Pan Africa Chemistry Network Congress 2024

Celebrating 16 years of the Network

Join us for the 2024 Pan Africa Chemistry Network (PACN) Congress which will take place at the University of Nairobi, Kenya as we celebrate 16 years since the inception of PACN.

Set-up in 2008 by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the Pan Africa Chemistry Network (PACN) seeks to create a self-sustaining science base in Africa, helping to strengthen capacity, solve local challenges and contribute to global knowledge. PACN has invested more than £2.5 million in African science. We have worked with corporate partners such as Syngenta, P&G, GSK, chemical societies, funders, government bodies, NGOs, and local organisations.  

The PACN Congress is our flagship event for the African chemical sciences community.
The event will bring together delegates and speakers from across Africa and beyond, with a focus on early career chemists, and will feature plenary sessions, panel discussions, oral presentations, and poster sessions, promising to be a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and a forum for discussion. 

Join us for the event as we delve into critical topics related to how chemistry research in Africa contributes to achieving the UN SDGs.

We look forward to welcoming you to this dynamic and impactful event!

Themes

The overall theme of the 2024 Congress is Sustainability and the sub-themes below are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs):

Environment
The environment is a critical aspect of sustainability, as it encompasses the delicate balance of ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources. Addressing environmental concerns such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change is paramount to ensure the long-term health and stability of our planet. Through sustainable chemistry and circular economy initiatives, we will explore strategies to minimize environmental degradation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and safeguard ecosystems. 

Energy
Sustainable energy use is vital for meeting the needs of a growing global population while minimizing environmental impact. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and developing innovative energy storage solutions are key priorities in achieving energy sustainability. Chemistry is fundamental in advancing these efforts through the development of new materials, catalysts, and processes for clean energy production and storage. In this theme we will explore innovative approaches to sustainable energy generation and storage, leveraging advancements in battery chemistry, solar photovoltaic materials, and the integration of circular economy principles. 

Food and Agriculture
Sustainable food production and agriculture are essential for ensuring food security, promoting rural development, and mitigating environmental degradation. Chemistry plays a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity, reducing waste, and improving food quality and safety. Discussions within this theme will examine the impact of agrochemicals on food production, while also exploring the potential of Green Chemistry and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance agricultural sustainability. By prioritizing sustainable agricultural practices and promoting innovation in food production, the conference aims to address food security challenges while minimizing environmental risks.

Water
Access to clean and safe water is fundamental to human health, economic development, and environmental sustainability. However, water scarcity, pollution, and inadequate sanitation pose significant challenges within the continent. In this theme, discussions will focus on governance, technology, and quality in water management, emphasizing the importance of circular economy approaches in water research. By promoting sustainable water practices and enhancing water resource resilience, the conference aims to address water-related challenges with a view to ensuring access to clean water for all Africans.

Health
Health is intrinsically linked to sustainability, as it encompasses not only individual well-being but also the health of communities and ecosystems. Chemistry plays a central role in healthcare, from drug discovery and development to diagnostics and disease prevention. Within the health theme, discussions will centre on drug discovery and delivery innovations aimed at improving healthcare outcomes, thereby ensuring that all individuals can lead healthy and productive lives.

We invite abstract submissions for oral contributions and poster presentations. The deadline for submitting abstracts for both categories is 31 July 2024.

Oral contributions abstracts

Oral presentations will be 20 minutes long, including a question-and-answer session. Those wishing to give an oral presentation must select which theme is best suited to their research topic. Delegates who applied to give an oral presentation but were not selected will be invited to give a flash presentation at the event.   

Poster presentation abstracts

Delegates can select to present a poster of their research. Details regarding poster size and orientation will be provided closer to the event. Those wishing to present a poster must select which theme is best suited to their research topic.  

There are bursaries available for Early Career Chemists from African nations wishing to attend the 2024 PACN Congress to give an oral or a poster presentation. The bursary covers travel expenses up to $1000 and provides hotel accommodation near the University of Nairobi for the duration of the Congress.

Eligibility Criteria:
To apply for a bursary, you must satisfy the following criteria:

1. You must be an African citizen, either resident in an African nation, or abroad.
2. You must be working towards or have achieved at least a Master’s degree or higher in the chemical sciences (PhD is preferable) or be a scientist within 10 years of your most recent qualification, excluding any career breaks.

Applications are encouraged from those in academic institutions, industrial companies, and government laboratories, particularly from southern African countries with fewer resources.

Application Requirements:
Your application must include:

• The abstract of your oral or poster presentation
• Confirmation of the theme best suited to your research topic
• A short CV/resume (no more than 2 pages)
• A statement (no more than 400 words) on how attending the Congress will support your career

These bursaries are generously provided by The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Chemistry Community Fund.

You can submit your bursary application as part of your abstract submission.  All the information is on the submission system. If you need to go back and add at a later date (but before 31 July) please use the amendment link in your abstract confirmation email.

University of Nairobi Towers

Chandaria Auditorium, University of Nairobi Towers, University Way, Nairobi, 0, Kenya