Dr. Elizabeth Rasekoala delivered a workshop session to the SAEON Science Meet & Workshop (Senior Researchers, Academics & Administrators of the SAEON Nodes) to upscale practice and programme development for science communication and public engagement in the SAEON programmatic framework. The theme for the workshop was entitled, ‘Science Communication with the different Publics – From […]
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African Gong in partnership with AIMS South Africa will deliver its Flagship Science Communication Capacity-building Programme – Africa Scientifique: Leadership, Knowledge & Skills for Science Communication – to the Fifth cohort of African researchers at the AIMS South Africa, on the 17-19 April 2024.
Growing Africa’s Capacity for Science Communication Impact
Link to the Africa Scientifique Programme here.
The students were engaged and those that were shy overcame their anxiety and were able to present. There were some really amazing and confident presenters in this years cohort.
The time allocated to engagement and participation made it clear that student development was at the heart of the programme. Implicit was the fact that students’ brought a wealth of knowledge that one could leapfrog from.
I got to interact directly with the students and to have tangible experience of both their anxieties and their enthusiasm.
It is always inspiring to see how the students engage with the different activities. It is always a learning experience for me as a facilitator.
The willingness and quality of student engagement enabled the abundant sharing of knowledge and insights. I really felt the benefit of being part of the process.
Science Communication practices and norms are also carriers of culture. There is therefore a need to take into account geographic specificities and cultural norms and practices when developing science communication strategies for given communities as opposed to simply replicating what has been developed and tested elsewhere, in particular the proliferous strategies originating from the northern hemisphere where, just for example, programs are designed to be rolled out with winter coming in December and Summer in June!
The main challenge is that policy makers together with those who have authority to direct the distribution of resources do not seem to regard Science Communication as an essential and strategic component of the operational portfolios of any publicly funded institution, especially those that are focused on research and its impact on society. Science communication has to be elevated to the same level as any other portfolio of a publicly funded institution in order for society to appreciate both the return and the value of their public investment.
There are some lessons to be learnt from practices from elsewhere but we need to create our own tools, platforms and initiatives that are better aligned with a more African-centred perspective as our audiences are not necessarily the same.
It is becoming more important to assess the effectiveness of science communication in Africa and research in the area of science communication is becoming more important in Africa to better target science communication initiatives.
Critical areas for consideration include:
I have enjoyed the sessions, because it was life-changing. I have been exposed to all the secrets behind being a good presenter and writer.
The sessions were learner-centred; the participants showcased their presentation skills which have drastically improved in the last 3 days. I learnt a lot and noticed how I had improved my presentation skills.
Know your target audience and the message you want to deliver, and use the right tools/formats.
I learnt how to be creative and how well I can monitor and evaluate the impact of my science communication activity.
I have learnt a lot of information about reaching out to the community as a mathematician in just a session.
I learnt how to present your work in just a small amount of time given to you – what to say and what to leave out.
It was excellent because I learned how to present a lot of work in just 3 minutes in a way that you can convince others.
Coneptualisation is key for the success of any endeavour and today it was well outlined.
With practice communication skills get better.
With planning things get done, practice makes perfect – We learnt by doing.
I gained a lot on science communication, to talk in front of people, and to visualize the idea on sharing mathematics.
At the beginning, it was difficult for me to talk in front of people but now I am more comfortable. The tools that I got from the sessions really helped me.
Everyone can change.
It really helped me to grow in communicating to others, especially the public. So thank you very much.
One of the most important decisions is to decide the type of platform you are going to use to deliver your message, and to understand the tools that you will be using for message delivery.
Being able to present in a short period of time is very essential for communication.
Presenting your work to peers boosts your confidence which in return results in self-actualisation.
We need to present our ideas in a way that the public will understand.
Knowing the audience one is presenting to is essential when engaging the public in science communication.
Another take home is learning how to write a project proposal. I had no idea on how to do proposal writing before. I do now, thanks to this programme.
During the Panel session on day 2, I had the opportunity to listen to people who have gone through the journey I am on now. This was so motivating to see that if I brand myself in the next few months, I will be amazed with what I can achieve as a public speaker and a good science communicator.
I learnt principles required for presentation. This gave me insights into something I have been lacking when it comes to presentation. I was picked randomly to go and speak in front of the room, I experienced mixed feelings, but it gave me confidence to try it every day from now on.
Planning is important in science communication. Science communication is important in building and facilitating our academic careers.
Innovation should be there in everything we do in science communication.
