Culture of Science Conference 2026
cultureofscience@amref.org Inquire
Flagship Event · Sep 8 – 10, 2026 · Nairobi

The Culture of Science Conference 2026

A flagship Pan-African convening repositioning science as a cultural, political, and economic force shaping Africa's next decade.

Venue Amref International University
Delegates 300 Delegates · Limited Seats
Convened By CHReaD
Flagship Event · Nairobi 2026

Culture of Science
Conference 2026

CHReaD's most ambitious undertaking to date, a year-long campaign culminating in a landmark September 2026 conference designed to foster collaboration across the health R&D ecosystem and accelerate demand for science at every level of society. Join policymakers, researchers, innovators, academic institutions, and champions from across Africa to define what science means for the continent's next decade.

Strategic Focus Areas

Core Thematic Pillars

Four interconnected priorities that frame every conversation, session, and outcome of the conference.

01

Financing the Scientific Ambition

Innovative models for sustainable domestic R&D investment, philanthropy, sovereign wealth, blended finance, and budget advocacy aligned with AU STI commitments.

02

Enabling Through Policy & Regulation

Agile, trustworthy governance, crafting and harmonizing regulatory frameworks from ethics review to market approval that safely accelerate scientific progress.

03

Catalyzing Research & Innovation

Spanning academia, research infrastructure, applied innovation, and local manufacturing, leveraging AI, genomics, and digital platforms from foundational research to advanced production.

04

Building Public Trust & Legitimacy

Combating misinformation, fostering science literacy through media and arts, ethically engaging indigenous knowledge holders, and demonstrating science's relevance to everyday life.

CoS 2026 · Milestones

Culture of Science Key Moments

Five milestone moments from June through September 2026.

All Events
Jun – Jul 2026

Maliza Dose Campaign

Student-led advocacy on AMR awareness and safe drug disposal across communities.

August 2026

Action Agenda Opens

Submissions open for Africa's 3-Year Health R&D Priorities, all stakeholders invited.

7 Sep 2026

Pre-Conference Summit

Preparatory convening aligning policymakers and researchers before the main event.

8–10 Sep 2026

CoS Conference

Three engagement zones and plenary sessions defining Africa's health science decade.

9 Sep 2026

Honors Gala Dinner

Celebrating African excellence in science, policy, innovation, and public engagement.

Schedule of Conference

Conference Programme

8th September 2026Financing & Governing 9th September 2026Executing & Innovating 10th September 2026Embedding & Sustaining
Opening Remarks & Plenary A Financiers Round Table Africa Voices of Science Forum
Sustainable Financing for Local R&D Philanthropy: Funding our Healthcare Designing Power: Women's & Youth Forum
Govt & Donor Round Table Building Markets for African Health Innovation Combating Health & Science Misinformation
Where Money Meets Discovery The DVC's Round Table & Future of Education Creating Demand for Science Through Storytelling
Africa's One Health: Science Without Communities Doesn't Work State of AI for Healthcare Cultural & Scientific Tribute
Advancing Indigenous Knowledge in Scientific Systems Genomics & Personalized Healthcare Negotiating the Science Action Agenda
Youth & Innovation Catalyst (Half-Day) Scaling Local Manufacturing & Innovation Action Agenda Adoption & Closing
7:00 PM – 9:00 PMHonors Gala Dinner & Awards
Open Call

Submit a Conference Session

Have a topic, panel, or workshop idea? A limited number of sessions are available for community-led submissions. Slots fill fast.

Limited Sessions Available

Submit a Session
Conference Engagement Zones
Conference Engagement Zones · Running Across All Three Days
Research and Discovery Forum
1
Zone 01

Research & Discovery Forum

Innovation and Technology Exchange
2
Zone 02

Innovation & Technology Exchange

Traditional and Alternative Medicine Pavilion
3
Zone 03

Traditional & Alternative Medicine Pavilion

Interested in showcasing your work at the conference?

Become an Exhibitor
Culture of Science Honors Gala Dinner
Celebrating Excellence & Impact

Honors Gala Dinner

A landmark evening where Africa's leading scientists, institutions, and champions of progress gather to celebrate the people redefining the continent's scientific future. The Honors Gala turns recognition into renewed commitment, honoring excellence, elevating role models, and inspiring the next generation to carry the culture of science forward.

Date9th Sept 2026
VenueTo Be Confirmed
SeatingStrictly Limited
Awards4 Honors
NominationsOpen from July 2026
Register for the Gala Dinner
Reserve Your Seat

Be Part of Africa's Defining Science Moment

Submit your interest to attend the Culture of Science Conference 2026. Whether you're a researcher, policymaker, partner, or investor, we'd love to hear from you and tailor your participation to match your goals.

cultureofscience@amref.org
+254 745 922 112
Amref International University, Nairobi, Kenya

Registration

In Collaboration With

Conference Partners

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