Advancing Africa–Europe Research and Innovation Partnerships during the Irish EU Presidency
10:00–12:00 | Africa Europe Science Collaboration Platform (AERAP) Roundtable
Hosted by NovaUCD, University College Dublin.
The roundtable will explore how Africa–Europe cooperation can help universities translate research into practical applications, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and develop industry partnerships. It will connect African-led priorities under STISA 2034 with cooperation opportunities through FP10 and Global Europe.
Discussions will address the policy support needed for knowledge transfer, research commercialisation, entrepreneurship and lasting institutional partnerships. Health research will provide a practical focus, alongside opportunities in AI and other areas of shared scientific interest.
Agenda
10:00–10:15 | Welcome and opening perspective: From research to innovation
Liam Cronin, Director of Innovation, University College Dublin
NovaUCD’s approach to supporting entrepreneurship, knowledge transfer and university–industry collaboration, and potential opportunities for engagement with African universities and innovation hubs.
10:15–10:30 | Connecting institutional partnerships with the policy agenda
Declan Kirrane, AERAP Forum
Opportunities to reflect African research and innovation priorities in FP10 and Global Europe, drawing on STISA 2034 and the Irish EU Presidency discussions.
10:30–10:40 | Science diplomacy and African research priorities
Eudy Mabuza, Minister Counsellor for Science and Innovation, Embassy of the Republic of South Africa, Brussels
A perspective on how science diplomacy and international partnerships can strengthen African research institutions and connect African priorities with Africa–Europe cooperation.
10:40–11:00 | African universities as drivers of research and innovation
Dr Vincent Ogutu, Strathmore University, Kenya
Strengthening university innovation ecosystems, developing talent and connecting research with enterprise and societal needs. Opportunities for collaboration between Strathmore University, NovaUCD and wider African and European networks.
11:00–11:10 | Digital health research and partnerships
Prof Mark Lawler, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Digital Health, Queen’s University Belfast
A proposed contribution on digital health research, university partnerships and opportunities to translate innovation into better health outcomes through Africa–Europe cooperation.
11:10–11:20 | Building research capacity through international partnerships
Ian Thomson, International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
A perspective on policy support for research capacity, African research leadership and lasting institutional partnerships.
11:20–11:30 | From Research to DeepTech Enterprise: Strengthening Africa–Europe Pathways for Research Commercialisation
Mary Ajide, Founder & Director of AIM²E® Lab & Network, UCD
11:30–11:50 | Conclusions and next steps
Discussion priorities
- Partnerships between NovaUCD and African universities and innovation hubs.
- Knowledge exchange on technology transfer, entrepreneurship and support for research-based enterprises.
- University–industry cooperation in health, AI and other shared research priorities.
- Policy conditions that enable equitable collaboration and strengthen African institutional capacity.
Identify potential areas for collaboration, interested institutional partners and policy recommendations for follow-up.
- Organisation type: AERAP
- email: info@aerapscience.org
Date
Time
Local Time
- Timezone: Europe/Dublin
- Date: 16 Oct 2026
- Time: 10:00 am - 11:55 am
Labels
Location
Speakers
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Eudy MabuzaMinister Counsellor: Science and Innovation at the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in BrusselsCurrently serving as a Minister Counsellor: Science and Innovation at the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Brussels where she is seconded by the Department of Science and Innovation. Responsible for the management and strengthening the South Africa Science, Technology and Innovation Collaboration between South Africa and International partners like the European Union (EU). Hydrogen Economy is one of the flagship areas which she focus on for science diplomacy. In her previous roles, she also served as the Chief of Staff (Head of Cabinet) to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. and as a Minister Counsellor in Tokyo where she initiated the negotiation process as well as leveraged research funding for collaboration between South Africa and Japan in the Hydrogen Economy.
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Ian ThomsonSenior Program Specialist, International Development Research Center (IDRC)Ian Thomson is currently a Senior Program Specialist at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). He has experience from previous roles at organizations like Oxfam Canada and KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives. Ian holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Toronto and has a strong background in international development research and policy change
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Liam CroninDirector of Innovation, University College, Dublin (UCD) IrelandLiam Cronin has been appointed as the first Director of Innovation at University College Dublin (UCD). In this role, he will be responsible for managing the strategic direction of UCD’s activities through NovaUCD, focusing on innovation, knowledge transfer, commercialization, enterprise development, and consultancy. Under his leadership, the RDI Hub, which he previously co-founded, has supported over 100 start-ups and generated significant funding and job creation, making a substantial impact on the local economy. His appointment reflects UCD’s commitment to enhancing its leadership position in innovation and entrepreneurship.
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Mark LawlorChair in Translational Cancer Genomics at Queen's University BelfastI am Professor of Digital Health & Chair in Translational Cancer Genomics at Queen’s University Belfast. I chair the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership, a global initiative on cancer outcomes. I was senior author on a Lancet Oncology paper highlighting the need for National Cancer Control Plans in delivering optimal cancer care. I chaired the Lancet Oncology European Groundshot Commission, the most comprehensive analysis of cancer research activity in Europe, informing cancer research and policy across Europe
I co-lead Health Data Research UK’s Big Data for Complex Diseases Driver Programme and am Scientific Director of DATA-CAN, the UK’s Health Data Research Hub for Cancer. I’m Scientific Lead of the European Cancer Organisation’s (ECO) European Cancer Pulse, capturing data on cancer inequalities across Europe
My pioneering work on Covid-19 and cancer received the Royal College of Physicians Excellence in Patient Care Award and the prestigious European Communique Award. My team won the HDR-UK Impact of the Year Award for providing the crucial intelligence informing a change in policy in treating colorectal cancer. I am a member of the International Advisory Committee for Lancet Oncology, the leading cancer journal
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Mary T AjideFounderDr Mary Taiwo Ajide is a Chemical Engineer and Founder of AIM²E® Lab, where she develops AI-enabled computational frameworks for predictive materials modelling. Her research integrates Density Functional Theory (DFT), machine-learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs), molecular dynamics, and multiscale modelling to investigate reactive interfaces, energy materials, and interfacial phenomena. She is also the Founder of the AIM²E® Network, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific engagement. Her work focuses on advancing computational materials science through machine learning and first-principles simulations for sustainable materials engineering, catalysis, electrochemical systems, and next-generation functional materials.
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Vincent OgutuVice Chancellor, Strathmore University, NairobiDr. Vincent Ogutu is the Vice-Chancellor of Strathmore University. He self-identifies as a teacher and is a Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour, Leadership, Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation. He is passionate about inspiring students at all levels to realise their potential for personal growth and social impact. He has given a TEDx talk at IESE Business School, Barcelona urging people to commit to the cause that “has their name written on it.” He also uses television and social media as a platform to challenge people in the areas of leadership, entrepreneurship, creativity, talent development, and social impact.
Prior to his vice-chancellor role at the University, Dr. Ogutu was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning & Development), where he was charged with oversight of the University’s strategy, fundraising, alumni relations, development projects and community outreach. He has also been the Vice Dean for Executive Talent Development at Strathmore University Business School, and the Director of the regional academies in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. He was the Founding Director of the MBA for Executives Programme at SBS and led the Programme in its first three years. Before working at SBS, he was the Deputy Principal of Strathmore School where he fell in love with the teaching vocation and discovered how much of a difference it can make in people’s lives.