It was wonderful to undertake an activity that allowed us to speak in our own language.
I am a shy person but I feel like this workshop has been a game-changer.
I have stepped out of my comfort zone of just having myths like proposal writing is difficult when in fact it is not. The information brought to light to me has really changed my view of science communication.
I also gained much on the ability to work in groups. I really appreciated the group work presentations, it was so amazing.
Communication and public engagement is the best way to share the Mathematics and science knowledge we have gained and help to address the challenges facing our communities and the country at large.
Mathematics is a key solution to the existing world problems but we emerging scientists need to be able to share it in the communities’ local languages so that it impacts many people.
Every social problem has a mathematical solution which we can communicate and implement.
There should be multi-dimensional interactions between scientists and the public.
Your learning experience is not just a trial to obtain a certificate, but an added-value to help solve some of the societal problems.
I see a way of making a difference in my community in terms of communication using science.
Giving back to the society is important; develop strategies to help my society using my mathematical knowledge.
Applying mathematics communication to social problems.
Mathematics is applicable in everyday life and we need to promote mathematics and sciences in Africa countries.
Working in groups with peers is an important thing because we can share ideas and come up with good solutions to solve the socio-cultural issues facing our African countries.
Getting a chance to conceptualize, prepare and present our own proposals for mathematical projects with social impact made me realise the potential solutions we have as science students for our communities.
Many social issues can be addressed using mathematics and there is more that I can do with mathematics to help my society.
I feel more connected to my community at the end of the day! Relating to the community to which we are addressing ourselves as we communicate science makes it more effective and impactful.
Gender and socio-cultural inclusion have been the main challenges facing African countries and we as the young generation can come up with solutions which can be important. Science communication is essential for research.
I have learnt how to be a leader full of creativity and innovation.
I enjoyed the session because I was well mentored on how you can design a science communication project all in just one slide. I see myself going far with this knowledge.
The real-life practical exercise challenged our time management and improved our presentation skills, in terms of slide/proposal preparation. In addition, the small amount of time and having to use only one slide challenged our imagination.
Be creative in your presentation design for it says a lot too about your message.
The last session on day 3 was a time of laughter and time to be amazed with how participants had improved in 3 days. I could see peers who had challenges speaking in front of the room on the first day coming to speak with confidence. I could also see the transformation in my public speaking too.
I developed my skill in creating a poster and making it to be captivating.
It was very helpful for the future. Thank you for the exercises and lessons.
It was a little challenging for me, but it was fun.
The session was well delivered. I learnt a significant amount of information on how to conceptualise and design practical public engagement activities.
One needs to conceptualise very well before embarking on any public engagement activity. The design needs to be done thoroughly to convince the audience so that they want to hear more.
We learnt a lot from Ms. Fredericks. Her slides were colourful and she explained them well.
Excellent skills and knowledge we were equipped with from Dr. Nox. Made me think in other terms especially what I plan to do after AIMS, how well I should communicate, strategies and lastly, to plan wisely.
Take home message from Prof. Edson – ask for help from people who have achieved what you wish to undertake.
The summary on how we should prepare for presentations was very good.
The facilitators elaborated clearly and were patient enough to answer all the questions that were asked by each participant.
Content was clear and well prepared. The delivery was also very good by the facilitators.
Dr. Rudzani’s session was excellent with well-organized and detailed slides, which he explained for better understanding.
The facilitators were all available to provide every help during the practical sessions.
I learnt the importance of mentoring and guidance. My poster was messy but with the right guidance I managed to make a better one.
I learnt how to visualize a science communication idea into a one page slide which I never thought I would be able to do. The facilitator explained well how to go about it and I was satisfied with the work I did in the end. Believe you can do it and you definitely will.
The facilitator was really helpful in shaping the idea I had to conceptualize. I really learnt how to construct an idea into a presentable proposal.
The assistance that we received from Dr. Rejoyce and Dr. Elizabeth when creating the slides was great.
The session on presentation and communication skills was excellent. This is because the slides were detailed and on point. Talking about the overall delivery it was excellent in that the facilitator Dr. Elizabeth is experienced and she knew what she was talking about.
From start to finish, the workshop was really awesome. From the facilitators to the participants, everything was so unimaginable and helpful. It changed my life.
There is hope for change. Evaluating myself from how I used to feel when going in front of people to speak, I can now simply say –‘More Africa Scientifique workshops, more effective and successful scientists’.
I was one of the people who registered late because I never wanted to attend. But today, I can say it would have been the biggest wrong choice of my life not attending. I learnt a lot of skills in just 3 days and I could see the transformation in the way I present to the public. I wish it went on for a week.
