[Ansti] ANSTI Newsletter Issue 22

Tue Jul 29 10:04:24 EAT 2008

Dear Colleagues.

Please see below the ANSTI Newsletter for the period April-June 2008

Regards,

David Kirenga
Programme Assistant
ANSTI Secretariat

 <http://www.unesco-nairobi.org/Images/unesco_en.gif>    ANSTI NEWSLETTER      issue 22 June. 08

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Inside this Issue

1New coordinator for ansti 

2.ansti e-content development workshop 

3. covidset 2007 report 	
4.unesco boost participation of Kenyan women in science 

5. idrc-scidev.net science journalism award 	
6.Journal for food, agriculture & environment	
7. women in science competition	
8. young professional in science competition	
9. ansti fellowships and grants 	
10. upcoming events	
11. other news	
12. vacancy	

New Coordinator for ANSTI

  <http://www.ansti.org/Moulot.jpg> 

Dr. Jacques Moulot (pictured above) is the new ANSTI Coordinator. Dr Moulot, a national of Cote d'Ivoire, replaces Prof. Joseph M. Massaquoi who has been at the helm of the Network since 1994.  Dr. Moulot holds a Ph.D.  in  Electrical  Engineering  from  the  Cleveland  State  University (Ohio,  USA)  with  specialty  in  solid  State  electronics  and  photovoltaic,  and  a  Bachelor  in  Physics  from  the  University  of  Abidjan.  He  has  accumulated  close  to  20  years  of  progressive  experience  in  teaching,  research,  project  development,  management  and  business.  His  first  job  was  a  research  engineer  in  the  BP  Laboratories  (formerly  SOHIO)  in  Cleveland,  Ohio.  He  performed  high-level  research  in  solar  energy  technologies  in  NASA  funded  laboratories  (Cleveland,  Ohio)  and  he  taught  as  associate  professor  at  the  "Institut  National  Polytechnique  Houphouet  Boigny",  an  engineering  University  in  Yamoussoukro,  Cote  d'Ivoire.   

Dr Moulot worked for UNDP as Technical Advisor on a regional GEF project, then funded and was Director of a Consultant Firm and small industry for several years. He served as focal point and Regional Manager for E&Co, a US-based enterprise development international NGO, in Africa for four years. Dr. Moulot has intensive experience working with private sector, NGO and policy makers. Since 2004, before joining UNESCO, he served as Scientific Affairs Officer, and Energy and Energy Efficiency Specialist at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), where his work involved advocacy and policy for Energy, Science, Technology and Innovation development issues. He was the coordinator of the secretariat of UN-Energy/Africa and focal point of UN-Energy, a UN interagency cluster in energy in support of the African Union and its NEPAD programme. 

Dr. Moulot is author of a number of publications in the field of solid state and photovoltaic, and related to the development of sustainable energy in Africa. Recently, he coordinated, edited and co-wrote two books: One on Power Sector Reforms in Africa based on a study jointly commissioned by UNECA and UNEP; and the other on mechanism for scaling-up energy access in rural areas in Africa. Dr. Moulot is fluent in English and French. 

In his current capacity of Senior Programme Specialist for Science and Technology in Africa, he serves also as Coordinator of the African Network of Scientific and Technological Institutions (ANSTI). 

ANSTI Secretariat takes this opportunity to congratulate him as he undertakes the stewardship of the Network and wish him great success on his appointment. 

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ANSTI E-Content development Workshop 

ANSTI held an E-content development workshop in Nairobi from 23 - 29th June 2008. The workshop which took place at the University of Nairobi in Kenya attracted 25 participants selected among university lecturers and professors from 9 countries in Africa namely Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe. 

The workshop provided participants with skills and tools on the techniques, principles and processes of E-content development to produce E-learning materials that will be used for instructional purposes in the various science and technology subject areas. The training covered various topics on the need, the requirements, and the processes for E-content development. 

The utilization of more E-learning materials appears as a measure to reduce negative impacts of the recurrent lack of text books and reference materials in Science and Technology teaching in African universities. 

