COVID-19 has changed the way we think and act in so many ways. It has lead to a lot of examination of past practices and provides an opportunity to design a different future – to make the most out of innovation; to make innovation more inclusive and equitable. A number of our AfricaLics Scientific Board members have been reflecting on this in 2020 and here are details of some of their activities:
Prof. David Kaplan is currently working with the International Science Council (ISC) in a joint project with the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IASSA) to publish a report on how COVID-19 has influenced science, technology and innovation. . They have had three consultations with a range of stakeholders and produced background papers which can be accessed through this link: https://covid19.iiasa.ac.at/isc/systems/
Prof. Mammo Muchie with African Academy of Sciences has published a policy learning document : Securing Africa’s health sovereignty: Why investing in science and innovation matters: https://sarchi.org/?p=980
Prof. Mammo has also held a webinar with governments representatives, Africa Development Bank, and medical scientists on the impact of COVID-19 on the African economy. Prof. Mammo’s podcast on this event can be accessed through this link: https://sarchi.org/?p=983
Prof. Abdelkader Djeflat has written on Coronavirus and the importance of being inserted in the knowledge economy : https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340454996_Coronavirus_and_the_importance_of_being_inserted_in_the_knowledge_economy
Prof. Abdelkader has also published on how Maghreb countries have mobilized their dormant Science, Technology and Innovation capabilities to face COVID-19: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341453490_Maghreb_countries_mobilize_their_dormant_Science_Technology_and_Innovation_capabilities_to_face_covid_19
Dr. Ann Kingiri has co-authored an article on how COVID-19 is transforming engineering in Africa:
https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20201128090338800