Facilitating Science-Society Discourses in Ghana through the Science Cafe Model
Science Cafe is a knowledge exchange and networking platform that connects scientists, innovators, and the general public to promote community dialogue and scientific inquiry in informal venues like cafes, bookstores, restaurants and bars. We found the model quite interesting and yet simple so we decided to try it out.
During our very first Science Cafe in August 2018, which was actually part of a series co-initiated with minoHealth dubbed ‘Conversations about Artificial Intelligence’, AI Innovator Darlington Ahiale Akogo gave a talk about AI and how it could influence development on the continent. Since then Global Lab Network has organised six editions, featuring researchers and innovators in public health, technology, mathematics, biotechnology, WASH, urban planning, environmental science, and public policy. These conversations have been useful in re-emphasising the importance of science, technology, and innovation to national development.
| Date | Topic | Speaker(s) | Format | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Aug 2018 | Conversations about Artificial Intelligence | Darlington Ahiale Akogo | Talk | Vida e Caffe, East Legon |
| 19 Jan 2019 | Co-Design: The Secret to Sustainable WASH Innovations | Jacob Amengor | Presentation | TEMPORARY GARDEN, Airport West |
| 31 May 2019 | Science & Society: Understanding the Connections between Research, Policy & Practice | 1. Dr Dzifa Adjaye-Gbewonyo 2. Amma Aboagye | Fireside chat | African Science Academy, Tema |
| 29 Nov 2019 | Enabling Research & Innovation for Sustainable Development | 1. Dr Angela Tabiri 2. Daniel Osei Ofosu 3. Nii-Ashie “Nash” Adjaye | Talk + Panel | Impact Hub Accra |
| 31 Jan 2020 | What Has Diversity Got to Do with Information Technology Design? | Nana Kesewaa Dankwa | Presentation | Vida e Caffe, Accra Financial Centre |
| 22 Aug 2020 | The Coronavirus Crisis – What it Means for Public Health and Wellbeing | 1. Princess Allotey 2. Dr Mary 3. Eyram Ashinyo 4. Joseph Sam | Presentation | Google Meet |
| 2 Dec 2020 | Science & Politics – Exploring STEM Policy Ideas for Election 2020 | 1. Fred Otu Larbi 2. Dr Kwame Sarpong Asiedu 3. Dr Andani Kholinar 4. Paul Osei-Kuffour | Roundtable | Zoom |
Summary of previous Science Cafe events
Since the coronavirus pandemic hit, we have moved all our events, including Science Cafes, online, and this has allowed people from around the world to join the various sessions.
Reviews received from Science Cafe speakers and participants after the events have been very positive and encouraging. Aside from learning new things, most attendees also enjoy the interactivity and camaraderie the event evokes. In the good old days before corona, some of us would even stay behind to share food and drinks, talking until it was late.
We’re very glad to be collaborating with the Ghana STEM Network, with support from GhScientific and Digital Times Africa to organise the first Science Cafe of 2021 on Friday 26 March. The theme for this event is “Building Individual and Collective Resilience Beyond the COVID-19 Crisis“. Our goal is discuss the notion of resilience in a time of profound global change by examining experiences, reflections, research findings, and imaginations of what the future could look like or should be like. Some of the key questions we would like to explore include:
- What has the crisis changed?
- What does ‘resilience’ mean for us as individuals, Ghanaians, and global citizens?
- How can we weave through present and future challenges wrought by the pandemic?
- How can we utilise available opportunities to build a better future?
- What are examples of Ghanaians who have been resilient in these times?
Speakers from different professional and disciplinary backgrounds have been drawn from the Ghana STEM Network and beyond to help address these questions. They include Ato Ulzen-Appiah (GhanaThink Foundation), Dr Thomas Tagoe (GhScientific & University of Ghana), Evelyn Agyepong (Independent Education Consultant), Cecil Nutakor (eCampus LLC), and Solomon Appekey (Ghana Planetarium & X Space Solutions). Each speaker will give an input talk at the beginning. Following the input talks, the session will open up for discussions, debates, questions, and responses.
From our experience, Science Cafe has proven to be an effective model of engaging the public with science, technology, and innovation, and further closing the chasm between science and society. Our goal in GLab is to facilitate these conversations and experiences, so that science is embedded in the cultural life of Ghana. If this vision appeals to you, you’re very welcome to join our upcoming Science Cafe or a future edition. RSVP here if you can make it on Friday. See you!