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COVIDSET 2007 Report 

This report summarizes the outcome of deliberations on relevance of science, engineering and technology training to development challenges in Africa. The conference held in Johannesburg, South Africa 25-17 September 2007 was the second in a series after the first such held in Accra, Ghana in 2005. Download full report <http://www.ansti.org/reports/COVIDSET2007Report(Final).pdf>  

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UNESCO Plans to Boost Participation of Kenyan Women in Science 

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, in partnership with the Kenyan government is undertaking an initiative aimed at boosting the number of female scientists in the country. 

Speaking at a workshop commemorating Africa's Scientific Renaissance in Nairobi, Dr Rispah Oduwo of the Ministry of Education said that the low number of female scientists at the national stage has been traced to the low number of girls taking up science at the primary and secondary school levels. 

A recent UNESCO report asks African governments to give the greatest priority possible to helping women evolve and grow in their country, and more particularly, through education, training and all necessary measures, helping them participate fully, as the equals of men, in the international community's efforts to make science a privileged instrument for sustainable development. To help change the situation in Kenya, members of the joint admission board (JAB), an agency in charge of admitting government sponsored students into public universities, embarked on "affirmative action" two years ago to admit girls in science courses with a point less that the cut off marks. 

Prof Raphael Munavu, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi and now vice-chair of the Kenya National Academy of Sciences, said that the decision by the JAB has since seen nearly 200 female students admitted in various science courses in public universities Read more <http://africasciencenews.org/asns/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=515&Itemid=2>  

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IDRC-SciDev.Net Science Journalism Award 

SciDev.Net (Science and Development Network) provides authoritative online news, opinion and analysis about the role of science and technology in addressing the economic and social needs of the developing world. 

SciDev.Net proudly announces its second joint IDRC-SciDev.Net Science Journalism Award and seeks applications from journalists in all developing countries. The award consists of a six-month internship giving the recipient invaluable journalistic experience and demonstrates SciDev.Net's commitment to build capacity in science communication across the developing world. 

We invite all English-speaking journalists with an interest in science reporting and its impact on decision-makers in developing countries to apply for the award. The winner will receive a six-month internship placement with SciDev.Net, consisting of three months based in SciDev.Net's London office and three months traveling and working on behalf of SciDev.Net in one or more developing countries. 

The internship is a unique opportunity to build news and feature writing skills, and provide a better understanding of how the Internet can play a vital role in enhancing science communication. In addition to daily tasks such as writing and researching science and technology news stories, the intern will learn about all aspects of how an online news website operates, including finding news stories, the editorial process, publishing and news dissemination. 

In conjunction with this practical experience, the intern will meet with relevant media and science organizations in the United Kingdom attend at least one training programme and may also have the opportunity to cover one major international conference. 

The work carried out while traveling in SciDev.Net's regions will enable the intern to further develop professional skills in diverse settings, learn about local scientific initiatives, and meet key organizations and officials in the chosen developing countries. 

The internship will run from mid-September 2008 for six months.  For more information on candidate requirements and application procedures: 

http://www.comminit.com/en/node/271031/print <http://www.comminit.com/en/node/271031/print>  

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Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment (JFAE) 

The World Food, Environment and Communication have the pleasure of informing scientists about the new articles published recently in the scientific Journal JFAE Vol6 (2). The journal contains various articles by various publishers on food and health, agriculture and environment. For more information on this journal, please visit:
http://www.isfae.org/scientficjournal/2008/issue2. <http://www.isfae.org/scientficjournal/2008/issue2.php> 

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SciDev.Net: Women in Science Competition 

This competition seeks to identify and recognize women scientists in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) who are engaged in innovative and pioneering research and communicating the outputs (knowledge, technologies, approaches) for enhancing agricultural performance in SSA. It also targets women who are repackaging and communicating existing knowledge to improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods of rural communities. Women scientists who are advocating for policy change to optimize the benefits of scientific and technological developments are also targeted. 

Women scientists, researchers, educators, extension workers, agro-entrepreneurs and farmers of SSA are encouraged to participate. Individual and group entries will be accepted. Entries should demonstrate the pursuit, documentation and dissemination of scientific and technical knowledge including technologies and approaches and effective partnerships with peers and / or rural communities, policymakers, farmers and agro-entrepreneurs. 

Entrants must submit a two page (A4) abstract (1500 - 2000 words) that clearly details the objectives, methodology, results and conclusion of the successful project/programme including the information and communication strategy and tools, and impact on agriculture and/or rural livelihoods. Entries must include full contact details; name, mailing address, telephone and fax numbers and e-mail address on submissions. 

