International Cooperation for Promoting Centres of Excellence Nelson Torto Rhodes University, Grahamstown South Africa
Collaboration or Networking Common ingredients Common ground Contribute Benefit to society Poverty alleviation Common efforts Long term interest Research fidelity Synergy Inter/multidisciplines Requirements Clear objectives Intellectual resources: People Harmonisation of curriculla Technological resources: Infrastructure, communication, logistics Support system: Finance Maintenance Rhodes University/ Department of Chemistry/ OPCW IYC/ 13 th September 2011
Examples of Centres of Excellence Level National Regional International Kind University Research Institute Training Institute Laboratory Library Museum
Historical Perspective Regional French Universities Initiative from 1961 Ministers of Education meetings (MINEDAF) Exchange of students Exchange of teachers Technical information University of Dakar University of Abijan University of Brazzaville University of Tannarive Southern Africa BOLESWA Joint University Botswana Lesotho Swaziland University of Botswana National University of Lesotho University of Swaziland Traore, IPICS Meeting
African Situation Scientists are trained abroad Focus on non-african research questions Limited funds to purchase or service instrumentation Low capacity to adopt or develop new methodology on returning home No role models, mentors, capacity Scientists eventually feel isolated
What is the TRIPLE HELIX? A social sciences concept modelling transformation processes in generating innovation University Industry Governmental relations How is this relevant to the state and development of Centres of Excellence
1 2 A I A I Triple Helix G I 3
Consider Basic Sciences Biology Chemistry Mathematics Physics Feeder Areas Applied Sciences Engineering
OPCW IFS IPICS Examples of Drivers TWOWS TWAS ANSTI, AAU, AAS, UNESCO IUPAC DAAD ACS, NSF, NIH, IOCD Chemical Societies & Federations
Examples of Networks in Africa NABSA NAPRECA SEANAC ANCAP ALNAP AMSEN West Africa Biotechnologies ESALAMA SARBIO AFASSA NITUB NUSESA ALAMOSN LatinBIO LATSOBIO LANFOOD
SEANAC Founded as: Southern & Eastern Africa Network of Analytical Chemists (SEANAC) Now African Network of Analytical Chemists (SEANAC) www.seanac.org
SEANAC: the network Formed in February 2002 in Botswana Workshop funded by Sida Facilitated by Analytical Division of the Chemistry Department at UB Network was formed by 13 Universities from 11 countries Botswana, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Swaziland, Lesotho, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique
SEANAC:objective 1 To promote analytical chemistry through Collaboration Research training Teaching Information sharing
SEANAC:objective 2 To facilitate Access Inventory Operation Maintenance Repairs Of analytical instruments
SEANAC:objective 3 Collaborate with organisations of similar aims SEANAC recognises Resources set aside Support systems/structures Promote basic science amongst youth/women Support research in crucial areas
Future tasks for SEANAC Short term Workshops Curricula Retraining Project teams Networking Exchange Visits Long Term Postgraduate training Academic exchange Summer schools Networking Regular symposia Promote women participation in SEANAC activities Special colloquia for youth Validation activities Assist with instrumentation
Harmonising curricula:-pre-workshop
South African Chemical Institute (SACI) Incorporates SA institute of assayers and analysts Promotes Chemistry, chemists, chemical industry and chemical education Aims Advancement of science and practise of chemistry Promoting and upholding of the status of the profession of Chemistry Membership Companies Individuals Associates
Triple Helix Workshop 2009
How do we collaborate to build COEs? North North North South South South
Option 1 Externally driven North Africa West Africa Societal Needs East Africa Central Africa Southern Africa
Option 2 Ibadin Addis Ababa Network driven Ife Nairobi Discipline Wits Gezira Rhodes Pretoria
Option 3 Individually driven Networks Industry Excellence Start ups Universities Government
Acknowledgements OPCW Rhodes University SEANAC Participants of the Regional and International Cooperation to strengthen Basic Sciences in Developing countries, Addis Ababa, 1 4 September 2009