The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) is proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Austrian Academy of Sciences (Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, OeAW), marking a significant step forward in strengthening scientific cooperation between Africa and Europe. The MoU was officially signed on Friday 16 May 2025, in Vienna, Austria.

The agreement was signed by Prof Lise Korsten, President of the African Academy of Sciences, alongside Prof Ulrike Diebold, Vice President, and Prof Heinz Fassmann, President of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. This high-level partnership symbolizes a shared commitment to promote global scientific advancement, foster innovation, and build enduring networks between leading scientists from both continents.

The MoU focuses on enhancing mobility between Fellows, researchers, and particularly emeritus professors from Africa and Austria. By encouraging knowledge exchange and collaborative research efforts, the partnership will significantly contribute to capacity building, mentoring, and opening up new funding and development pathways for scientists affiliated with both academies. This initiative not only aims to foster academic excellence but also to ensure that the next generation of African and Austrian researchers benefit from sustained, structured mentorship and cross-border engagement.

Prof Korsten emphasized the importance of strategic alliances in advancing the goals of the AAS. “This partnership with the Austrian Academy of Sciences aligns closely with our mission to foster scientific excellence and build a thriving research ecosystem in Africa. By facilitating exchanges among seasoned and emerging scientists, we are laying the groundwork for robust, inclusive research collaborations that transcend borders,” she said.

This MoU comes at a time when the AAS is accelerating its efforts to broaden its global network and strengthen partnerships that offer long-term value to its Fellows and the broader scientific community. Just recently, the AAS entered into another groundbreaking agreement with the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) of India, aimed at driving forward agricultural science research and innovation. The agreement with NAAS, signed in early 2025, seeks to promote joint research initiatives, share technological expertise, and tackle shared challenges in food security, climate change, and sustainable agriculture.

Through such strategic partnerships, the AAS continues to position itself as a central platform for scientific cooperation and leadership across Africa and beyond. These international collaborations provide African scientists with critical opportunities for mentorship, skills development, and access to global research ecosystems. At the same time, they allow partner institutions to engage with Africa’s dynamic and growing research landscape.

The African Academy of Sciences remains committed to fostering excellence in science and innovation across the continent. The signing of this MoU with the Austrian Academy of Sciences reinforces the AAS’s dedication to working with like-minded institutions worldwide to address complex global challenges through science.