STRATEGIC PROGRAMME

STRATEGIC PROGRAMME 1:

PROMOTING QUALITY SCIENCE EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC LITERACY

Collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Federal Ministry of Education (FME), universities, governmental agencies and parastatals, research institutes and associations in the areas of science, technology and innovation and Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE) in a number of Schools as a pilot project.

Encourage and facilitate the delivery of public lectures by its members and others on science-based issues of concern to society.

Expand its activities in science education, scientific literacy
and the public understanding of science in the coming years.

Plan is to initiate a number of workshops in different regions of the country to train the trainers.

Extend collaboration with relevant Research Universities to carry out an independent consensus study on the state of quality education and research in the Country.

STRATEGIC PROGRAM 2:

CONTRIBUTING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)

Give particular attention to the role of science in implementing the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including, in particular, addressing issues related to poverty and the adverse effects of climate change

Play a central role in finding the best scientific solutions to critical sustainability problems affecting the lives of people in the country.

Convene a number of interdisciplinary workshops and study groups of high-level experts on such issues as renewable energies, safe drinking water, food security, climate change adaptation, environmental pollution, communicable and non-communicable diseases and other public health issues.

STRATEGIC PROGRAM 3:

SUPPORTING WOMEN SCIENTISTS AND TECHNOLOGISTS

Collaborate with the Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (NWiSTEM), the Organization for Women in Science for the developing World (OWSD), etc in increasing the participation of women scientists in research, teaching and leadership.

Foster the retention of leading women Scientists and technologists in top-level decision-making positions in academia, government and industry, and to raise awareness among decision makers on the gender dimension to development and the significance of addressing the gender gap in Science, Technology and Innovation.

STRATEGIC PROGRAM 4:

SUPPORTING YOUNG SCIENTISTS

Strengthen its ties with the Nigerian Young Academy (NYA), World Association of Young Scientists (WAYS), Young Scientists Association (YSA), etc to improve the quality of life of the Nigerian society through the promotion and application of collective research findings, science, technology and innovation.

Mobilize and empower young scientists in the country to help tackle developmental challenges through science, technology and innovation.

Organize national annual conferences involving young scientists, young entrepreneurs and influential young leaders in business and industry - to share experiences and identify common developmental challenges where young scientists can play a transformative role through research and innovation.

STRATEGIC PROGRAM 5:

FOSTERING PARTNERSHIPS WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

Work closely with Universities and relevant Ministries, especially the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Federal Ministry of Education, to implement the activities outlined above at the national level.

Seek to initiate joint projects with sister Academies in Africa and around the world under the auspices of Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) and InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) at the regional and global levels

STRATEGIC PROGRAM 6:

SECURING FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Develop and implement a dynamic fundraising strategy and explore funding opportunities at home and abroad.

Extend its appeal to international organizations and foundations abroad to support its global agenda.

Strategic Goals

Strengthen the Nigerian science, technology, research and innovation ecosystem and coordinate and synchronize national efforts across key sectors
Support and mentor Young Scientists and foster the next generation of scientific leadership in the Country.
Provide independent, authoritative and evidence-based advice to decision makers on science-based issues of critical importance to sustainable development in Nigeria and the world at large
Promote efforts to improve quality education and increase public understanding of Science in Nigeria
Advocate the creation of legal, policy and regulatory frameworks that are conducive to and supportive of innovation, research commercialization and knowledge transfer
Increase and rationalize investment in basic and applied scientific research and strengthen the capacity of researchers and research institutions
Cultivate a culture of research ethics and research excellence
Elevate the status of science and scientists in Nigeria and cultivate societal awareness and appreciation of science especially amongst youth
Deploy scientific capacities and expertise at home and in diaspora to address strategic national challenges and issues
Place Nigeria on the world science map

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES:

