Science Advice in the Francophonie

Language and culture affect our interpretations of the world around us, even if the science is largely universal. The way that evidence is assembled, conveyed and understood is therefore contextually embedded. To achieve a global understanding of evidence-informed policy, and to unite against our collective challenges, this contextuality needs to be explored and cultural specificities appreciated.

In collaboration with the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ), INGSA is supporting the establishment of a Division on Science Advice across the Francophone world.

A call for proposals was launched in April 2022 to select the secretariat of the Francophone Network on Science Advice. Based in Québec, Canada, the network will deploy its actions throughout the Francophone space via antennas in Africa and Europe. It will receive $1.5 million over five years from the FRQ, and nearly $800,000 from partner universities.

The selected team was unveiled on November 3, 2022 during a forum held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal and online. The funding was awarded to the proposal submitted by Mathieu Ouimet, professor at Laval University, in Québec, Canada, and co-led in Europe by Damien Cesselin, Administrative Secretary General of the Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF), and in Africa by Mahaman Tidjani Alou, professor at Abdou Moumouni University in Niamey, Niger. Thus, the secretariat of the Francophone Network on Science Advice will be hosted at Laval University.

To stay updated, make sure you are a member of INGSA by signing up to the network for free: www.ingsa.org/join

Additional Information:

Description of the network : https://www.scientifique-en-chef.gouv.qc.ca/dossiers/conseil-scientifique-aux-gouvernements/reseau-francophone-en-conseil-scientifique/

Video clips presenting the network : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqq3-vwFL2RL1s73dqZTY-HTTHbQbsnM9

Report on science advice in francophonie : https://www.scientifique-en-chef.gouv.qc.ca/dossiers/conseil-scientifique-aux-gouvernements/etat-du-conseil-scientifique-au-sein-des-etats-membres-de-la-francophonie/

Project of 50 young engaged francophones : https://www.scientifique-en-chef.gouv.qc.ca/dossiers/conseil-scientifique-aux-gouvernements/ingsa/une-opportunite-de-formation-et-dechange-pour-50-jeunes-francophones-engages/

In addition to the project leader, Mathieu Ouimet, and co-leaders, Damien Cesselin and Mahaman Tidjani Alou, 17 collaborators with various expertises have supported the proposal. Over the next few months, the team will work to establish the network's governance structure. The network will have an open membership.

Steering Committee

The foundations of the division were defined with the advice of a steering committee, made up of representatives of various French-speaking states and organisations.

Steering Committee Chair

Mr Lassina Zerbo

Chairman of Rwanda Atomic Energy Board

You can see Mr Zerbo's CV here

Committee Members

Mr Abdoulaye Gounou, Deputy Director General of Public Policy Evaluation and the Observatory of Social Change, Ministry of Development and Coordination of Government Action in Benin, Africa
Mr Christian Edmond Bepi Pout, Minister Plenipotentiary, Interim Director of Relations with the International Organization of the Francophonie, Ministry of External Relations of Cameroon, Africa
Ms Mona Nemer, Chief Science Advisor, Canada, North America
Mr Jean-François Delfraissy, President of the National Consultative Ethics Committee and President of the Scientific Council COVID-19, France, Europe
Ms Véronique Halloin, Secretary General of the Fonds de la recherche scientifique (FRS-FNRS), Wallonia-Brussels Federation, Europe
Ms Rahma Bourqia, Director of the National Evaluation Authority in the Higher Council of Education Training and Research, Morocco, Africa
Mr Ag Arya Moussa, Secretary General, Ministry of Higher Education and Research, Niger, Africa
Mr Rémi Quirion, Chief Scientist of Quebec and President of the International Network of Government Science Advice (INGSA), Canada, North America
Mr Romain Murenzi, Executive Director of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Rwanda, Africa
Ms Coumba Thiandoum, Director of the Promotion of Scientific Culture, Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Senegal, Africa
Mr Alexandre Fasel, Special Representative for Science Diplomacy in Geneva, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Switzerland, Europe
Mr Chedly Abdelly, Director General, National Agency for the Promotion of Scientific Research (ANPR), Tunisia, Africa
Mr Duc Khuong Nguyen, Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Vietnam (2017-2021) and President of the Vietnamese Association of Scientists and Experts, Vietnam, Asia
Mr Geoffroi Montpetit, Director of the International Organization of the Francophonie, OIF
Mr Damien Cesselin, Administrative Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie, APF
Mr Pierre Baillet, Permanent Secretary of the International Association of Francophone Mayors, AIMF
Mr Slim Khalbous, Rector of the Francophone University Agency, AUF
Mr Thierry Verdel, Rector of the Senghor University of Alexandria
Mr Madiagne Diallo, Director of Scientific Animation of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council of Senegal and President of the Francophone Steering Committee of the INGSA African Regional Office (2017-2020), Senegal, Africa
Ms Francine Ntoumi, President of the Congolese Foundation for Medical Research, Congo, Africa
Ms Lauren Touchant, Representative of the initiative 50 jeunes pour le climat (50 Youth for Climate)