The Africa Scientifique workshop needs to be promoted everywhere in Africa and extended to other institutions beyond AIMS.
Participating in the Africa Scientifique workshop has shown me the impact of the challenge of lack of mentors that will mentor and support young African scientists and encourage them that they are capable of making change in Africa (encourage also the communication skills).
It has been a very good experience. I am forever changed and challenged.
It transformed me in terms of time management, planning and the roadmap for my career progression as well as communication skills and presentation skills.
Our minds can create amazing things in a short period of time if we pay attention and do what is needed.
Learning how to plan your career path, the steps needed to achieve your career and making networks that will connect you to people who can guide you towards reaching your career destination is something that has really opened my eyes in my future career progression.
Creating a roadmap for our career is essential. I got a roadmap of my own out of this.
Science communication and public engagement are definitely a key component of my career progression as I desire to influence my community. After this workshop I will engage more in science communication and Africa Scientifique has provided me with the critical skills to achieve this.
I have overcome my shyness, able to now speak in front of people, got a lot of tools to be applicable in my life from here on.
The content was very relevant. I liked the fact that as a continent we need to embrace our local languages for improved understanding and effective science communication.
New terminologies I didn’t know of were brought up so it expanded my knowledge on communication, oral and written skills. The exercise on proposal writing was amazing.
Participating in the Africa Scientifique workshop has greatly transformed my organization of work skills. In addition, it has greatly improved my presentation skills. Now I feel I have greatly improved in terms of providing quality work and giving the best out of myself.
I view science Communication/Public Engagement as an essential component for a research-focused institution of the type I am part of. Workshops such as the one organized by Africa Scientifique assist post-graduate students to heighten their awareness of the importance of communication in general, and science communication/public engagement on particular. The intervention of science communication workshops also go a long way to complement and fill in the communication gaps that science students may have missed during the course of their undergraduate academic phases.
Socioeconomic challenges (social justice & inequality) keep me motivated in communicating my science. These are important socio-political issues that as a female Black scientist I face on a regular basis. These issues are a very important motivator for me in terms of my science communication.
Methinks that more resources could be dedicated to promoting Science Engagement programs than is currently the case.
Science communication/Public Engagement interventions serve only to highlight the gender gaps that still persist within the field of science in general. Social justice/inequality issues impact hugely… Being a female that studied science in the Apartheid era, it is essential to continue redressing the imbalances and opening doors wherever possible.
I utilise different science communication platforms in my day to day life. This has been beneficial for me as it has been an important facilitator in the upward trajectory in terms of achieving my personal career goals. I see science communication/public engagement as being important in building a more inclusive and diverse human capital in STEM fields.
I was very proud of my classmates; each participant crafted a novel practical science communication engagement project that I believe will change their communities to a very positive extent.
I learnt to prepare my science communication project concept on one slide, and to present it to my classmates in 3 minutes.
I learnt how to incorporate the mathematical and scientific ideas into a sciencecommunication project that can greatly benefit the community.
My participation in the workshop activities helped me to think critically and come up with ideas that can benefit a community or a country at large – and how to structure a great public engagement project.
The workshop was very engaging and stimulating to the mind. I learnt to be concise in my written projects. Creativity and innovation are important factors in science communication. This workshop was exciting. Science communication should involve real-life scientific concepts. In my final science communication project presentation – on day 3, I was relaxed, I applied the techniques that were taught over the previous 2 days, in my oral communication, and it was exciting.
I learnt how to target a specific audience when I have an activity, to create a presentation on the activity in just one slide, and to deliver the best content and skills.
The final outcome on Day 3 of a science communication project outline has been a great initiative since the first day.
Creating my own presentation slide and being able to present it to my classmates, coming up with a solution on how to communicate my mathematics to my community.
We learnt how to present our public engagement project on one slide, how to define the audience, to target the tools and format to deliver our science communication activity. In each of my classmate’s final project presentation, I saw the result of this workshop in them during their final presentations and how we have all improved since the first day.
It was a very interesting exercise to come up with an innovative idea of a science communication project that I will be doing in the next 4 months, which will assist the 7 public – there was more than enough help to assist me and direct me in a proper direction to come up with a good idea.
I learnt how to outline/tackle the science communication project in a short space – one powerpoint slide or 1 A4 paper (technique of summarising the work and writing the important and eye-catching points) – and the importance of these techniques in industry or academia – using minimum time and words to sell yourself/your work to your audience, while covering all important aspects of projects, lecture or plan.
