A network based in Togo that promotes science at several levels.

The African Scientific Integration Network (AScIN) is an initiative of African scientists, working in different areas of scientific research and based in different countries across the continents of Africa, Europe, America, and Asia.

The idea of putting the platform in place was first nursed around late 2012 to early 2013 and eventually materialized in 2018 with the establishment of the bi-annual colloquium tagged Colloque Régional de Physiques et Applications (CRéPAs), meaning “Regional Colloquium for Physics and Applications.” The maiden edition of CRéPAs gathered scientists (physicists, mathematicians, and chemists) from seven African countries: Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Togo. Researchers from the USA and France were also present.

Access to research laboratories

The idea of turning the colloquium into a biannual conference was unanimously adopted by the participants. Other aspects of the network that were explored and that are being considered for the future include access to research laboratories by members across the network, hosting the conference in other countries from the next edition and co-supervision of graduate students’ projects. Thus, AScIN was birthed.

AScIN plans to contribute to all areas of Science and Technology based on available resources and to create awareness for the need to study science right from high-school level with emphasis on girls’ integration into studying science at tertiary levels. This includes organizing physics and mathematics competitions for girls with rewards for the winners. It will develop partnerships with organizations or associations pursuing the same objectives.

Create public awareness on global issues

A goal is to create public awareness on global issues and climate change, using elementary language and simple means of communication. AScIN has a set of vigorous projects.

The biannual CRéPAs conference will be an ongoing conference – check the announcements at the AScIN website.

Annual mathematics camp

The Annual mathematics camp, called MathCamp, is for high school students in Togo, organized in collaboration with the Supporting African Mathematics Initiatives (SAMI), Ghana and the Centre for Research and Opinion Polls (CROP). In addition, AScIN is creating a database of available research facilities across the network for easy access of researchers across the continent.

For more, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The 2020 edition of CRéPAs will be held at the University of Lomé, Togo, from 20 to 25 July 2020. Details of the conference are contained in the flyer and more information can be found here.

Dam-Bé Douti (Université de Kara, Togo) and Mouftahou Latif (Instituut voor Kern- en Stralingsfysica, Belgium and Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria)

This article has first been published by the African Physics Newsletter. ©American Physical Society, 2020