His Excellency the President of Botswana, Lieutenant General Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama will officially open the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) 10th General Assembly to be held in Kasane, Botswana from 21 – 23 June 2016. The General Assembly held under the theme ‘Academies as the Voice of Science in Africa’ is particularly important as it comes at a time when Botswana is inaugurating its own science academy, and celebrating 50 years of independence. The General Assembly also takes place when discussions of how science academies in Africa can contribute to evidence-based policymaking are high on the agenda..

The gathering will attract an estimated one hundred and twenty participants from all over Africa and will explore ways in which to bridge the gap between academies and policymakers together with showcasing the AAS’ success stories. During the event, AAS 2014 and 2015 Fellows will be awarded certificates. The group is made up of eminent young professionals below the age of forty (40) that the Academy is mentoring and working with in their respective institutions to develop them to be research leaders. In addition, the gathering will hold celebrations to inaugurate the Botswana Science Academy (BAS). The gathering will also provide a platform for selected AAS Fellows to give lectures on topical issues, allow for the exchange of ideas as there will be lectures and panel discussions on topical issues as well as host an award ceremony and lecture of the Olusegun Obasanjo Prize.

President Khama in his Official Address, will touch on a number of initiatives that the Government of Botswana has established in order to advance the Research in Science and Technology Innovation (RSTI) agenda. These initiatives include the revised RSTI policy which is intended to ensure systemic approach to RSTI with a clear vision, programmes, incentives, measures, roles, targets and monitoring indicators.

This year’s gathering is coordinated by BITRI in collaboration with the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST).