MARCAD supports the National Academy of Young Scientists of Senegal (ANJSS) for the capacity building of its members.

In line of its main objective to foster capacity building of future African scientists leaders MARCAD, supported the National Academy of Young Scientists of Senegal (ANJSS) in the organization of a workshop on Public and Community Engagement and the implementation of a personal development plan for its members. The activity organized under the auspices of the National Academy of Science and Technical of Senegal (ANSTS) took place from 20 to 21 February 2020 in Dakar.

More than 50 young scientists from all universities and academic research institutions across the country participated in the training.

The opening day ceremony was marked by the presence of scientific authorities including Prof Oumar Sock, Perpetual Secretary of the National Academy of Science and Technical of Senegal (ANSTS), Prof Oumar Gaye, Director of MARCAD, Pr Coumba Thiandoum, Director of the Promotion of Scientific Culture at the Ministry of Higher Education and Research and representatives of universities and research institutions in Senegal.

In his welcome address, Dr Maguette Ndiaye, Chair of the National Academy of Young Scientists of Senegal (ANJSS) recalled the importance of such training for members of his organization and for young scientists in general.

"In this context of global economy, all the activities that we carry out at university must be translated into policy with a positive impact at the community level. That’s why, with the support of MARCAD, we deemed necessary to strengthen the capacities of the young scientists of our academy. " said Dr Maguette Ndiaye.

For this purpose, the Director of MARCAD reiterated the programme's commitment to support young scientists and to contribute to any activity that aims to strengthen interactions between scientists and public.

“Your commitment to produce science for the community is welcomed. Beyond malaria, all themes related to scientific and societal issues challenge us. We really want the future scientists leaders to be anchored at the community level and we are very happy to give you our support. "said Prof. Oumar Gaye

In his closing remarks, the Perpetual Secretary of the National Academy of Sciences and Technical of Senegal (ANSTS), Prof Oumar Sock,  highlighted the importance of the workshop and thanked the MARCAD programme for the support given to young scientists to meet up and discuss important themes such as those of the training.

"Through its collaboration with the National Academy of Young Scientists in Senegal, MARCAD plays a very important role because this kind of activity allows our young scientists to be much more efficient and in tune with the realities of our development." said Prof Sock.

At the end of the two-day’s meeting, the participants acquired new knowledge and skills on the methods and tools they need to interact with non-scientific and non-specialist audience to enable them to better understand science. The workshop also provided them with the tools they need to better manage their personal development plan.

The National Academy of Young Scientists of Senegal (ANJSS) was created in May 2016 and aims to promote and popularize scientific research.