I was able to learn the spirit of giving back to the community through creation of initiatives to discuss important issues affecting the public at large.
The facilitator made the session very interesting so much that I am interested in researching gender and socio-cultural inclusion in science communication.
I learnt to know how to communicate science to the community and to be able to engage easily – with good leadership skills and to treat everyone with the same respect.
We have to link the research in Africa to the problems in the African continent.
To communicate science and also learn from other science communicators is a key factor to career development.
I learnt more about the importance of a mentor, and that I could also be a mentor to others.
It was very good to learn how to use non-traditional ways to boost our careers. I learnt how to increase my leadership and what are the skills of a leader, and to build self-confidence skills.
I learned about all the attributes that make one a good speaker. I now know that outside of the academics, I need to read novels to improve my English. I am going to learn more about science communication in South Africa and the relationship with policy-makers.
The language barrier, if we are able to explain science in our own languages we will be able to understand it better.
The cultural exclusion in science communication has to change – it all begins with us.
It is very important to engage the general public in science irrespective of gender, science is for everyone.
The message on gender and socio-cultural inclusion was given in a clear understanding for us – nice content, as this is one of the many challenges facing us, Africans today.
Tips for leadership learnt – once you decide what to do, create a plan to overcome challenges.
Instil in yourself altruism and volunteerism mind-set. Key domains of development for a researcher are engagement, influence and impact.
Know yourself, what you need to achieve, and what you want to become.
I should be focused, because I am the driver of my own destiny.
Leadership aids – Engage with people with similar interests, manage my time, make good decisions and Act!
I have the motivation to undertake public engagement and make fellow Africans interested in Maths since they have the mentality that it is not for them. I want to show the public in general that whoever wants to undertake a career in Maths can do so.
There are not enough scientists from Africa who are communicating their science with the rest of the world.
I am still going to pursue research and I will need to communicate my work with the public to report on my findings.
Science communication is very essential within my career progression. It helps me to present my knowledge and ideas to my colleagues in easy or layman terms.
I am still planning to pursue research in the near future and I will still need to effectively communicate my work and engage with the public.
There are people who still have a stereotypical belief that we as Black people do not have the capability of learning science and mathematics so the goal is to break that barrier.
Language barrier in Africa – it is hard for children to learn mathematics in English or French, so if they learn it in their language the communication skills would improve.
I do not need opportunities to participate in science communication. I just need to address the scientific concept with the public using the available tools and resources.
It would be easier if science was taught and communicated in our African languages. Using our African languages for science communication is a challenge that is common across Africa. I still want to learn more about challenges in science communication.
Science communication/public engagement activities will help me grow further in my career path.
I learnt the public engagement platforms that I can use to communicate my work and which tools are more effective than others – The public engagement tools and formats that can be used to communicate my work with the general public at large. I learnt to effectively combine public engagement platforms and the public engagement tools to communicate properly with the public.
The sessions were interesting and the topics discussed captured my heart. I really learnt a lot. I learnt about communication skills and how to present effectively to my audience. I learnt how to write a good proposal. I learnt to be able to think fast and put my thoughts down in a clear way.
The facilitator gave me a chance to demonstrate my presentation skills. Due to my participation in the activities, this helped me to work on my weakness during presentation. I learnt how to keep your audience attentive; the pace at which one speaks; the components involved in proposal writing and how to make it outstanding.
I learnt how to overcome socio-cultural exclusion in science communication.
I was able to reveal my feelings about the engagements to the public and learn the good approaches to different groups in society.
Benefits achieved from the workshop – especially in presentation, ‘WOW’ – I mean as a scientist that has been my weakness but in this workshop I learned how to tackle this issue, the techniques and important facts when presenting.
I learnt about the different styles of presentation.
The facilitator gave us diverse tools, platforms that we can use to present and communicate science via written or oral format.
I learnt how to communicate scientific ideas, research to tourists, in industry, to decision-makers, the general public….I also learnt to write proposals and make my presentation to be on one slide. It has given me the capacity to fill the missing gaps needed to communicate effectively.
I learned how to communicate my scientific ideas to the general public and to communicate my mathematics and science ideas using my native language.
The facilitator answered questions relating to how to write a good proposal and gave us a group activity in which my group won the best proposal.
I know what is required of me, if I had to go out there and engage with the public in scientific communication. Language remains an important factor in public engagement regarding science.
