E-Letter responses to:

editorial: Mohamed H. A. Hassan Can Science Save Africa? Science 2001; 292: 1609 [Summary]

E-Letters: Submit a response to this article

Published E-Letter responses:

Call to African Scientists in the Diaspora

Kodzo Gbewonyo   (19 June 2001)

Call to African Scientists in the Diaspora 19 June 2001
Kodzo Gbewonyo, Research Biochemical Engineer Respond to this E-Letter: Re: Call to African Scientists in the Diaspora	Mohamed Hassan has hit the nail on the head in his Editorial on the state of African science and the key measures necessary to reactivate scientific research in Africa and harness this for socio-economic development. I'm writing in support of the recognition and call for the sizeable number of African scientists resident outside the continent to channel their talents and skill as well as part of their time toward Africa's development. Being part of this group of African scientists in the diaspora, I can attest that there is enough willingness and interest to make a significant impact. However, there is a lack of institutional support systems to put this into practice. International aid agencies and foundations could play a vital role by setting aside fellowships to encourage short-term and medium-term (1 to 12 months) teaching and research sojourns in their home countries by African scientists in the diaspora. They could also fund collaborative research programs between scientists in the diaspora and their counterparts at home in relevant areas. There is a need for innovative support programs to capitalize on the Africa's resources in the diaspora in order to keep science and technology alive in Africa during this period of crises.