Abstracts should be e-mailed to info at atpsnet.org and copied to laduke at atpsnet.org. The deadline is August 15, 2008. Abstracts received after the deadline will not be considered. 

For more details, please visit: 

http://www.scidev.net/en/announcements/women-in-science-competition.html

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Young Professionals in Science Competition 

This competition is open to all young professionals (18-35 years) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It seeks to promote scientific excellence and recognize and reward outstanding young professionals who are undertaking innovative research, technology development or agriculture related activities and communicating the outputs (knowledge, technologies and approaches) to improve agricultural performance in SSA. 

Entrants must submit a two-page (A4) abstract (1500 - 2000 words) that clearly details the successful ST&I project including the objectives, methodology, results, conclusion, information and communication strategy, and impact on agricultural development and /or livelihoods of rural communities. Entries must include full contact details; name, mailing address, telephone and fax numbers and e-mail address on submissions. Abstracts should be e-mailed to info at atpsnet.org and copied to laduke at atpsnet.org. The deadline for submission is August 15, 2008. Abstracts received after the deadline will not be considered. For more information, please visit: 

http://www.atpsnet.org/about/news/2008/Youngprofessionalscompetition.pdf/ 

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ANSTI Fellowships and Grants Opportunities 

ANSTI Fellowships: 

The African Network of Scientific and Technological Institutions (ANSTI) offers the following fellowships and awards: 

* Postgraduate training fellowships 

* Visiting Staff fellowships 

* Conference Grants 

We have closed the application for 2008/2009 postgraduate fellowships. The applications are under reviews and the outcome will be notified to individual applicants after the selection process. 

There is no deadline for other fellowships or grants. These awards are restricted to staff of institutions, which are members of ANSTI. 

 Please enquire from ANSTI Secretariat (info at ansti.org) or visit our website: http:www.ansti.org <https://mail.unesco.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.ansti.org/> . 

UNESCO/ANSTI Diaspora Award 

UNESCO/ANSTI is inviting African scientists in the Diaspora to apply for the above award. The award is offered to scientists who wish to attend scientific thematic conferences and workshops in Africa. 

The award includes the cost of the air ticket, cost of accommodation and a daily subsistence amount for the duration of the conference. Women scientists in the Diaspora are encouraged to apply. 

The application should include detailed Curriculum Vitae, a letter of invitation an abstract of the Paper to be presented at the conference and a budget breakdown of the expected funding. 

 Applications should be sent to the address below or to: diaspora at ansti.org or mailed to the ANSTI secretariat. 

Support for Female DAAD Alumni 

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), through African Network of Scientific and Technological Institution (ANSTI), is offering support to DAAD women alumni scientists, to participate at scientific events such as conferences and workshops, under its DAAD Alumni Programme. An application with information on the event, programme, and budget should be sent to ANSTI Secretariat on this email: info at ansti.org 

 This support will only cater for travel expenses, accommodation and meals of the scholars. 

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Upcoming Events        

2008 International Conference on Science, Technology and Education Policy 

  (Zhejiang University, October 24-25, 2008, Hangzhou, P. R. China) 

ICSTEP'08 concentrates on exploring methods to promote engineering education with innovation and globalization views, discussing how to promote the development of innovative engineering education faculty, and establishing engineering education system for grooming international engineering graduates to meet the rigorous challenges under the ground of innovation and globalization. 

The Conference will feature invited speakers, presentations, breakout groups and a poster session. There will be opportunity for interaction of specialists, scholars and educators from different sectors and regions to change ideas on the designated themes and relative topics. 

ICSTEP will provide an international platform for global experts on science and engineering education to address issues in educating future innovative scientists and engineers to speed the progress of science, technology and innovation for the sustainable development 

The conference invites researchers and policy makers, from the academic, government and development communities and advanced PhD students. All papers should be submitted to: rcstep.zju at gmail.com 

Detail information about the conference is available on: http://www.rcstep.zju.edu.cn/icstep2008/ 

Fourth International Conference of the Pan African Fish and FisheriesAssociation (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 22-26 September 2008) 

Much research has been, or is being, conducted on the fish and fisheries of the African continent. In order to access and share this growing body of scientific knowledge it was recognized that an international gathering bringing together scientists from all over the world was required. The first of such meetings took place in 1993 in Dakar, Senegal; the second in Grahamstown, South Africa in 1998; the third in Cotonou, Benin in 2003 and the fourth is due to take place on 22-26 September 2008 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  

This meeting will provide an opportunity for scientists from throughout  Africa and around the world to come together, to get to know one another, exchange information and ideas, and to initiate collaborative studies. Several renowned scientists, young researchers and other stakeholders are expected to attend this important meeting. 

