya to bring together the youth in Kenya and beyond at a conference on the 9 and10 March 2012 at the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, Kenya. The conference is themed “Factoring Youth Voices into Critical Issues: Agenda on Environmental Sustainability, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, Food Security and Nutrition in Africa”.
The 3rd Steering Committee Meeting of the African Youth Forum for Science and Technology (AYFST) and the African Women Forum for Science and Technology (AWFST)
AWFST and AYFST Executives Meeting (Click to enlarge)The 3rd Steering Committee Meeting of the African Youth Forum for Science and Technology (AYFST) and the African Women Forum for Science and Technology (AWFST) will be held on the 8th of March 2012 at the ATPS Secretariat in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting follows the launch of the Y I Can and We CAN programs on the 17th of July, 2009 in Mombasa, Kenya, and the 2nd Steering Committee which was held on 09-11 August 2010 in Accra, Ghana,
The meeting will attract participation from the executive members of the AYFST and AWFST programs and is aimed at taking stock of the program activities since the last Steering Committee meetings.
ATPS to participate in a side event at the 12th Special Session of the UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum
The ATPS Executive Director, Prof. Kevin Urama is scheduled to address participants at a side event on “Shifting Consumption and Production for A systematic Change, from Rio to Rio and beyond.” The event, which is part of the 12th Special Session of the UNEP Governing council/Global Ministerial environment Forum (GCSSXII/GMEF), will be held on 22nd February 2012.
ATPS to participate in a Consultation meeting on ecosystem management and climate change in Africa
ATPS has been invited to participate in a Consultation meeting tagged Ecosystem Management and Climate Change in Africa: a Learning Process to Promote Sino-African Cooperation. The meeting is aimed at promoting Sino-Africa Cooperation in the domain of ecosystem management and climate change and will be held at the UNEP Headquarters, Nairobi on 24th February 2012 The meeting comes against the backdrop of the booming cooperation between Africa and China over the years, which has seen increase in trade and expansion of cooperative areas including science, technology and environment.
Scholars from the University of Cambridge to Visit ATPS
A team of scholars from the University of Cambridge led by Prof. Sir Brian Heap, an ATPS Board Member has scheduled meetings with a number of organizations in Kenya, including the ATPS with the aim of discussing plans relating to a substantial grant that has been provided by the John Templeton Foundation in the area of Genetics. The Foundation, which is an independent organisation, takes a particular interest in how major advances in genetics might serve to empower inpiduals, leading to social and cultural changes as described at: http://www.
ATPS joins partners to host a Policymaker, Practitioner and Community User Workshop
The African Technology Policy Studies Network, in collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Institute of Zoology, London, University College London, UCL, Anthropology (East African dry lands societies, livelihoods and NRM institutions) will be hosting a one-day Policymaker, Practitioner and Community User Workshop. The main aim of the workshop is to engage stakeholders from grassroots users through to national and international policymaker/practitioners, entrepreneurs, and scientists working on issues related to the Biopersity, Ecosystem services, Social sustainability and Tipping points in African Dry lands (BEST) project.
ATPS Sudan hosts a Parliamentary Round Table on the Role of Science Technology and Innovation in achieving MDGs and in National Development Agenda
The ATPS Sudan Focal point organized a two day Parliamentary Round Table on the Role of Science Technology and Innovation in achieving MDGs and in National Development Agenda. The two day workshop, which was held held on 16th and 17th January aimed at Sensitizing Policymakers, Researchers, the Private Sector Actors and the Civil Society in Sudan on the role of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for sustainable development in Sudan; Identifying key actors in the Sudanese National System of Innovation and prioritize key stakeholders to drive the mainstreaming of STI in Sudan’s policy research agenda to effectively address its national development plan, Introducing the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) to stakeholders and identify potential actors and electing Coordinator(s) and National Steering Committee members of the ATPS Network in Sudan and officially Launching the ATPS Sudan Chapter.
