MEPs call for increased involvement by African scientists in R&D
African scientists should be more involved in international collaborative science and research and development (R&D) projects in order to keep and develop knowledge in Africa, MEPs have said. Members of the European Parliament's Committee on External Relations made their views clear in adopting a joint resolution on the importance of supporting measures to improve international scientific cooperation with Africa. Recognising the increasing trend amongst policy-makers in Africa to prioritise science and technology (S&T) and innovation for development, the resolution called for stronger EU-African Union (AU) cooperation in specific sectors such as food, health and energy and the reinforcement of existing research infrastructures. This goal will be achieved through the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), its S&T consolidated action plan and the S&T programmes of the African Union. On AIDS, the Members of the European Parliament pointed to the special focus given to neglected diseases within the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) and called for special emphasis to be placed on research into AIDS in African countries. Furthermore, the House urged Member States to promote knowledge and technology transfer between the EU and Africa, together with R&D projects, under a new framework for action. The aim here is to achieve immediate and long-term goals for sustainable development, and accordingly develop policy and resources. Finally, the European Parliament called on the EU and the Member States to ensure greater consistency between the EU's international science and technology policy and the basic needs of African countries. This should lead to the development of a new global framework for science and diplomacy with Africa. The resolution, to be put forward to the Council, the Commission and the UN, comes ahead of a large international conference planned for March in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia entitles 'Science with Africa'. The conference will aim to play a major role in promoting and consolidating strategic research collaboration between African states and the rest of the world.