SciDev.Net: African Science on the Rise Thanks to Regional Initiative

Engineers, oceanographers and chemists in eight African countries will benefit from three grants of US $800,000 each from a new science and education initiative. Amongst the recipients is the Southern Africa Biochemistry and Informatics for Natural Products initiative, headed by John Saka, a chemistry professor at the University of Malawi. SABINA, whose network includes the Malawi-based Tea Research Foundation of Central Africa and South Africa's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, aims to improve food security, health and exports using Africa's biodiversity and scientific advances. The second grant was awarded to the African Materials Science and Engineering Network. The network aims to produce homegrown engineers to exploit Africa's mineral wealth. The third RISE grant was awarded to the Western Indian Ocean Regional Initiative in Marine Science and Education, which intends to use research and training to promote sustainable development and protect the coastal and marine environment. Article here.