Speaker
Description
Collaborations between Europe and Africa in astronomy have grown significantly over the last decade, driven by shared scientific aims and strategic investment in research, human capacity building, infrastructure development, and technology transfer. Major initiatives, such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and the development of optical and radio observatories across the African continent, have positioned collaborations between Europe and Africa as fundamental to global scientific development, in line with the new 2023 European Union- African Union Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation. This talk will summarize some of the initiatives carried out in the fields of astronomy research, human capacity building, and astronomy education, through joint Europe-Africa collaborations. These collaborations not only advance cutting-edge science such as astronomy, but also contribute to socio-economic development by promoting STEM education and innovation. Despite challenges related to the sustainability of funding, Europe–Africa partnerships in astronomy can serve as a model for inclusive scientific cooperation with a global impact.