TCC Africa, PLOS and EASTECO Fuels Open Science Momentum at the 3rd East African STI Conference Nairobi

Joy Owango, Executive Director of TCC Africa, delivering her keynote address at the 3rd EAC Science, Technology and Innovation Conference

The 3rd EAC Science, Technology and Innovation Conference kicked off on March 6-8, 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya with a strong focus on accelerating the development and adoption of scientific solutions across the region. The conference, themed “Accelerating development and diffusion of STI solutions for a resilient East Africa,” brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, and international organizations.

Throughout the conference, speakers from various institutions and organizations shared insights on topics such as enhancing the quality of STEM education, fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships for homegrown solutions, and promoting science diplomacy and communication to increase public appreciation of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).  

A highlight of the event was a keynote address delivered by Joy Owango, Executive Director of the Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa), on the Open Science Advocacy programme. This joint initiative between TCC Africa, the Public Library of Science (PLOS), and the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) aims to raise awareness about Open Science principles and benefits in East Africa. “The adoption of Open Science policies and principles will facilitate equal distribution of scientific knowledge, enhance researchers’ capabilities, and drive societal progress across East Africa,” said Ms. Owango. 

The inaugural national Open Science conference took place in Tanzania in February 2023, followed by another session in Kenya in September 2023. Plans are underway to hold similar dialogues in Uganda and other East African countries, intending to identify each nation’s specific needs and barriers to adopting Open Science practices.  

By convening key regional STI stakeholders, the 3rd EAC STI Conference provided a vital platform to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge, and collectively chart a course for accelerating scientific and technological advancement. This will pave the way towards a greener, more inclusive, and resilient future for East Africa.