Nigeria Launches Another High-Tech Communciation Satelitte in Xichang, China
Tuesday, 20th December 2011. An ATPS Board Member, Prof. Turner T. Isoun played a pioneering role in the initiation and establishment of Nigeria’s telecommunication satellites, in his role as the then Minister for Science and Technology of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2003-2008).
ATPS Collaborates with Maastricht University to host a workshop on Nanotechnologies for Kenya’s Development
The African Technology Policy Studies Network, in Collaboration with the Maastricht University of Netherlands have organised a two day workshop on Nanotechnologies for Kenya’s Development: Questions of Knowledge Brokerage and Risk Governance. The workshop, which will be on 12th and 13th December 2011 aims to investigate how Kenya can control its own nanotechnologies and Nano science to benefit its own development agenda and is specifically aimed at addressing the following: Which forms of stakeholder participation or knowledge brokerage can help to realize this?
ATPS holds a Side Event at COP 17 in Durban, South Africa.
A section of delegates at the ATPS Side Event on Making Sense of Climate Change (Click to enlarge)
The United Nations Climate Change Conference that began in Durban on the 28 November 2011 has brought together representatives of all Parties as well as International Organizations and Civil Society. With a comprehensive agenda that follows the Bali Action Plan agreed at COP 13, which also includes the Cancun Decisions, the discussions are being held in two tracks, COP17 - LCA and CMP7 - KP and will seek to make progress in the implementation of the Bali Action Plan and the Kyoto Protocol.
Videos from the 2011 ATPS Annual General Meeting
Handover to the new chair of the ATPS Board, Prof. Abdulrazak and presentation of the Draft Mid Term Evaluation Report. Closing remarks by various stakeholders.
ATPS Annual Conference 2011 Participant list
The following is a list of the participants who attended this year's ATPS Annual Conference tagged "Strengthening Linkages Between Policy Research and policymaking for African Development" The conference was held in Mombasa, Kenya between 7th to 11th November 2011. Participant list Participant portrait photos (Captioning is still in progress)
ATPS Collaborates with UNESCO to provide training in Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Formulation and Implementation for Sustainable Development in East Africa
ATPS has collaborated with UNESCO to provide training in Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Formulation and Implementation for Sustainable Development in East Africa. Delegates include selected University Deans, Institutions of Science, Technology and Innovation, the staff of the National Councils for Science and Technology in East African countries.
ATPS Mid Term Evaluation Questionnaire - Appreciation
The evaluation team would sincerely like to thank those who took time to complete the evaluation questionnaire. Your response is important in the shaping the future of the network and is highly appreciated.
ATPS Signs a MoU with the Economic Commission for Africa on collaboration in the development and implementation of Africa Climate Policy Centre’s.
ATPS has signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) that will see the two organizations collaborate in the development and implementation of ECA-based Africa Climate Policy Centre’s (ACPC) work program. The program focuses on Technology Transfer, Knowledge sharing and networking and Climate policy analyses and support to African governments.
Increasing the role of Sciences in African Development: A speech by Prof. Berhanu Abegaz
Increasing the role of Sciences in African Development: A speech by Prof. Berhanu Abegaz, Executive Director, African Academy of Sciences at the World Chemistry Leadership Meeting San Juan, Puerto Rico .
Notice to stakeholders on the ongoing ATPS Evaluation
Notice to stakeholders on the ongoing ATPS Evaluation.
ATPS Chapters plan activities for the 2011 Scientific Revival Day
The 46th Ministerial Conference of the African Union (AU) in 1987 declared 30th June as a day reserved to commemorate the Scientific Revival Day of Africa (SRDA). The SRDA is a day for Africans to re-examine the role science and technology plays in their lives, the prevailing environment for science and technology, the achievements, missed opportunities, and strength of her science policy.