I learnt how to properly identify your target audience; identify the necessary tools and resources that I will need to properly communicate my work; and how I can monitor and evaluate how I communicate my work and get responses from the public about my public communication and engagement skills.
I really enjoyed the workshop because it was focusing on my weak point, which is standing in front of many people (audience) and speaking.
I learnt how to include motivation and enthusiasm in my presentations.
I was not familiar on delivering message to people, now I have that skill and I have other tools to use for public engagement and science communication.
Science communication is much helpful not only to the public but to me also, because the more I present my work especially in public society, the more I gain knowledge of what I do too, because of questions imposed from audiences.
Presenting has been my weakness in my studies but from this workshop now I can be able to present my findings to public and science community.
In order to be able to engage with the public you need capacity building training, resources, mentoring and tools.
Benefits of the workshop – knowing the different tools I can use to communicate my work. Now I have gained and been exposed to some skills I will need to communicate my science with public stakeholders.
Benefits of the workshop – An improvement on my presentation skills. Also on how to simplify mathematics when delivering it to our communities.
I was able to learn how to present towards the audience making mathematics into simpler terms – because most people don’t really know mathematics and Africa Scientifique helps with making mathematical sciences easier.
I have benefitted in quite a number of ways but the most important one is the ability to communicate science to any group of people. It has transformed my mentality positively as a young researcher, because after my research thesis, I am motivated now to go out to communicate my research work.
Benefits of the workshop – my communication skills have improved; it has opened my eyes to see the importance of communicating my scientific work. After taking the 3-day workshop, I believe I am better prepared for my master’s defence and to communicate my work in the public.
I learnt how to communicate science and mathematical ideas/knowledge to the
general public in a way one would understand the importance of having scientific knowledge. Science communication/public engagement has helped me to feel free to talk about my mathematical ideas to people who have no idea of the application of mathematics to the real world.
The Africa Scientifique workshop has helped to boost my confidence when communicating my ideas to the public.
The facilitators that were involved in this workshop presented themselves very well and clear. The presentations and involvement from students in each session was perfect.
Prof. Fanelwa’s content was very relevant and useful to me as a student and the delivery was very informative and engaging. I was able to ask questions and make comments during the session. All my questions were clearly answered.
Questions asked during the workshop were given utmost attention and carefully attended to. I also asked a question about how to disseminate a research work to science interpreters; the Facilitator carefully answered and cited examples of science interpreters.
Prof. Nox gave an outstanding lecture today, the content and overall delivery were lit. Individuals were able to present their ideas based on what we learnt from the talk.
I was able to ask questions regarding scenarios in my personal life.
The facilitator took her time to deliver a nice content, with enough questions been carefully answered on how to practicalise on science communication project concept designs. We also discussed how to monitor/evaluate the impact of our public engagement activity.
I was very amazed by the performance of classmates – applying all the work done in a short time. Each student’s presentation of their science communication project slide was eye-catching, innovative and well-explained – showing the impact of the work of the facilitators.
Dr. Rasekoala is always on point. Best delivery – she is the best speaker that I have ever met.
Thank you for your knowledge you shared with us!
The presenters and facilitators gave clear presentations and made it easier for us to engage and participate in different activities.
The workshop has made me realize that Mathematics is very important. The delivery of the contents was good, the facilitators made sure that we understood everything.
The activities we had in the workshop were interesting and eye-opening.
I would recommend the organizers to continue with the good work and educate more people on the communication of science.
At the end of the workshop I understood that there are many ways to disseminate my research and that public engagement can enhance my career.
When I heard/learnt about this programme, I didn’t expect anything. I only planned to attend for attendance sake. However, from the beginning of the programme to the end, I was inspired, motivated and happy to learn. It was beyond my expectations, each session was fun. I took part in the presentation and shared my ideas with my group members and attendees.
Africa Scientifique should move on to create a relationship with many African Universities to impact more people across Africa.
The Africa Scientifique Programme in the future can be offered as a university module.
The content given was much relevant to me because it was focusing on the areas that I need to improve with regards to my career progression. The delivery was perfect because it involved activities.
It’s very important for science communication initiatives to be impactful in the community.
It was very interesting to hear the ideas my classmates had and how they were planning to communicate their work with public stakeholders, and the different tools and resources they were planning to use in order to get the message across.
The workshop content was clear and was delivered to us with good examples of our everyday life. My participation in the activities made it even easier to understand and relate to my academic and personal life.
Every part (session) of this programme was insightful, impactful and educative.
