Page 57 - New Scientist

SIGNAL BOOST
Offering your projects a helping hand

Spectacular wall art from astro photographer Chris Baker

Support African scientists
Available as frameless acrylic or framed backlit
up to 1.2 metres wide. All limited editions
FOR most New Scientist readers, access to science education
and research is something they can take for granted. But in
many nations, the option to study or to pursue a career in
science is not available.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) has realised that to change this and
achieve its 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, scientists must
www.galaxyonglass.com
be supported. And it is through international collaboration that
scientific research and education is being used as a catalyst for Call Chris +44 (0) 7814 181647
change. One of the regions facing challenges is Africa. Although
the continent has taken substantial strides, there is more to do,
especially regarding science funding, research support, policy
development and innovation. Fields such as health, agriculture
and industry must all overcome problems, which in many cases
are being addressed by public-private partnerships.
One such initiative, the UNESCO-Merck Africa Research
Summit, now in its third year, is the product of cooperation
between UNESCO and the world’s oldest pharmaceutical
company, Merck. The summit in Mauritius in 2017 addressed
the role of African scientists tackling two major challenges facing
the continent: treating cancer and making vaccines more widely
available. This conference attracted 145 young African
researchers, whose expenses were covered, and hosted a
ministerial panel discussion attended by 16 African ministers of
science, education and health. The summit has become a platform
for researchers, scientists and students to share their work, as well
as an opportunity to interact with African government ministers.
Over the past three years, the conference has generated
publications, workshops and education opportunities. It has also
funded fellowships for many young African scientists, as well as
supporting their PhD research. Ahmed Fahmi, UNESCO
To find out how your support can make a difference, please
visit en.unesco.org or unesco-mars.com

Signal Boost is your chance to tell our readers about a project that
needs their help. We’re looking for campaigns, programmes or
ideas from non-profit or voluntary enterprises. Send a proposal,
together with images and information about yourself, to
signalboost@newscientist.com. New Scientist does not endorse
any claims made in this donated advertising space. We reserve
the right to edit contributions for clarity and style.

20 January 2018 | NewScientist | 55