ATPS Participates in a Consultative Conference on Southern Voices in the Northern Policy Debate
Dakar; May 22nd & 23rd 2011: ATPS Executive Director, Dr. Kevin Urama and Prof. Turner T. Isoun, ATPS Board member, represented ATPS at the Consultative Conference on Southern Voices in the Northern Policy Debate. This meeting was attended by members from key institutions from all over Africa such as African Centre for Economic transformation, African Institute for Development studies, Institute for Global dialogue and Initiative Prospective Agricole et Rurale just to mention a few.
ATPS Nigeria Chapter to commemorate the Scientific Revival Day of Africa, 2011
ATPS Nigeria is set to mark this year’s Scientific Revival Day of Africa. The major activity for the celebration will be symposium on “Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Policies" The celebrations will take place on the 6th of July at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria, starting at 10am.
The Final Newsletter under the SETDEV process is published.
(Click to enlarge) The last SET-DEV (Science, Ethics and Technological responsibility in Developing and Emerging countries) newsletter covering the final phase of the SET-DEV project launched in 2008 to support the Indian and African research systems in developing their own ethical perspectives in the context of Scientific and Technological Research (STR) Was published in May 2011. The final phase of SET-DEV process envisaged the presentation of the main outputs of the project: the Indian and African Manifestos, the Guidelines for Socialisation of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Pilot Programme carried out in India and Kenya during the implementation of the project.
Implementation of the African Manifesto for Science, Technology and Innovation - A Breakfast Roundtable with Stakeholders & SETDEV Final Outputs’ Workshop
(Click to enlarge) The African Technology Policy Studies Network, together with its SETDEV partners have organized a one day Breakfast Roundtable with Stakeholders on the Implementation of the African Manifesto for Science, Technology and Innovation under the Science, Ethics and Technological Responsibility in Developing and Emerging Countries (SETDEV) project. The workshop will also see the presentation of the final outputs under the project to key stakeholders at this breakfast roundtable for final review comments and implementation planning.
New Working Papers Published
The African Technology Policy Studies Network has published new working papers from its on-going Climate Sense Program. The papers were produced by researchers from different regions in Africa who were awarded grants under the ATPS Climate Sense Program as part of the implementation of the ATPS Phase VI Strategic Plan, 2008 – 2012.
ATPS and its partners host a workshop on Strengthening Linkage between Policy Research and Policymaking for African Development
16-18 February 2011. A session of the workshop in progress (Click to enlarge)The ATPS, in conjunction with its partners, the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC); the African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET) and the Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), organized a three day workshop on Strengthening Linkage between Policy Research and Policymaking for African Development in Mombasa Kenya.
ATPS holds its 2010 annual international conference and workshops
ATPS Successfully held its 2010 Annual Conference, which took place at the Conrad Cairo from 25 – 30 November 2010 in Cairo, Egypt. The conference theme was The State of Science, Technology and Innovation in Africa: Implications for Achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Call for papers for the formation of Agribusiness Innovation Incubator Consortia
Concept notes are sought for the formation of Agribusiness Innovation Incubator Consortia (AIIC) comprised of universities, incubatees, research institutions and private sectorsto be based in any of the following Danida priority countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Downloads: English: Notes on the calls for concept notes from prospective Agribusiness Innovation Incubator Consortia (AIIC) Format for Concept Notes French: Appel à Soumission de Notes Conceptuelles en vue de la mise en place de Consortiums d’Incubateurs d’Innovations d’entreprises agricoles (CIIEA) Format pour les Notes conceptuelles
Dates Announced for the ATPS Annual Conference 2010
The ATPS 2010 Annual conference is scheduled to be held from 25th to 27th November 2010 in Cairo, Egypt. The conference, whose theme will be "The State of Science, Technology and Innovation in Africa: Implications for achieving the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs)" seeks to review the state of STI in the continent with a view to identifying existing gaps and charting a proactive way forward for achieving sustainable development in Africa through investments in STI.
