AfricaArray
A public-private partnership supporting capacity building for Africa’s natural resource sector
Goal: address limited human capacity in Africa in Geophysics.
AfricaArray
Establish in-situ training and research programs to help build a scientific workforce initially in geophysics
As part of the training and research programs, create shared scientific observatories (initially broadband seismic stations) to promote education, research, and community building
AfricaArray
“AfricaArray” = array of observatories + array of training programs + array of research projects + array of partnerships and collaboration
AfricaArray
Seismic networks of participating countries are upgraded and can then be used for earthquake monitoring, natural hazard mitigation, and oil, gas and mineral exploration.
To date, 17 African countries actively participate in collaboration with 11 private companies and many organisations outside Africa.
AfricaArrayImplemented in 4 phases over 20 years:
Years 1-3 – focused on solid Earth geophysics, thus a permanent network of broadband seismograph stations has been established
AND a training programme has been expanded which supports 8 honours, 6 Msc and 5 post-doctoral researchers from 11 countries
Results are presented in annual workshops
AfricaArray
The 2nd and 3rd phases will expand on the permanent network, establish project-related temporary networks, strengthen other geophysics training centres in Africa and expand the stations to observatories for meteorology, atmospheric chemistry and GPS, etc.
AfricaArray Provides an example for how to link capacity building in
science to developing an “observing system” If we can do this in seismology we can do it in other
related science fields
Potentially provides a model for developing sustainable observing systems in developing countries Many Gov’ts are more interested in science training
than long-term monitoring of the environment
AfricaArray
Long term permanent support for technical purposes, bursaries and administrative and coordination support.