PACN Launch and Scoping Workshop

27 May 2008
University of Nairobi, Chiromo Campus

The Kenya hub was launched on May 27 2008 at a high level meeting at the University of Nairobi, Chiromo Campus at the Millennium Hall I.

The Opening ceremony was chaired by Professor Wandiga, Chairman of Kenya Hub other speakers included:

• Pro-Vice Chancellor University of Nairobi
• Mr Adam Wood, British High Commissioner
• Kenyan Minister of S&T or Minister of Education
• Dr Simon Campbell CBE, Past President, RSC
• Dr David Lawrence, Head of Research, Syngenta
• Professor Mohamed Hassan, President of NASAC and CEO of TWAS “Promoting Science, Technology and Innovation in Africa”
• Dr Richard Pike, CEO RSC
• Professor Shem Wandiga  

After the official launch during the morning session, a half day scoping workshop took place.  Leading scientists from seventeen different countries across Africa and worldwide participated with the objective of setting the agenda for the PACN hub.  Participants were divided into four break-out groups to discuss how the PACN should work with existing networks and how to promote research and innovation and facilitate the education in the following areas:

• Chemical Sciences and Education, chaired by Professor Shem Wandiga and Dr Alejandra Palermo 
• Health, chaired by Professor Michael Kishimba and Professor David Perrett
• Food and Agriculture, chaired by Dr Steve Smith and Professor Jacob Midiwo 
• Energy, Environment and sustainable water, chaired by Dr Richard Pike and Professor Runner Majinda