The African Light Source (AfLS) was presented at a special thematic session of the World Science Forum, held 7–11 November 2017, titled “Light Sources and Crystallographic Sciences for Sustainable Development.”
- Event
- World Science Forum 2017
- Dates
- 7–11 November 2017
- Session
- Light Sources and Crystallographic Sciences for Sustainable Development
SESSION THEMELight sources as engines of sustainable development
The session argued that, because of their high costs and multidisciplinary use, large-scale synchrotron light source facilities present strong opportunities for integration through networking and cost-sharing. They promote multidisciplinary collaboration with the wider global community while advancing science diplomacy and peace at large.
Following the example of SESAME — the Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East — the thematic session took as its basis the UNESCO–IUPAP–IUCr project “Light sources for Africa, the Americas and the Middle East.” It set out to showcase how light sources have revolutionized research across many science and technology disciplines and have contributed to the socio-economic development of countries and regions.
Large-scale light sources foster international scientific communities, advance science diplomacy, and drive socio-economic development across the South.
OBJECTIVESWhat the session set out to advance
- Creating international scientific communities and fostering cooperation.
- Improving education and creating job opportunities.
- Discussing the steps forward after establishing light sources in the South — mainly Africa and Latin America — while learning from the experiences of SESAME.
- Increasing the awareness of decision-makers of the major advances that light sources bring to these regions, and identifying the best locations for the sustainable development of such infrastructure.
- Advocating through global initiatives such as the International Year of Crystallography and the International Year of Light, including follow-up activities.
- Developing a critical mass of highly qualified human capital — including the African science diaspora — needed to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and regional framework agreements such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
SPEAKERSVoices from the session
Simon Connell
Professor of Physics, University of Johannesburg
Presented “The African Light Source Project.” Cite as: Connell, S. The African Light Source Project. Presentation at the World Science Forum, October 2017.
Juste Jean-Paul Ngome Abiaga
Assistant Programme Specialist, UNESCO
Maciej Nalecz
Former Director & Executive Secretary, International Basic Sciences Programme, UNESCO
Michele Zema
Lecturer in Mineralogy and Crystallography, International Union of Crystallography, University of Pavia
Sekazi Mtingwa
Principal Partner, TriSEED Consultants, LLC
Giorgio Paolucci
Scientific Director, SESAME
Session materials
The African Light Source Project — the presentation delivered by Professor Simon Connell at the session, setting out the case, scientific rationale and roadmap for an African synchrotron light source.
A full livestream recording of the thematic session was also produced, capturing the contributions of all speakers.