I’ll like to give a thumbs up to the organizers. This programme was an eye opener to the problems we face in Africa. Science is fun. Sharing knowledge is fun and great. I’ll like the world to see the beauty of mathematics.
The workshop was well organized and it was impactful to me as a participant.
This workshop has given me a brief introduction on how to write proposals, the important things that need to be included in proposals. Proposals are needed in workplaces, so when I get employed writing proposals won’t be something new.
This workshop has helped in strategies to prepare for my oral defense. Outlining the important things from my research project and how to present it.
I’ve learnt a lot from this workshop and it was only for 3 days. I would like to learn more.
I think Africa Scientifique should expand beyond AIMS because people would benefit from this information outside African countries.
This is an interesting programme. The contents, overall delivery are marvellous.
The content was meaningful and clear; the delivery of the content was very clear and engaging; this workshop got me excited about scientific communication and public engagement.
The workshop helped me to be better prepared for my master’s degree oral defence as we had a lot of practical oral presentations.
The overall evaluation of the Africa Scientifique workshop was excellent. I like the content in the workshop; the organization and the manner in which it was delivered to me.
I would like to say thank you very much for the opportunity you provided me with, it has helped me grow and plan my future after AIMS.
Apart from feeling great for contributing to the needs of the young researchers; the greatest benefit from my participation is that my research work will improve by including some of the aspects which young researchers require when they enter the workforce.
More and more there are demands on academics to participate in Science Communication/Public Engagement activities and these are being considered by funders and even for promotions.
It will definitely be part of my work as I progress with my career. My commitment is that none of my students will graduate without having some form of training in science communication/public engagement. I also feel that I need to keep learning to see how this field of science communication/public engagement grows and improves in South Africa and to ensure that those changes are incorporated in my work.
This is a new paradigm for the African context and diverse voices are needed to reach wider audiences. All possible modes of Science Communication will become even more relevant as the landscape of those participating in STEM fields changes.
Although I am grateful for the freedom that we now see in South Africa and to also have the ability to achieve all that we want for our lives; I also note that the manner in which the youth are being taught at school still holds a high Eurocentric content. This often creates conflict and confusion for most in finding an identity for themselves both personally and professionally. My drive to do science communication/public engagement work is to give confidence to young Africans that they are worthy and able to change Africa using African resources while conducting their research in Africa.
These are the very topics that motivate my science communication activities as there are many communities that end up being left out of STEM. It is also important to science communication in order to dispel existing stereotypes and to inspire those that are in communities that have previously been marginalised in terms of participating in STEM.
There is currently very little research in Science Communication and in understanding whether community based science communication activities are actually in fact reaching the right audiences and having a future impact.
This field is not taken seriously enough and not embraced as important in the
training of researchers. As such there isn’t enough funding to fund programmes such as Africa Scientifique. Science communication/public engagement isn’t taught at school or most universities as part of the training needed by scientists. This would be of great benefit to scientists on completion of their programmes.
Science communication in South Africa and other parts of Africa has largely taken lessons from other places. It is important to have local solutions are directed at the African scenario.
The Eurocentric influences in the African educational system have made most Africans believe that they always require external support to succeed. This is a mind- set instilled generations ago which needs to be eradicated through initiatives such as Africa Scientifique.
I believe that it is through information, resources and infrastructure sharing that as Africans we can begin to bridge the social injustice and inequality gaps. Science communication/public engagement within my field of research has the potential of motivating young people to becoming innovative scientists of the future while also uplifting their families and communities. I remain motivated to be part of this cause because I am living proof of the positivity of having someone speak and mentor me throughout my educational journey.
Dr. Elizabeth Rasekoala is an International Development Expert on Energy, Human Capital Development in STEM Education, Skills and Innovation and Gender, with over twenty years’ experience in the UK, Brazil, Nigeria, South Africa and Africa. She has specialist expertise and track record in the following areas – Policy Reform and Development; Gender Equality, Diversity & Social Inclusion; Monitoring, Review & Evaluation; Research & Innovation; Transformative Capacity-building & Training; and Curriculum Development/transformation in Higher Education.
Dr. Rasekoala with a professional background in Chemical Engineering and industry internationally, has championed, advocated, researched, presented and written widely on public innovation and transformative development through advancing diversity, sociocultural inclusion, ethics and gender equality issues in science communication and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, skills and entrepreneurship development.