The third African Congress for Scientific Research and Technology
2 - 4 November 2010, Cairo, Egypt. ATPS championed the success of its youth and gender empowerment programme at a regional forum - the third African Congress for Scientific Research and Technology held in Cairo, Egypt from 2-4 November 2010.
ATPS Participates in the National Conference on Privacy and Data Protection Law in Kenya
20 – 21 September 2010. As part of its ongoing implementation of the SETDEV project, a national conference on Privacy and Data Protection was held on 21 September 2010 in Nairobi, Kenya.
ATPS Chapters mark the 2010 Scientific Revival Day
13th July 2010. The ATPS-Nigeria chapter collaborated with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council and the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Yola to host the 23rd African Scientific Revival Day ad the FUT Yola Multipurpose Hall.
Dr Urama attends the 7th African Development Forum Meeting
16 October 2010. The Seventh African Development Forum (ADF-VII) was held at UNECA from 10-15 October 2010 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
ATPS and the Malawi National Commission for Science and Technology enter into partnership
September 16, 2010; Lilongwe, Malawi: The African Technology Policy Studies Network, ATPS and the Malawi National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) have entered into a partnership that will see the two institutions work together as well as with relevant national, regional and international institutions in the design, implementation, and impact assessment of science, technology and innovation (STI) for development to achieve the maximum impact on matters of common interest between the two institutions. From Right; Dr. H. M. Chimoyo, Director General of Malawi National Commission for Science and Technology hands over the signed MoU to Mr. Marsden Momanyi of ATPS to confirm the partnership between the two organizations.
ATPS and RUFORUM host a Ministerial Conference on Higher Education in Agriculture in Africa
20 November 2010. The ATPS, in collaboration with the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and other development partners including the Development Research Network (DDRN) organized a Ministerial Conference on Higher Education in Agriculture in Africa (CHEA).
ATPS Cameroon Chapter hosts a meeting on Responsible use of the Internet
Friday 20th of November 2010.The African Youth Forum for Science and Technology, Cameroon chapter organized a one day workshop on “Responsible use of the internet”.
'There is plenty of room at the top because no one cares to get there':Report from the 2nd AWFST Steering Committee Meeting held in Accra, Ghana.
The under-representation of women in Science and Technological Innovations in Africa is undisputed. Equally undisputed is the fact that it is not the ideas and skills that women and girls in Africa lack, but rather it is the requisite critical mass to effect great changes in their respective areas of expertise.
Nothing for Us, Without Us:Africa’s youth pledge to adopt a proactive approach to Science, Technology and Innovation policy dialogue and practice
About 50 percent of Africa’s population is below the age of 18, and 15.9 percent of it is between the ages of 18 and 24.
ATPS Brings African Science Journalists together to Enhance Reporting of Science, Technology and Innovation
Nairobi, August 2, 2010: The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) in collaboration with Science Africa Ltd. hosted a sensitization workshop aimed at strengthening the capacities of Africa’s science journalists to report more effectively on the centrality of science technology and innovation in addressing global challenges such as climate change.
African Manifesto on Science, Technology and Innovation receives Praise at the Royal Society in London
June 16, 2010; The Executive Director of the African Technology Policy Studies Network, Dr Kevin Urama yesterday gave a presentation on the ongoing process of writing an African Manifesto on Science, technology and Innovation at the Royal Society in London. Speaking during the event organized to mark the launch of the new 'manifesto' on innovation by the United Kingdom's STEPS Centre (Social, Technological and Environmental Pathways to Sustainability), Dr Urama told participants that the idea of an African Manifesto was borne out of the emergence of strong awareness of the role of STI as the engine of development in Africa.
ATPS joins other partners in establishing a National systems of Innovation for Nigeria.
