News Archive
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).
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.