Dr. Rasekoala has provided extensive advisory and consultancy expertise to various governments, institutions and multilateral international organisations over the past 18 years, including the European Commission, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR); the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA); UNESCO; the African Union Commission (AUC); and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Dr. Rasekoala’s current advisory roles include:
Dr. Rasekoala has been conferred with international Commendations & Awards in recognition of her innovative contributions and leadership. These include, the International NAT AWARD for Science Communication, conferred by the Natural Science Museum of Barcelona – 2019; The UK-National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) Innovation Fellowship – 2003; Honorary Doctorate Degree conferred by Sheffield Hallam University, UK – 2000; and The Commonwealth Association for Science, Technology & Mathematics Award for Innovation – 1999.
Mr. João Emidio Cossa is the Chief Director of the Department of Communications and Adviser to the Minister, in the Ministry of Science & Technology, Higher & Technical Vocational Education, of the Government of Mozambique.
Mr. Cossa has worked for 13 years in the Communications Field, in various roles and public institutions: from 2013 to 2015 in the Mozambique Parliament; from 2006 to 2014 in the former Ministry of Science and Technology; and from 2015 onwards continues to exercise functions in the Communication Area and Relations with the Media at the Ministry of Science and Technology, Higher and Technical Vocational Education. He was a board member of the Organizing Committee of Mozambican Science and Technology Exhibitions from 2006 to 2014 in the former Ministry of Science and Technology.
Funmi Eyeoyibo has over twenty years’ successful track record of working in the public, private and civil society sectors of Nigeria. She is a LEAD International Fellow and a Fellow of the Netherlands Fellowship Programme (NUFFIC). She holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Management from the University of Lagos and is a registered PhD student in Natural Resources, Environment and Sustainable Development at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Funmi has attended several professional development courses both locally and internationally and was a panelist at the United Nations Environment Programme Financial Initiative Global Roundtable in 2009, talking on the topic “The Problem with Ecosystems- Valuing the Priceless”.
She has facilitated at several trainings both locally and internationally and has field experience in Strategy Development, Ecological Studies, Community/Multi stakeholder engagement, and Climate Change Adaptation, among others. She currently works in a private capacity as an Environmental Consultant and also consults on Resource Mobilization, fundraising and strategy planning for social causes.
Funmi is the Assistant Editor-In-Chief of the Ecological Society of Nigeria. She is a member of the Business Advisory Board of ENACTUS (Unilag Chapter) and also a member of the Board of Trustees of Abiodun Ogunkeye Foundation and FALCORP Mangrove Park.
Funmi is an avid reader and loves travelling.
Ms. Deborah Nyirenda is a PhD fellow from the University of Liverpool and University of Malawi-College of Medicine joint PhD Program. Her doctoral research is funded by a Scholarship award from the Wellcome Trust to investigate the purpose, relevance and benefits of community engagement in health research. She holds a Master’s Degree in International Public Health from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK, which was funded by a Scholarship award from the Commonwealth. Previously, she took the lead on qualitative studies exploring health seeking behaviour in response to Acute Bacterial Meningitis; an assessment of a triage intervention in primary health centres; and an evaluation of a public engagement radio programme.
Ms. Nyirenda has 10 years’ experience in community development and mixed methods research having worked for International Institutions such as the World Relief Malawi and Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust. Her career goal is to strengthen academic research within the fields of community engagement, bioethics and social science and the development of evidence based interventions to improve the practice of ethical research in Malawi.
David Mbulumi has a rare background that combines an academic background in laboratory sciences and a career in journalism and communication. A Tanzanian national based in Accra, Ghana, for three years David headed the Policy Engagement and Communications (PEC) Department for the INDEPTH Network, a leading provider of health and demographic statistics in low and middle income countries in Africa, Asia and Oceania. He was coordinating Policy Engagement and Communications activities in 43 INDEPTH member centres across 20 countries.
He previously worked as a news reporter, online news editor and senior newspaper editor for Tanzania’s leading media houses and later as public relations officer for a major commercial bank before joining the UN as Head of Communications at the UNDP Country Office in Tanzania. David then worked for one of Africa’s most eminent health research institutions (Ifakara Health Institute) as Head of Resource Centre/Communications before joining INDEPTH Network. In recent years, his focus has been on building active linkages between researchers and other stakeholders that include policymakers, funders, civil society, private sector, media and the general public.
David is a graduate of the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania (BSc – Chemistry and Applied Microbiology, MSc – Chemistry) and was trained in journalism by some of the world’s top media organisations and trainers including the UK-based Thompson Reuters. Other skills he has gained over the years include media management, negotiation skills, communication science, knowledge management and public relations. He has also trained researchers on Science Communication and journalists on Media Ethics, Editorial Freedom and Independence. His experience also includes consultancy in editorial services to UN agencies and other organisations. He regularly contributes opinion, news and feature articles to magazines and newspapers. In 2000 David won one of the most prestigious fellowships in newspaper journalism in the Commonwealth, the Harry Brittain Fellowship.