ATPS, in conjunction with four other institutions have signed a Memorandum of understanding to establish a National Systems of Innovations for Nigeria in order to to support the development of science, technology and innovation in Nigeria. The other collaborating institutions include National Universities Commission, Abuja; Raw Material Research and Development Council, Abuja; National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion, Abuja and Science and Technology Education Post Basic project, Abuja.
The revamped ATPS website goes live
The ATPS website that has been under review is now online. The site, which boasts state of the art multi-media capabilities has a new and improved look with major sections easily accessible from the homepage.
ATPS Calls for Strengthening of National Systems of Innovation for Poverty Alleviation
Nairobi; May 7, 2010: ATPS Executive Director, Dr Kevin Urama has called for strategic collaboration and interaction amongst key actors in strengthened National Systems of Innovation (NSI); these actors include policy-makers, science experts, private sector actors and the civil society in Africa. “Multi-lateral collaboration breeds innovation, while binomial relationships lead to knowledge dependence.
Climate Change, Biodiversity and Development: Effects of poverty on conservation
WWF’s internal meeting for evaluation how poverty issues on conservation-27th - 29th February, 2010. A presentation on Climate Change, Biodiversity and development by Ms. Wairimu Mwangi, a research officer at ATPS.
African Carbon Forum: exploring how carbon markets can provide solutions for climate change management
The African Carbon Forum was held from the 3rd to 5th March 2010. The meeting brought together researchers from various fields for discussions on a variety of issues that pertain to climate mitigation and adaptation in Africa through the carbon markets.
ATPS and RMRDC Nigeria Plan for Collaborative activities for 2010
The ATPS and RMRDC held consultative meetings to discuss carious collaborative activities for the year 2010. During the meetings, RMRDC and World Bank STEP B agreed to cooperate with the ATPS to implement two events in Nigeria under the auspices of the ATPS/RMRDC MoU, The first being the marking of Africa Scientific revival day starting 28 – 30 June 2010, with the next being scheduled for November 2010.
ATPS to Collaborate with AIAE in “Innovative Alternatives to Prosperity Metrics in Africa (IAPMA)” Initiative
Wednesday March 10, 2010 Nairobi: The ATPS today held a meeting with African Institute for Applied Economics (AIAE) to discuss ways of influencing innovative alternatives to Prosperity Metrics in Africa. Currently, Prosperity Metrics rely heavily on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) indices as the determinant for critical policy decisions in Africa.
ATPS signs Memorandum of Understanmding with the NUC - Nigerian Universities Commission. Promoting dialogue and practice on ST&I in Nigeria through capacity building across knowledge communities
Abuja, Nigeria, February 11th, 2010: The Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius A Okojie has taken another bold step to reposition the Commission to serve the university community and indeed the Nation better as he signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS). ATPS is a leading multi-disciplinary Network of researchers, policymakers, private sector actors and the civil society, promoting science, technology and innovation (ST&I) policy research, policy making and policy practice in Sub-Saharan Africa.
ATPS holds its Annual Conference and Workshop Africa’s Response to Global Challenges through Science, Technology and Innovation
The African Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) Network held its 2009 Annual Conference and Workshop from 24 - 27 November in Abuja, Nigeria. The event was organized as part of an International Conference aimed at identifying and prioritizing strategies for African countries to respond to the triple global challenges of poverty, climate change and the global financial crisis through Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).
ATPS hosts Program Development Meeting for the Universities Business and Research in Agricultural Innovation (UBRAIN) Program
ATPS together with the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), African Network for Agro-forestry Education (ANAFE), and Pan African AgriBusiness Consortium (PanAAC) today held a crucial program development meeting at the ATPS Boardroom to discuss and shape the Universities Business and Research in Agricultural Innovation (UBRAIN) initiative.The initiative which is currently in the inception design phase is an outcome of the Africa Commission consultations which seek to link university education, research and business in sustainable agriculture.
Scientific Revival Day 2009: Country Reports
ATPS attaches tremendous significance to the Scientific Revival Day in Africa and it has used it over the years to mobilize support and generate enthusiasm for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy in Africa through various platforms. As a result, ATPS will fund up to 5 of its National Chapters to commemorate the SRDA this year.
SETDEV capacity building workshop: African Science and Technology, for Africans, by Africans in Africa
ATPS, with support from InterMedia NCG, hosted a four day workshop from July 14 – 17th in Mombasa, Kenya. This workshop covered certain themes including Science in Society, Science Mediation and Practice, Science Communication and Evaluation, and Innovation and Governance.
The ATPS and African Institute of Applied Economics (AIAE) agree to cooperate in Research
The ATPS and African Institute of Applied Economics (AIAE) Nigeria have signed a MoU for the two institutions to collaborate to identify and conduct research and sector studies that generate evidence-based and empirical information in various target sectors such as Power, Health, Water and Environment, Agriculture, Transport Infrastructure, Mining, Heavy Industries, Oil and Gas and Telecommunications. The collaboration will also see the two institutions partner in conducting training programmes on sciences, technology and innovation policy designed for policy makers, policy analysts, parliamentarians, journalists and researchers in Nigeria.
ATPS Promotes Full Stakeholder Participation in the Research Funding Process
The ATPS supports demand led capacity building activities in the area of Science, Technology, and Innovation knowledge generation, knowledge circulation and networking, policy making and policy practices in Africa for African development and global inclusion. In doing so, the ATPS engages the quadruple helix (Science Experts, Policymakers, Private Sector Actors, and the Civil Society) in the identification, prioritization, and implementation of STI policy research and policy processes at national, regional, and global levels.
Three ATPS Chapters Commemorate 2008 Scientific Revival Day in Style
The Scientific Revival Day (SRD) of Africa, which is celebrated on June 30th, was dedicated during the 46th Ministerial Conference of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), to deliberate on the role of science and technology in addressing socio-economic challenges in Africa. The Ministerial Council made a resolution requiring member states to mark the day with programs befitting the event.
ATPS and NUC sign an MOU
The National Universities Commission - Nigeria and the African Technology Policy Studies Network agreed on a lucid Memorandum of Association on 1st of May 2009 in Abuja Nigeria to advocate for curriculum change to mainstream STI in Nigerian universities. Dr. Kevin Urama Executive Director at ATPS represented the organization during the meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria.
ATPS Kenya supports Biochemistry students
ATPS through the Kenya Chapter supported the Nairobi University Biochemistry Student's Association (NUBSA) annual dinner and workshop that was held on 4th July 2008 at the Safari Park hotel, Nairobi. The workshop was held under the theme Impact of biotechnology on the Kenyan economy and largely aimed to demystify the concept of biotechnology in Kenya.
ATPS forms a committee for Responsible STI Policy Advisory
The African Technology Policy Studies Network is happy to announce its Responsible Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy Advisory Committee launched by its Board meeting held on 17 & 18 July 2008.The ATPS Responsible STI policy advisory committee has three main roles: To input into discussions on the future direction of the ATPS through periodic e-mail discussions with the ATPS Board and the rest of the committee membership.
ATPS holds an Implementation Meeting for the ATPS Phase VI Strategic Plan 2008-2011
“We need to start developing concept notes that focus on Africa’s priority areas…” Dr Kevin Urama, Executive Director, African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) said during Implementation Meeting of the ATPS Phase VI Strategic Plan which was held at the Hilton Hotel, Nairobi on 19 July 2008.Through this plan, ATPS is seeking to articulate its vision for the continent and its mission to contribute to poverty alleviation through science, technology and innovation (ST&I) policy research and advocacy.
ATPS Board Member launches a book on Transport Issues for Developing Countries
Prof. Lynn K. Mytelka, an ATPS Board Member launched her book on "Making Choices about Hydrogen Transport Issues for Developing Countries". The book provides important information on hydrogen, fuel cells and alternatives in the transport sector.
