CRDF and the African Union Commission (AUC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 22, 2010 to form a partnership to develop projects that strengthen African science, technology, education and research and identify partners for resource mobilization. As part of this MOU, CRDF will participate in the design of the Pan-African University, an initiative launched by the African Union to promote science and technology on the continent and link scientific research to economic development. The Pan African University aims to develop human capacity in Africa by training postgraduate students and promoting research that has importance to the region.

"We have a lot of highly relevant program experience and we look forward to applying it in partnership with the African Union Commission," said CRDF President and CEO Cathy Campbell. "This is an exciting opportunity and we are very impressed with what the African Union Commission is trying to achieve."

"We really need a partnership to develop African science. We can't do it alone," said Professor Jean-Pierre O. Ezin, commissioner for human resource, science and technology, African Union Commission. "CRDF is doing good work, and we invite you to join us. We are sure we are going to do good work for the continent."

For more information, please contact Meaza Zerihun Demissie, CRDF associate program manager.

About CRDF

CRDF is a nonprofit organization authorized by the U.S. Congress and established in 1995 by the National Science Foundation. This unique public-private partnership promotes international scientific and technical collaboration through grants, technical resources and training. CRDF is based in Arlington, VA and is active in more than 30 countries.

About the African Union Commission

The African Union Commission is the executive secretariat of the African Union, which is the apex political institution in Africa, bringing together 53 member states. The vision of the AU is a peaceful, integrated and prosperous Africa driven by its own citizens to engage profitably in the global community. In education, science and technology, the AUC mission includes, inter alia, development and implementation of science and technology and information and communication technologies programs towards regional integration and social economic development of Africa; enhancing the quality and global competitiveness of Africa's higher education and research; and production and retention of high level human resources for the continent.

 

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