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ECA convenes the “Science with Africa” conference to foster scientific development and research in Africa Addis Ababa 22 February 2008- The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) will organize, in collaboration with the African Union Commission and other partners, a Conference entitled “Science with Africa” in Addis Ababa from 4 to 7 March 2008. More than 300 African and international scientists as well as development partners are expected. Discussions will focus on how African Research and Development (R&D) can be strengthened by addressing capacity needs, increasing usability of research outputs, fostering interaction among African scientists and other stakeholders. The overall objective is to increase the participation of African scientists in international research projects and thus turn science and technology into valid options for economic growth in Africa. The format of the conference includes plenary sessions on key thematic issues including: science policy evaluation and the development of new methodologies, patents, international programmes to support science and technology in Africa as well as technology transfer. A mix of workshops and marketplace sessions facilitating informal knowledge and best practices sharing are also scheduled. The BrainStore, which is one of ECA’s partners for the Conference will launch an Ideas Factory which will result in 15 practical ideas for initiatives that foster the scientific development and research in Africa, to be presented at the closing ceremony. The “Science with Africa “ Conference is being organized in partnership with: the Swiss Development Corporation, the Canadian ePolicy Resource Centre, the Global Knowledge Partnership and Unesco. Sponsors also include Microsoft and Nokia Siemens. The Information and Communication Service of ECA will facilitate the work of press and media. A backgrounder on the main issues on the agenda will be circulated soon. END Issued by the ECA Information and Communication Service
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