The International and local organizing committees will organize some scientific and technical workshops. Individuals or institutions that have subjects related to the themes and/ or sub themes of the conference are requested to contact the committee. Full details of the workshop will be provided in the third announcement. 

More information about the conference is on the Official web site of the conference: http://www.aau.edu.et/faculties/sc/paffa2008/home.html

International Council of Association for Science Education (ICASE), Africa Regional Conference; Challenges to Sustainable Development in Africa through Science and Technology Education Abuja , Nigeria , May 24 - 28, 2009 

The meeting the Challenges of Sustainable Development in Africa through Science and 

Technology Education. Various themes to be addressed by the meeting include:

*	Meeting the challenges of food security     
*	Poverty alleviation through science and technology education  
*	Enhancing relevance of science and technology curriculum and its delivery  
*	The role of the teacher and teacher professional development 
*	Strengthening peace building through science and technology education  
*	Combating HIV and AIDS through education, prevention, care and support 
*	Strengthening partnerships 
*	Nanotechnology for sustainable development  

Participants are invited to submit summaries and full text of papers, and proposals for poster sessions and workshops. The organizers intend to publish the conference proceedings ahead of the conference. Therefore, all papers intended for presentation during the conference have to be submitted in full including summary. The full paper should not be longer than 10 pages, A4 size. The paper should be typed single spaced using Times New Roman font size point 12. All presentation should conform to the formats prescribed below for the conference.  

The deadline for online submission of papers and proposals is 31 December 2008.  Please submit directly through the following e-mail address: eniayeju at stanonline.org with copy to jack at ut.ee 

For Further Information: http://www.stanonline.org/ICASE-2009 

 The scientific Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment (JFAE) 

The scientific Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment (JFAE) provides a platform for the dissemination of information on all aspects related to food, health, agriculture & environmental sciences (read more <http://www.isfae.org/aimsandscope.php> ). 

The scientific Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment cordially invites you to contribute to our scientific journal "J. Food, Agriculture & Environment" manuscripts on original research work, critical or short reviews in food science, nutrition/health, agriculture and environment. The journal also considers manuscripts on biotechnology, ethical and socioeconomic issues related to modern agricultural or environmental sciences (Read more <http://www.isfae.org/subjectarea.php> ). The journal offers advertisement space for special announcements from, and employment opportunities, products, materials, machines, instruments etc. 

Please note that the manuscripts must be sent to at least two external reviewers before being submitted to the journal. The full name and address including emails of the two reviewers must be mentioned on the letter. 

Non-reviewed manuscript, inadequately or incorrectly prepared manuscript will be rejected. The English of the manuscript must be checked by at least two English scientists or language specialists. 

 All manuscripts must be submitted in English. Submitted manuscripts that don't conform to the JFAE instructions will not be considered. A manuscript number is assigned to each manuscript, which will be sent to the corresponding author. Always refer to the manuscript number when corresponding with JFAE Editorial office. 

 For more information, please visit: http://www.isfae.org/publishurwork.php <http://www.isfae.org/publishurwork.php>  

Global Research Seminar (UNESCO, Paris, 28-30 November 2008) 

The objective is to provide an arena for researchers to discuss new and ongoing research, identify research gaps and suggest new research agendas on systems of higher education, research and knowledge; with a view to forging closer links between the research communities and UNESCO in these fields.  The seminar also aims to give feedback on the methodology suggested by the Draft Country Review Template for Mapping National Research Systems, which was developed by the UNESCO Forum's Special Initiative in January 2008. 

Research organizations and researchers actively involved in studying research and knowledge systems in key fields such as higher education, science and technology, innovation, social sciences, health and agriculture are invited to submit a summary on their new and ongoing research on systems, which should include a short presentation of the research area(s), the research methodology, research partners, central findings to date and future perspectives. The steering committee will select a number of summaries and the authors will be invited to present their research at the Seminar. 

Deadlines for submission of Research Summaries are 20th September 2008 through the following email address: grs at unesco.org. Selection of successful submissions will be done by 15th October 2008. Some funding support for participants in the seminar may be available for certain researchers. For more details about the seminar, please visit:  UNESCO | Education -<font color="#006b8b">Global Research Seminar: Sharing Research Agendas on Knowledge Systems</font> <http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php-URL_ID=56555&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html>  

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Other News 

Science, Technology and Innovation in Africa: (Mohamed H. A. Hassan, the African Executive) 

Africa's recent history is dotted with events that began with high hopes, lofty declarations and detailed blueprints for action. The events received enthusiastic applause but were soon forgotten - only to be resurrected at subsequent events that followed a similar trajectory of hope and disappointment. 

Too many times in the past, people have done things 'for' Africa. Unfortunately, this has relegated Africa to the role of a passive bystander - no matter how benevolent the intentions may have been. There is growing consensus that progress will take place only 'with' Africa. Africans are now determined to take the lead and decide for themselves what is best for them as partners are encouraged to join their effort. Will Africa finally chart a course for sustained development? One that is designed and implemented by the people of Africa?  Read more: <http://www.africanexecutive.com/modules/magazine/articles.php?article=3061&magazine=172>  

Ten Commandments' to Promote Science, Technology and Innovation in Africa: (Mohamed H. A. Hassan, the African Executive) 

We need to develop and implement an action agenda designed to sustain and expand broad-based efforts for capacity building in science, technology and innovation in Africa. The tri-polar world of science and technology anchored in the United States, Europe and Japan is being transformed into a multi-polar world of science marked by the growing capabilities of Brazil, China, India, Malaysia, South Africa and others. The critical issue is this: As the list of developing countries that garner strength in science and technology increases in the coming years, will Africa also join the fold? [Read More <http://www.africanexecutive.com/modules/magazine/articles.php?article=3090&magazine=173> ] 

Scientists Develop New Weed Resistant Maize Seed: (Dancun Mboyah, African Science News) 

Scientists at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) have developed new striga weed resistant seeds that may double yields in many African countries. The unveiling of the maize seed, which is coated with herbicide, follows a 12 year study that looked into its viability. According to Dr. Fred Kanampiu an agronomist with CIMMYT, farmers will now plant seeds that are coated with herbicide - Imazapyr.  

When the maize seeds germinate, striga weed that grows alongside the maize plant also sprouts up, taking in the nutrients and water that are mixed with the herbicide. Read More <http://africasciencenews.org/asns/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=332&Itemid=1> 

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Vacancy 

Bio-safety Fellowships at the ICGEB 

The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) is currently offering two bio-safety fellowships in the framework of a new capacity building initiative focused on Sub-Saharan Africa. The ICGEB is an international, intergovernmental organization conceived as a centre of excellence for research and training in genetic engineering and biotechnology with special regard to the needs of the developing world, and has developed a comprehensive programme on bio-safety centered on capacity building and dissemination of scientific information. 

The prime objective of this new initiative is to strengthen the ability of developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to fully integrate into the worldwide effort to assure full and balanced consideration of bio-safety issues in pursuing the appropriate uses of modern biotechnology in agriculture. This will be achieved, inter-alia, by the establishment and staffing of satellite focal points of bio-safety expertise in Sub-Saharan Africa to support local and regional regulatory systems overseeing the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Read more <http://www.scidev.net/en/sub-suharan-africa/jobs/two-biosafety-fellowships-at-the-icgeb.html>  

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Write to us 

We invite you all to contribute to this newsletter with short articles: announcements for meetings, descriptions of recently concluded activities, or any important scientific activities that might be of interest to others. We also invite your comments and views on the newsletter to ensure that the newsletter is beneficial to you. Do not hesitate to write to us and make our services better. You can do this through: 

ANSTI Secretariat 

P.O. Box, 30592-00100 

Nairobi, Kenya 

Tel : +254 2 7622619/20    Fax : +254 2 7622750 /2538 

Email : info at ansti.org, j.moulot at unesco.org    m.matemu at unesco.org, mary.matemu at ansti.org 

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