African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities (of which Ghent University is a member) launched twenty Africa – Europe Clusters of Research Excellence in Summer 2023. These address key societal and scientific challenges framed by the AU-EU Innovation Agenda.
The Africa – Europe Clusters of Research Excellence listed here bring together some of the best researchers from both continents, all committed to addressing Sustainable Development Goals through scientific excellence. They are committed to equitable partnerships in a deeply unequal world. Each has a long-term plan for research, education and capacity building. Whilst the Clusters have been inspired by ARUA and The Guild, participation in the Clusters far exceeds our networks to bring together researchers from 160 institutions across 60 countries.
Despite considerable growth over recent decades, Africa’s share of global science production currently stands at 8 per cent. This is clearly insufficient for a continent of 1.3 billion people whose population is expected to almost double by 2050.
A new equitable inclusion of Africa in global science is crucial for addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, enabling major scientific breakthroughs and more effective science funding.
The AU-EU Innovation Agenda, co-created and jointly endorsed by African and European governments, is a transformative document that articulates the goal of science collaboration with equity, brain circulation, capacity building, with a long-term approach that focuses on: 1) Public Health 2) Green Transition 3) Innovation and Technology 4) Capacities for Science.