INNOVATIONS
The new head of the African regional office of the International Council for Science (ICSU), Dr Edith Madela-Mntla, says more funds are needed to boost science research in Africa.
Speaking in Botswana recently, Dr Madela-Mntla said ICSU is mandated to improve science for the benefit of society as a whole.
ICSU mobilises the knowledge and resources of the international science community to identify and address major issues of importance to science and society, it also facilitates cooperation between science bodies around the world and provides independent advice to the private sector. It has 121 member bodies from around the world, 25 of them from Africa.
“ We have been involved on projects such as the development of energy models and scenarios for Sub-Saharan Africa, increase in access to high quality, reliable and affordable energy in a sustainable manner in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Dr Madela-Mntla said.
However, the organisation faces challenges of insufficient funds to broaden its research activities. “ Currently we receive funding from regional and international bodies such as the New Partnership for Africa’ s Development (NEPAD). As part of our outreach activities, ICSU has embarked on an effort to publish a series of books that showcase the scientific research and achievement on the continent” she added.
The continent is faced with many problems that need to be researched, she said. “ Our research covers all the 55 nations of Africa. During the 2008/9 financial year, ICSU focused on the preparation of project proposals to implement its published science plans and source funds for their implementation.”