Prof. Aziz Bensalah is currently Professor at the Mohammed V University of Rabat in Morocco and was previously Professor at the National Centre for Scientific and Technical Research in the same city. In the latter institution, he has been, between early 2008 and late 2014, Head of the Unit for the promotion and dissemination of Scientific and Technical Culture. Leading this unit, one of his major achievements has been the creation of the National Network for the promotion and dissemination of Scientific and Technical Culture (RNCST) in 2008.
Prof. Aziz Bensalah is a graduate in Fluid Mechanics from the ENSEEIHT (National School of Engineering, Toulouse, France) and PhD of the University Denis Diderot Paris VII in Physics and Biomedical Engineering with an “Habilitation à diriger des recherches” (Accreditation to supervise researchers). His main field of research is the non-traumatic study of the arterial system based on analytical and numerical mathematical models of blood flows in arteries combined with ultrasonic explorations.
Dr Bernard Appiah wears many hats; he is a Pharmacist, Science Journalist, global health scholar, public engagement specialist, and science communication scholar and practitioner, with a special focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. Bernard is Director of the Centre for Science and Health Communication, a non-profit based in Ghana; and Assistant Professor of the US-based Texas A&M School of Public Health, where he is also the Director of the Research Programme on Public and International Engagement for Health.
A son of a Gong-Gong beater in rural Ghana, Bernard is now beating the Gong on science and public health, and has received several awards including the Council of Science Editors International Scholarship in 2007, Public Communication of Science & Technology (PCST) Network conference scholarship in 2008, Young Voices in Global Health in 2013 and the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship in 2016. He is the first recipient of Ghana’s Young Pharmacist of the Year award.
As a science journalist, Bernard has written feature stories on science and global health for local and international media including Myjoyonline.com in Ghana, Citizen News Network in India, and the Canadian Medical Association Journal. He is an Associate of INASP, a UK-based organisation, and has been involved since 2009 in INASP’s AuthorAID, a project for building the capacity of developing country researchers in communicating their research.
Bernard has peer-reviewed papers on science communication in Sub-Saharan Africa, and has experience in obtaining external funding for research projects in science communication and global health; and in building capacity in science communication in African countries such as Ghana, Uganda and Tanzania. His book, “Medicines: Using Them Safely” uses storytelling and cartoons to engage readers.
Bernard has a Bachelor’s in Pharmacy from Ghana, Master’s in Development Communication from the Philippines, Master’s in Science and Technology Journalism from the United States, and a Doctorate in Public Health with a major in Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, also from the United States.
Mr Roderick Emmanuel Sambakunsi is based in Malawi, and currently working for the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme. He is currently working as a Science Communication Manager in the Science Communication and Public Engagement Department, and his role involves spearheading public and community engagement, as well as communicating effectively, research science to different stakeholders, including research communities, the general public, and students from primary and secondary schools.
Mr. Sambakunsi has previously worked for several international organisations, such as Save the Children and Action Aid, and has attended and presented at numerous health related workshops and Conferences, internationally. He has also undertaken collaborative research, and published widely in this field.
Dr Judith Gbenoudon is the Director for Informatics and Pre-achieving at the Ministry for Higher Education and Scientific Research, in the Republic of Benin. She is also the Director of the Laboratory of Immunology for Infectious and Allergic diseases (IMMIA), at the Institute for Applied Biomedical Sciences (ISBA), in Cotonou, Benin. Dr. Gbenoudon also Lecturer’s on Immunology in the Faculty of Science and Technique, at the University of Abomey-Calavi, in Benin.
Dr. Gbenoudon has an outstanding international track record in Fundamental and Applied Immunology and Malaria Research, having undertaken various leadership and senior roles such as, Research Group Leader at the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, at the University Clinic Bonn, in Germany; and as the Senior Scientific Officer-Immunologist, at the Medical Research Council (UK), in the Gambia.
Dr. Gbenoudon is passionate about research, the communication of research and the capacity-building of young/emerging researchers. She has been the recipient of numerous international scholarships and Excellence Awards, including: the United States International Leadership Program in Science; the World Health Organisation (WHO); and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Dr. Gbenoudon is fluent in English, French and German languages.