ATPS Communications Officer, interviews a leading international scholar, Prof Bob Orskov
Ms Lucy Mwangi, ATPS Communications Officer, interviews a leading international scholar, Prof Bob Orskov, from Orskov Foundation and Professor of Aberdeen University and Member, Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Aberdeen UK, at the occasion of the ATPS Phase VI Strategic Plan, 2008 - 2011 Implementation Planning Workshop, 18 - 19 July 2008, Nairobi Kenya.Ms Mwangi: When was the Orskov Foundation started and where did your interest in indigenous knowledge begin?
ATPS and WWW-EARPO enter into formal patnership
On its strategy to increase institutional collaborations with like minded organizations, the Africa Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with World Wildlife Fund - Eastern Africa Regional Programme Office (WWF-EARPO) . The objective of the MoU is to strengthen the existing relations between the two organizations and assist to achieve their overall objectives by providing a framework for cooperation and participation in sustainable environmental and natural resource management through policy analysis, capacity building and outreach programmes.
Kenyan SET-DEV partners kick off meeting on STR
The Kenyan SET-DEV Partners meeting was held on 5th August 2008 at the ATPS Boardroom in Nairobi Kenya. Dr Kevin Urama, Dr Catherine Adeya-Weya, Mr Murimi Muriuki, Ms Ruth Wanjala and Ms Carol Mbugua represented the ATPS while IntermediaNCG was represented by Mr John Fox, Dr Laure Dutaur and Ms Christine Kamau.
Kenya’s Prime Minister RT. Hon Raila Odinga opens Ecological Economics conference in Nairobi
Kenya’s Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Raila Odinga, was the key guest at the 10th Biennial International Society for Ecological Economics (ISEE) conference in Nairobi, Kenya that was attended by over 250 scientists and practitioners from a broad range of fields and institutions in six continents.Ecological economics is a trans-disciplinary field of academic research that addresses the metric of interdependence between human economies and natural ecosystems.
ATPS organises inaugural Kenyan Science Cafe
ATPS in collaboration with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), British Council South Africa and support from Dr Duncan Dallas, UK organized the inaugural science café on 17 April at the JAVA Coffee House Adams Arcade Nairobi. A science café, is a forum for discussing/debating important and interesting scientific issues in an informal accessible manner.
ATPS Board Member Edits Publication on Innovation and Economic Development
The book which is amongst the International Library of Critical Writings in Economics series, was edited by Lynn K. Mytelka, Professorial Fellow, United Nations University, Maastricht Economic Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT), The Netherlands and Board member of the ATPS Network. Contributors include: K.C. Urama (Executive Director of ATPS); M. Bell, N. Clark, C. Freeman, J. Katz, B. Lundvall, S. Metcalfe, B. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, C. Perez, F.R. Sagasti, etc.
The Executive Director of ATPS and ATPS National Coordinators participate in the 1st Pan African Competitiveness Forum (PACF).
Dr Kevin Urama, Executive Director, ATPS together with ATPS National Coordinators: Dr. George Essegbey (Ghana), Prof. Joseph Obua (Uganda) and Ms. Bitrina Diyamett (Tanzania) participated in the First PACF forum together with other delegates from Africa and beyond. Dr Urama, gave an invited Plenary presentation on: African Technology Policy Network: Implications for the PACF Network".
ATPS Participates in a New EU Framework VII (FP7) Coordination and Support Action Project
The African Technology Policy Studies Network has, in collaboration with a consortium of 11 like minded institutions in Europe, Africa and Asia entered into a new contract for a European Framework VII (FP7) project: "Science, Ethics and Technological Responsibility in Developing and Emerging Countries (SET-DEV)." The project consortium is led by CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERECHE established in Italy, Rome.
ATPS Appoints New Board Members
The ATPS Board is happy to announce the appointment of Professor Sir Brian Heap and Mr. Noel Akosi Bendjo to the membership of the ATPS Board. These appointments follow the thirteenth session of the ATPS Board held on 21 November 2007 at the Birchwood Executive Hotel and Conference Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa.
