The objective of the Africa Initiative for Planetary and Space Sciences is to:

– Connect African Planetary and Space Scientists with their international peers, by facilitating cross-border collaborations while overcoming traditional language barriers,

– Build a road map for Planetary and Space Sciences in Africa, by identifying key research areas where African scientists can make significant contributions,

– Solicit sponsors to support the development of this research domain in Africa,

– Contribute to sustainable development in Africa through research, education, and public outreach in Planetary and Space sciences.

More information about the motivations and objectives of the initiative may be found in the article published in EOS:
Initiative for Planetary and Space Sciences, EOS, 98.
https://eos.org/opinions/africa-initiative-for-planetary-and-space-sciences

The initiative is conceived as a network of projects, independently funded, and run by team composed of Africa-based scientists and other partners. The affiliation of projects to the AFIPS network is on a voluntary basis.

The AFIPS structure includes a Steering Committee, a Scientific Advisory Committee and an Education and Outreach Committee. The members of these different committee are committed to the Development of Planetary and Space Sciences in Africa.

• Steering committee
  The steering committee is composed of members, representing the diversity of Africa (West Africa, North Africa, East Africa, South Africa and Central Africa) and members outside of Africa. The members of the steering committee are in charge of :
  – Nominating members of the Scientific Advisory Committee,
  – Approving Affiliation to AFIPS of projects
  – Make decision regarding the allocation of funds directly attributed to AFIPS by sponsors, based on the recommendations by the Scientific Advisory Committee and Education and Outreach committee,
  – Develop and update the vision and mission of AFIPS in consultation with other committees.

• Scientific Advisory Committee
  The roles of the committee members are to:
  – Mentor principal investigators and their collaborators to develop Research in Planetary and Space Sciences in Africa,
  – Assist African groups with professional networking to develop Planetary and Space Sciences in Africa.
  – Contribute to peer-review of submitted research proposals

• Education and Outreach Committee
  The roles of the committee members are to:
  – Mentor principal investigators and their collaborators on developing Education in Planetary and Space Sciences in Africa,
  – Assist African groups with professional networking to develop education in Planetary and Space Sciences in Africa,
  – Contribute to peer-review of submitted research proposals

• Communication, outreach, relation with the public and the media
  One person is being in charge of communication with the public and the media. This person is the spoke-person of the initiative, and is permanently invited to participate to steering committee meeting.

AFIPS committee members are active scientists in their respective field of research with both a strong record of scientific publication and recent scientific production, and/or demonstrate outstanding activity for public outreach and scientific communication. The members of the Scientific Advisory Committee, and Education and Outreach committee are nominated for a period of two years, renewable twice, for a maximum of 6 years.