The EventThe PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference is back and this year it’s bigger and better than ever!

“Big Ideas for Africa” is about celebrating the individuals, research groups, academic institutions and commercial organisations making great scientific and technological advancements that are of benefit not just to Africa, but also to the world. These individuals and organisations prove that the continent is and can be a world-class contributor to global science, technology and innovation.

We won’t be ignoring the issues, but we will be challenging the dominant rhetoric surrounding Africa, whether it’s corruption, conflict, poverty or disease. Africa is a diverse continent experiencing rapid and dynamic growth, as well as complex socio-economic development challenges.

With world-leading speakers from business, academia, policy and civil society, we’ll be exploring a variety of themes. These include agribusiness, gender equality, education, public health, space science, ICT and energy and the cutting-edge innovations – large and small – that are shaping Africa today, and those that will come to define the continent in the future. We want to celebrate and promote great scientific and technological innovation happening in and for Africa; showcase great ideas and new technologies; and galvanise support for current and future innovation.

So, what can you do to encourage innovation on the continent? What’s your big idea? Join us, and let’s build a movement for science, technology and innovation in Africa!

9.00am – 5.30pm Thursday 20th July 2017

155 Bishopsgate, Liverpool StreetLondon, EC2Y 3YD

WHAT TO EXPECTWorkshops

10 workshops will take place simultaneously across the venue in both the morning and afternoon sessions. Hosted by the PEI’s partners, supporters and sponsors, these are fast-paced and fun, covering a wide range of topics. Participants can attend whichever workshop, and however many, they like.

High-Level Panels

Featuring senior policymakers, business leaders, academics and influencers, two panel discussions outline key challenges and opportunities, provide inspiration and ideas, and get participants thinking and talking. There will be plenty of time for audience Q&As so you can quiz your favourite speakers and world-leading experts.

PEI Partners Fair

A dedicated space within the UnConference where Partners and sponsors have their stands, company branding and promotional materials. Here organisations can promote their work and participants can learn more about their engagement in Africa.

Table Working Groups

The #ScienceAfrica UnConference is all about sharing insights and exchanging ideas, and this starts with the table groups. These range from ice-breakers to get you talking to your fellow participants, to structured networking activities and group exercises. This isn’t a typical conference – we want you to engage with as many people as possible!

One-to-One Meetings

Ultimately, the UnConference is about taking action and we’ve provided plenty of opportunity and space to get down to business and arrange one-to-one meetings. The PEI will be on hand to support introductions and collaborations.

Competitions

We’ll be running a number of competitions in the build-up to the #ScienceAfrica UnConference, so follow us on social media and get involved for your chance to win.

Networking

We guarantee you’ll meet lots of interesting and likeminded people, all committed to building a movement for science and technology in Africa. We provide a number of open spaces that allow conversation to flow and new connections to be made – and there’s a drinks reception!

Reports

The Key Outcomes Report will consolidate the insights, perspectives and ideas gathered from the UnConference. We want to support and encourage great scientific, academic and commercial innovation in Africa and, for us, this starts with generating and collecting new, innovative ideas at the #ScienceAfrica UnConference.

BIG IDEAS FOR AFRICA: CELEBRATING THE CONTINENT’S SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PIONEERS

Agenda8.00am – 9.00am Guest arrival and registration – tea, coffee and breakfast

9.00am – 9.15am Welcome address

9.15am – 9.45am Table working groups

9.45am Morning Panel – Challenges and Opportunities: The Continent Today

9.45am – 10.30am High-level presentations

10.30am – 10.50am Audience Q&A / Twitter questions

10.50am – 11.00am Workshop intros

11.00am – 11.30am Tea and coffee break / Workshop sign-up

11.30am – 1.00pm Workshops

1.00pm – 2.00pm Networking Lunch

2.00pm – 2.15pm Table working groups

2.15pm Afternoon Panel – Innovation from Africa: The Continent Tomorrow

2.15pm – 3.00pm High-level presentations

3.00pm – 3.20pm Audience Q&A / Twitter questions

3.20pm – 3.30pm Workshop intros

3.30pm – 4.00pm Tea and coffee break / Workshop sign-up

4.00pm – 5.30pm Workshops

5.30pm – 5.45pm Round-up / Close

5.45pm – 7.00pm Drinks reception

The PEI Partners ForumThe PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference is part of the PEI Partners Forum – a membership platform through which the PEI provides businesses and other organisations with an engaging and valuable platform to collaborate, promote their work and explore key issues related to scientific, technological and commercial development on the continent.

As a charity, we are committed to finding new ways to better connect the many great organisations out there and that is what the PEI Partners Forum does through our events in the UK, Africa and around the world. These events range from private high-level breakfasts to all-day conferences, and all address the most pressing challenges, incorporate the most cutting-edge science and technology and are all designed to engage a wide variety of stakeholders, including business leaders, academics and policy makers.

Members of the Partners Forum are able to participate in all activities and become an integral part of the expanding PEI networks in Africa and beyond, taking the lead in shaping a number of sessions through the year focussed on their priority areas. Not only does this give us a growing group of organisations committed to building a movement for science in Africa, but the Partners Forum also provides a fantastic platform for outreach, promotion and engagement.

The Planet Earth Institute (PEI)The Planet Earth Institute (PEI) is an international NGO and charity working for the scientific independence of Africa. While other emerging regions have invested heavily in science and technology, Africa is falling behind in the race for scientific development. And we want to change that, fast. All of our work is built around the three pathways we believe will help lead Africa to scientific independence: High Education, Technological Innovation and Policy and Advocacy. We want to support and strengthen higher education institutions, help incubate technologies able to drive scientific advancement and campaign for a science-led development agenda for Africa. Scientific independence does not mean scientific isolation. It means working to create the conditions where African countries have the right policy environment, the right infrastructure and, crucially, the right human capital to address the many challenges and opportunities the continent faces.

Our PartnersThis event and the work of the Planet Earth Institute is made possible due to the generous support we receive from a diverse range of partners and supporters. If you would like to find out more about the PEI Partners Forum, please contact Nick Staite (Operations Director): nick@planetearthinstitute.org.uk .

#BigIdeasForAfrica

#BigIdeasForAfrica

#ScienceAfrica UnConference

Africa is and can be a world-class contributor to global science, technology and innovation.

Workshops are fast-paced and fun, covering a wide range of topics.

#BIGIDEASFORAFRICA

We’ll be running two competitions in the build up to PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference:

#BigIdeasForAfrica Videos - We want to hear about your big ideas – whether it’s a project, an initiative or a crazy dream – so to be in with a chance of winning some great prizes, submit your Big Ideas for Africa via social media. The best video with the best Big Idea wins! Click HERE for more details.

Run an UnConference Workshop - We want to showcase cutting-edge science, technology and innovation happening in and for Africa. Got a big idea for Africa you want to share? We have two workshop slots up for grabs so fill in the entry form and submit your concept to be in with a chance to be a workshop leader. Click HERE for more details.

We’re building a movement for science in Africa. join us.

GET INVOLVED

We’ll be welcoming over 250 people from business, academic, policy and civil society, all passionate about Africa, science, technology and innovation. Why not join them and sign up today. Meet, connect, chat and exchange ideas about the big challenges facing Africa, and hear first hand about the big ideas to tackle them.

Attend SPONSOR COMPETITIONS

Promote your organisation as one that’s committed to African development and support us as we build a movement for science on the continent. With a diverse and engaged audience from across the development spectrum, the PEI #ScienceAfrica UnConference provides organisations with great opportunities for networking and branding.