Empowering Sustainability Science in Africa - Integrating Efforts and Building Scientific Bridges through Partnerships

There is growing recognition that humanity’s most pressing challenges—climate change, pandemics, food insecurity, and inequality—surpass disciplinary boundaries and geopolitical divides. These interconnected issues require integrated responses that draw on diverse scientific knowledge, policy insights, and lived experiences. This realization has driven stronger collaboration in global research, underlining the importance of working together. The Future Earth Africa Hub (FEAH), hosted by the National Research Foundation (NRF), advances sustainability science across Africa by enhancing capacities, fostering connections, and contributing to global efforts. Its Leadership Centre (FEAHLC) coordinates strategic activities to fulfill Future Earth’s mission on the continent. The EPIC Model (www.epicn.org) links universities with local governments and communities to improve quality of life and social wealth. EPIC-N is the nonprofit association of institutions adopting this award‑winning model for university‑community partnerships. START is a capacity‑building organization that supports actionable science on global environmental change in Africa and Asia. Through training, research, and networking, START strengthens scientific skills and inspires leadership. Together, START and EPIC-N collaborate to expand the EPIC Network in Africa and Asia. Future Earth Africa Hub, its Leadership Centre, EPIC-N, and START have demonstrated the value of bridging expertise and expanding research frontiers. This session will critically examine the nature and purpose of scientific partnerships to empower sustainability science in Africa and globally. We will explore how to build strong local partnerships that leverage university capacity to help communities address complex sustainability challenges. Case studies will highlight successful collaborations and lessons learned on mobilizing communities and local authorities. We will also discuss safeguards for authentic partnerships and ways to overcome barriers that hinder replication. The session aims to catalyze balanced, empowering scientific bridges within Africa and across the globe.