Perform the basic research in the fields of natural sciences, technological development and innovation in fields such as: mathematics; physics; chemistry; biology; biotechnology; information technology; electronics, automation; space technology; materials science; biodiversity and biologically active substances; earth sciences; marine science and technology; environment and energy; disaster forecasting, prevention, prevention and mitigation
Promote science and scientific research to solve national problems.
Promote technological development to promote the development of the country.
Strengthen innovation and technological entrepreneurship processes in the country.
Promote the participation of Nigeria in the international scientific scene.
Strengthen the technical and institutional capacity of the Academy.
Promote the advancement of scientific and technological knowledge, establish and enhance standards of scientific and technological achievements in Nigeria and to recognize outstanding contributions to STI.
Establish and maintain association and relations between Nigerian scientists and the international scientific community.
Publish and assist in the dissemination of scientific knowledge.
Cooperate with the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Federal Ministry of Education in the formulation of policies and programmes designed to encourage the development and application of science and technology for national development.
Provide sound scientific advice to Government for effective policy formulation.
Undertake all such other activities as may be consistent with the objectives of the Academy.
Propagate and disseminate of knowledge, findings from scientific research and technological development to meet the requirements of science and technology market development.
Training high-level scientific and technological human resources; organize university and university training in natural sciences and technologies within the scope of assigned functions.
Advise on strategies, planning, plans, policies, programmes and projects on important scientific and technological development within the scope of mission and vision of the Academy.
Organize and participate in conferences, seminars, programmes and plans on international cooperation in accordance with law
Organize research cooperation and associate training in science and technology with international organizations, foreign research institutes and universities.

The above objectives are realized through a wide range of activities such as publications, scientific meetings, public lecture series, Nigeria Science Congress, research projects and consensus studies.

Methods

Publications of information and research results.
Advising the national government and other national and international policy makers on issues related to science and technology in the service of humanity
Opening channels of communication with international and regional institutions concerned with science and technology
Conducting studies in matters relating to science and technology and organization of scientific conferences, workshops and seminars
Publication of books, pamphlets and newsletters in the field of science and technology
Formation of teams of workers for activation of the various functions of the Academy
Promoting research and technological training at the highest level.

STRATEGIC PLAN 2024 – 2029

The Academy of Innovative Research, Science & Technological Development (AcIRSTD) Strategic Plan is a rolling five-year programme. In 2024 the strategic plan is for 2024 until 2029 inclusive. It shall be revised every year.

STRATEGIC GOAL 1

The Continuing Mandates
The six overarching Continuing Mandates are:

Objective 1.1: Recognize exemplary science, technology and innovation achievements and identify and support emerging scientific talent

Objective 1.2: Encourage and support the continuing scholarly work of academy members.

Objective 1.3: Offer independent advice on national problems substantially rooted in science, technology and innovation.

Objective 1.4: Strengthen Science, Technology and Innovation Culture at all levels in Nigeria Society.

Objective 1.5: Link with National Academies of Science and Technology in other countries.

Objective 1.6: Recognizing exemplary science and technology achievements, and identifying and supporting emerging scientific talent.

Objective 1.6 The Academy will recognize and support outstanding scientists and, to the extent possible, nurture their younger colleagues and ST&I institutions.

STRATEGIC GOAL 2

Develop partnerships and a community to drive research and innovation.

Objective 2.1: Strengthen our research culture and broaden our impact

Objective 2.2: Expand research opportunities for undergraduate and master’s students.

Objective 2.3: Rethink faculty service commitments to encourage more research time.
Objective 2.4: Envisioning and monitoring research progress at the CEPERD rather than the department level.

Objective 2.5: Improve technological and physical infrastructure for research.

Objective 2.6: Enhance cross-department and cross-campus research.

Objective 2.7: Expand their national and international research profiles and partnership

STRATEGIC GOAL 3

Delivering long term scientific impacts through the focused scientific portfolio (s)

Objective 3.1: Increased emphasis on communicating research successes to internal and external stakeholders.

Objective 3.2: Recognize research achievements of our faculty, staff and trainees through staff assistance towards the pursuit of relevant honours and awards.

Objective 3.3: Facilitate the development of an institutional research plan for this emerging research area.

Objective 3.4: Continue programs supporting and recognizing research across the full spectrum of disciplines.

Objective 3.5: Continue training program offerings that promote a diverse and inclusive research workforce and train the next generation of research leaders.

Objective 3.6: Submit grant proposals to seek funding support for Academy scientific activities

Objective 3.7: Leverage the Fellow network to exert scientific influence

Objective 3.8: Engage and support diverse researchers from broad research areas and demographic groups to apply for internal and external research awards

STRATEGIC GOAL 4

Develop new programming that fosters a cross-campus culture of inclusive research excellence, facilitates research career development, and augments the importance of our research mission.

Objective 4.1: Develop a Research Leadership Academy to mentor research career development and leadership.

Objective 4.2: Develop stronger relationships with Philanthropy to further enhance the funding base for research and the Academy community.

Objective 4.3: Continue to develop, support and communicate research within the Academy to facilitate collaboration, partnership and new research directions.