ATPS Uganda Chapter holds its Annual General Meeting and Commemorates the Africa Scientific Revival Day 2009
On September 17, 2009, members of ATPS in Uganda gathered at Hotel Triangle in Kampala, Uganda to hold their Annual General Meeting and to mark the Scientific Revival Day for Africa SRDA. The event was presided over by the outgoing ATPS National Coordinator for Uganda Prof Joseph Obua who has held this role the stipulated maximum term of six years (from 2003-2009).
ATPS Hosts the Africa Adaptation Network Writeshop
This week, the ATPS secretariat is hosting a three-day writeshop for members of the UNEP facilitated Africa Adaptation Network (part of the Global Adaptation Network GAN) to plan for upcoming climate change activities. The objectives of the writeshop include, reviewing progress made so far, agreeing on the deliverables and timelines, deciding on the membership criteria, hosting arrangements and the way forward.
Dr Kevin Urama appointed as a member of the UNEP Resource Panel for Sustainable Natural Resources Management
The 4th meeting of the Resource Panel in Paris, France from June 2 – 4, 2009. The meeting saw the appointment of Dr Kevin Urama as a member of the UNEP Resource Panel for Sustainable Natural Resources Management.
ATPS and RMRDC organize an International Conference on Incentives for building a National System of Innovation in Nigeria
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) in collaboration with African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) hosted a two-day joint international conference in Abuja, Nigeria, on "Incentives for Building a National System of Innovation in Nigeria" that ran from 6th-7th July 2009. These series of conferences and training workshops aimed at capacity building in the area of science, technology, policy making and application.
The ATPS Communications Manager advocates for knowledge sharing to enhance research and innovation capacity in Africa
Kenya’s National Council for Science and Technology, (NCST) organized the 2nd NCST Conference which was themed: "The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation Research in achieving Kenya’s Vision 2030"Speaking at the conference; Dr. Sheila Ochugboju the communications manager at ATPS stressed on the importance of knowledge sharing in enhancing research and innovation capacity in Africa. She noted that a complete re-engineering of our knowledge systems is needed in order to enhance innovation through collaboration, and it involves changing the knowledge systems from:Disciplinary to Trans disciplinary science,from Silo thinking (sector-based approached) to systems thinking (holistic approaches) to development planning andfrom S&T knowledge transfer to Knowledge for development (building an indigenous culture of innovation where all actors in the value chain are viewed as important knowledge sources).
ATPS joins partners to sensitize Kenyan MP's on climate change
The ATPS has collaborated with several key local and international partners to sensitize Kenyan Parliamentarians on Climate Change. The partners include the Ministry of Environment, UNEP, Climate Change Adaptation Network and IGAD Climate Prediction Applications Centre.
15th ATPS Board Meeting
The ATPS Board held its 15th Board meeting on the 31st March and 01 April, 2009 at the Hilton Hotels, Nairobi, Kenya. In addition to the usual business of the Board, the 15th Board meeting saw the handing over of the Chairmanship of the ATPS Board to Prof. Samuel Wangwe by Prof. Norah K. Olembo .
ATPS and NUC enter into a memorandum of understanding
The National Universities Commission - Nigeria and the African Technology Policy Studies Network agreed on a lucid Memorandum of Association on 1st of May 2009 in Abuja Nigeria to advocate for curriculum change to mainstream STI in Nigerian universities. Dr. Kevin Urama Executive Director at ATPS represented the organization during the meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria.
ATPS and DIIA collaborate in the development of program proposals on Climate Change and on Waste Water management
The University of Palermo, Italy invited ATPS to a promotional event of ImpresAmbiente which was held in Palermo, Italy on May 28, 2009. The event showcased the ATPS as a viable partner to the University of Palermo for technology sharing between Italy and Africa.