3rd Annual ASFI Multidisciplinary Conference & Boot Camp
Honouring Collaboration, Excellence, and the Advancement of African Science
The Malak Foundation is proud to celebrate and stand alongside the African Science Frontiers Initiatives (ASFI) as a partner at the 3rd Annual Multidisciplinary Conference & Boot Camp, to be held virtually from 25–27 November 2025.
This year’s theme, “Beyond Boundaries: Breaking Collaborative Frontiers for Impactful Research and Career,” perfectly reflects ASFI’s growing influence as a pan-African platform dedicated to empowering scientists, strengthening institutional capacity, and expanding Africa’s presence in the global research ecosystem.
As a Foundation deeply committed to supporting education, mental well-being, and community resilience—particularly across conflict-affected African regions—Malak is honoured to be part of this transformative movement. We commend ASFI for its visionary leadership and the incredible work the organisation continues to achieve in uplifting scientists and researchers across the continent.
A Landmark Gathering for African Research
The conference will bring together hundreds of emerging and established researchers, policymakers, academics, and innovators from across Africa and the diaspora. It feature a rich program of keynote speeches, workshops, oral presentations, poster sessions, and interactive boot camp activities—all designed to strengthen collaboration, visibility, and scientific excellence.
The 2025 conference also introduced two impactful pre-conference workshops:
“Enriching Your CV for Success” led by Eniola Coker-Peters
“Enhancing Career Visibility” delivered by Prof. Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah
These sessions empowered young scientists with practical tools to build stronger profiles and navigate the global research landscape.
Keynote Speakers Who will Inspire the Continent
The conference will host distinguished leaders whose work spans diplomacy, policy engagement, research, and global partnerships:
1. Associate Professor David Mickler (Australia)
Keynote Topic: “Intercontinental Collaboration in Education and Research: Academic Diplomacy for Science and Society”
A global leader in Australia-Africa relations, A/Prof. Mickler will emphasize the power of academic diplomacy and cross-continental partnerships in driving shared prosperity.
2. Professor Fatai A. Aremu (Nigeria)
Keynote Topic: “Pan-African Research Collaboration: The Power of Home-Diaspora Connectivity”
Prof. Aremu to highlight how connecting African scholars at home with those in the diaspora is essential to scaling impact, strengthening mentoring systems, and influencing policy.
3. Dr. Konosoang Sobane (South Africa)
Workshop Topic: “From Data to Policy: Step-by-Step in Data-Informed Policymaking”
A leading voice in science-for-policy, Dr. Sobane will offer practical insights on translating research into actionable policies—an essential skill for African researchers seeking to influence change.
Highlights & Program Activities
The three-day event to showcase the depth and diversity of African scientific talent. Key highlights include:
📌 120 Abstract Submissions
Researchers present cutting-edge work addressing health, governance, climate, technology, social sciences, education, and innovation.
📌 Oral & Poster Presentation Sessions
Young scholars and senior researchers exchange ideas, and receive feedback from experts, to forged new collaborations.
📌 Boot Camp on Translating Research to Policy
Led by Dr. Eunice Fombele and expert facilitators, the boot camp will guide participants through mechanisms that transform research outputs into real-world policy solutions.
📌 ASFI Matched Mentorship Program & Journal Club
These initiatives will be a spotlight as cornerstones of ASFI’s long-term strategy to cultivate career growth, peer learning, and scholarly excellence.
📌 Launch of ASFIScholar Platform
A major milestone, ASFIScholar is now Africa’s all-in-one platform for learning, teaching, collaboration, publishing, and scholarly networking.
It strengthens visibility, mentorship, and cooperation among African researchers.
📌 Regional and Institutional Participation
The conference to welcome representatives from leading African universities, research institutions, humanitarian organisations, and community-driven initiatives.
Why Malak Foundation Is Proud to Partner with ASFI
The Malak Foundation shares ASFI’s commitment to empowering African communities through knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development. ASFI’s dedication to supporting researchers—especially early-career scientists, women, and scholars from conflict-affected regions—aligns strongly with Malak’s mission.
Through our partnership, we aim to:
Support African scientific talent, particularly youth and researchers impacted by conflict.
Promote mental health and emotional well-being within academic communities.
Strengthen networks linking Sudanese and African researchers with global partners.
Encourage cross-border collaboration that drives economic development and social impact.
Support inclusive platforms like ASFIScholar, which democratize access to learning and mentorship.
We applaud ASFI’s remarkable progress in building a collaborative, resilient, and globally competitive African research ecosystem.
Looking Towards the Future
With initiatives such as:
ASFI Science Seminar Series 2026,
ASFI 5–10 Institutional Capacity Building Program, and
Prof. Nwaru’s Career Navigator Series,
ASFI continues to shape a new era of African scholarship—one where African researchers lead global discourse, influence policy, and contribute meaningfully to the continent’s development.
Malak Foundation celebrates these achievements and looks forward to deepening our partnership with ASFI in upcoming programs, conferences, and capacity-building initiatives.
A Shared Vision: Empowering Africa, Together
As ASFI moves “beyond boundaries,” the Malak Foundation stands proudly beside this inspiring network of researchers, innovators, and leaders.
Together, we are cultivating a continent where knowledge becomes opportunity, research becomes impact, and collaboration becomes the engine of Africa’s transformation.