Objective 4.4: Provide statewide leadership and develop a culture of economic and social impact through innovation in research.

Objective 4.5: Promote greater awareness of existing community-engaged programs and projects.

Objective 4.6: Create a culture to support translation of research to practice and the development of entrepreneurial endeavours.

STRATEGIC GOAL 5

Promote inclusive diversity with equity access and accountability as a role model and leader in science, technology and innovation community.

Objective 5.1: Provide clear & transparent processes to evaluate and elect new fellows into the Academy

Objective 5.2: Reduce barriers for participation in the Academy and its programmes

Objective 5.3: Promote CEPERD principles in the Academy activities and programs

Objective 5.4: Embrace transparency in fellow data to demonstrate commitment to progress

Objective 5.4: Promote awareness of the values of science, technology and innovation and their applications

Objective 5.4: Identify appropriate opportunities and create a roadmap for fellows to mentor early career scientists, technologists and innovators

STRATEGIC ROLES

In pursuit of its goals, the Academy will perform the following roles:

Represent the nation of Nigeria in relevant science and technology international and regional forums and networks
Advise government, the National Assembly and other stakeholders on science, technology and innovation issues and contribute to the development of national and sectoral plans.
Stimulate and support synergies and collaborative linkages between various actors of the STI ecosystem.
Contribute to the development of national research clusters and R&D centers and optimize the utilization of available resources
Coordinate national efforts towards the establishment of bilateral and multilateral collaborative agreements with other countries in priority areas of interest
Assist in the formation of specialized scientific societies and committees in various fields of knowledge, in accordance with international standards and best practices in the field.
Contribute to the establishment of specialized development and scientific research centers, technological parks and smart villages.
Establish national databases and networks that adopt information systems and technology, to meet the needs and requirements of scholars and specialists in different sectors.
Periodically monitor the status of scientific research, technology and innovation via the Science, Technology and Innovation Observatory (STIO), and employ the generated data to derive rationalization and planning for the relevant sectors.
Develop policy tools intended to stimulate effective and sustainable partnerships between academic institutions and research centers and relevant public and private sector institutions
Promote and rationalize the use of external funding opportunities for research projects, and support intellectual property protection

STRATEGIC TASKS

The Academy of Innovative Research, Science & Technological Development (AcIRSTD) in accordance with its main tasks:

1. INTERACTION

AcIRSTD interacts with the Federal, State and Local Governments in Nigeria and other governmental agencies by means of propositions of new programmes and actions, in identifying research priorities in several issues of national interest, focused on the economic development and the well being of the Nigerian population

2. TECHNICAL COOPERATION

The Academy carries out international scientific and scientific-technical cooperation, develops mutually beneficial relations with the academies of sciences and other scientific organizations of foreign countries, carries out interstate scientific and scientific-technical programs and projects, participates in the activities of international scientific and scientific-technical organizations and associations. Scientific support of the economic, social and state-legal development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, its culture, rational use and environmental protection

3. SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY

AcIRSTD organizes and coordinates fundamental and applied scientific research activity, conducts basic and applied scientific research, develops major areas of the natural, technical, humanitarian, social sciences and arts in order to obtain new knowledge about man, society, nature and artificially created objects, increasing the scientific, technical, intellectual and spiritual potential of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

4. MATERIAL AND TECHNICAL POTENTIAL

The Academy takes measures to develop its own scientific and technical potential, strengthens the material and technical base of the Academy, organize pilot production of high-tech and high-tech scientific and technical products, create and disseminate new methods and means of researching patterns, phenomena and processes

5. TRAINING

AcIRSTD creates conditions for the development of scientific schools, the training of highly qualified scientific workers, the advanced training of scientists and specialists, including in foreign scientific centres; participates in the training of specialists with higher education and enhances the qualifications of the teaching staff of institutions providing higher education. This is also includes scientific and training of highly qualified scientific personnel, educational institutions with the status of a university, as well as foundations.

6. DOMESTIC TECHNOLOGIES

The Academy ensures the introduction of domestic technologies in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, biotechnology, new materials and other high-tech sectors of the economy. AcIRSTD participates in the development of recommendations on the use of the achievements of domestic and world science in practice.

7. SCIENTIFIC AND METHODOLOGICAL SUPPORT

AcIRSTD implements scientific and methodological support for Nigeria and other developing countries through science, technology and innovation as well as for supplying the scientific rationale necessary for the formulation of public policies and decision makings

STRATEGIC PROGRAMME