In a bold step toward advancing cross-continental collaboration in science, the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and the National Institute for Biomedical Research (Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, INRB) hosted a hybrid conference on Catalysing African Science through Scientific Partnership from 24 to 25 July 2025 at INRB in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  

The two-day conference brought together a dynamic mix of policymakers, funders, and researchers from across Africa and Europe. It marked a significant moment for international scientific collaboration, with the formal launch of the second phase of the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence programme for Sustainable Development (ARISE SD) (2025-2030), which aligns with the AU-EU Innovation Agenda (2023-2032).  

The opening session on day one set a powerful tone for the conference, underscoring the shared commitment to advancing scientific collaboration between Africa and Europe. Prof Jean-Jacques Muyembe, Director General of INRB and a leading figure in global infectious disease research, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of building research ecosystems that are both locally grounded and globally connected. 

In his keynote address Prof Jean-Christophe Mulangu, Head of Clinical Immunology at INRB, provided a compelling overview of ongoing research on host-virus interactions, setting the stage for in-depth scientific dialogue throughout the conference. 

One of the standout sessions of day one was the roundtable discussion on challenges and opportunities of international research cooperation in DRC, which brought together diverse voices including Mr Lukovi Seke, Principal Programme Officer at the African Union Development Agency - New Partnership for Africa's Development (AUDA-NEPAD), Mr Leon Ndumba, National Focal Point at AUDA-NEPAD, Dr James Mushori, Programme Officer at the AAS and Dr Dacquin Kasumba ARISE Fellow and INRB scientist. The panel shared invaluable insights on fostering scientific collaboration for sustainable growth, emphasizing that strong partnerships are essential. 

Dr Laurent Bochereau, European Union (EU) Science Counsellor to the African Union, delivered a session on Horizon Europe and Africa Initiative III, outlining key funding opportunities and priorities for African researchers. He urged greater participation from DRC institutions in European-funded science programmes and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to long-term research cooperation. 

The scientific sessions on day two showcased the groundbreaking research of ARISE Fellows based in the DRC, underscoring the transformative potential of African-led science. Dr Dacquin Kasumba, ARISE Fellow and scientist at INRB, presented his work on host-virus interactions in Ebola patients, focusing on how different biological factors influence treatment outcomes. As Ebola and other zoonotic diseases continue to pose significant threats to public health in Central Africa, Dr Kasumba’s work offers crucial insights that could enhance the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and inform outbreak response strategies in high-risk regions. 

Equally compelling was the presentation by Dr. Christian Nkanga, an ARISE Fellow and scientist at the University of Kinshasa. His research is pioneering a green approach to nanotechnology by upcycling banana plant waste into high-value nanoparticles with applications across health, agriculture, and environmental sectors. This innovative work not only promotes sustainability but also highlights how indigenous resources can be transformed into scientific solutions. Dr Nkanga’s efforts stand as a powerful example of how science rooted in local contexts can generate globally relevant technologies. 

As the event closed, the message was clear: Africa’s scientific future depends on sustained partnerships, strong national systems, and inclusive frameworks that empower researchers at every career stage. 

To view photos from the conference, click here.