The Scientific African: a new peer-reviewed scientific research journal

3 April 2018. A new peer-reviewed scientific research journal showcasing cutting-edge African research was launched in Kigali,

The NEF launched this Pan African Scientific Journal during the NEF Global Gathering 2018 in collaboration with Elsevier, by the NEF Chair Mr.Thierry Zomahoun and Mr. Ron Mobed, Chief Executive Officer, Elsevier. The journal will provide a multidisciplinary review and will give an open access to stimulate all scientists in order to give global reach to research in Africa.
The new multidisciplinary journal will provide a platform for African leaders in various fields of scientific research to present their findings in an Africa-specific context.

“This journal will front research on Africa by Africans that finds local solutions to local problems.” Ron Mobed at Elsevier, a Netherlands-headquartered global information analytics company specializing in science and health, 

The publication will primarily be targeted at academics and cover a variety of issues in fields such as health sciences, agriculture, biology, physics, and astronomy. However, those at Scientific African hope that the journal will not cater exclusively to this category of researchers. Given their belief in the global nature of scientific methods, the publication is encouraging submissions from any individual undertaking significant scientific research.

The journal’s first edition particularly highlights developments from the region’s commitment to develop agricultural technology.

Related:

SIDE EVENT: EDITORS' FORUM ON GROWING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY REPORTING IN AFRICA (SHEMA)

This forum brought together editors from a number of leading regional media titles to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing science journalism in Africa. The discussion will consider the media industry in Africa’s relationship with the scientific community, and explore the collective challenges faced by those seeking to communicate science to their readers.

Script is a training and networking programme that aims to improve the flow of communication between scientists and journalists, and address the lack of high quality science reporting in Africa. It is funded by the Robert Bosch-Stiftung and implemented by SciDev.Net.

• Media skills for scientists: learn how to interact successfully with the media
• Science communication skills for journalists: learn how to report science in an engaging, accurate and credible way.
• To view the full list of the Script course modules, go HERE.

The forum took the structure of an informal round table discussion, together with a small audience of twenty interested observers. Steered by Nick Perkins, a professional with more than twenty years’ experience working with media across the globe, participants were encouraged to share experiences, discuss common barriers to scientific journalism, and identify opportunities to facilitate better media-science collaboration. Editors who attended:

• David Aduda, Head of Business Development and Partnerships, Nation Media Group (South Africa)
• Haruna Idris, Deputy Director Current Affairs and Special Assistant to the Director General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (Radio Nigeria)
• Juliet Masiga, Peace and Security Editor, The Conversation Africa (Kenya)
• Andrew Meldrum, Acting Africa Editor, The Associated Press
• Fulgence Sene, Editor and Head of Translation Desk, African Press Agency (Senegal)
• Bothina Osama, MENA Regional Coordinator, SciDev.Net