Strategic Programs

Shaping Science Policy

Science policy is the decision-making framework that connects scientific research with public governance to guide funding, regulations, and societal problem-solving. It determines how society balances creative scientific inquiry with practical public needs. It aligns national research priorities with global frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and regional development agendas.

AcIRSTD integrates empirical scientific evidence into government decision-making and national development by acting as an independent think-tank to guide public and private sector policies on science, technology, and innovation (STI)

The Academy bridges gap between empirical research and government decision-making to ensure national strategies and regulations are evidence-based scientific research directly inform public policy, national development, and societal problem-solving. The Academy also provides independent, authoritative, and non-partisan scientific advice to governments and policymakers in Nigeria to guide national strategies, legislation, and development programs. This enables better public policy, strengthening research funding and enhancing public trust.

Promoting Quality Science Education and Scientific Literacy

In a rapidly evolving global economy, scientific literacy is no longer just for scientists. It is a foundational skill for everyday citizenship. This strategic program outlines a comprehensive framework to transform science education. It aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, ensuring all students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

AcIRSTD focuses on promoting quality science education and scientific literacy is to empower individuals to think critically, inquiry-based learning, teacher professional development, and institutional collaboration, evaluate evidence, and make informed decisions about real-world issues like health, technology, and the environment. The Academy empowers individuals with the critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and problem-solving skills needed to make informed personal and civic decisions, which includes explaining natural phenomena, evaluating scientific data critically, and applying scientific knowledge to real-world challenges

Promoting quality science education and scientific literacy improves personal decision-making, drives economic growth, and strengthens democratic societies. It equips individuals with critical thinking skills to evaluate evidence and navigate a technology-driven world. The Academy plans to encourage and facilitate the delivery of public lectures by its members and others on science-based issues of concern to society.

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

Supporting Young Scientists

AcIRSTD-Academy of Innovative Research, Science & Technological Development was designed to support young scientists include enhanced research skills, exposure to modern methodologies, and expanded professional networks; providing long-term support to their career growth, and creating a community that promotes explorative thinking, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and international exchanges. The Fellowship supports early-career scientists in three fields: 1) Life Science, 2) Physical Science, and 3) Mathematics and Computer Science. The Fellowship is designed to enable early-career researchers to freely explore their areas of interest with the funding and resources provided by the Fellowship.

Supporting Young Scientists programs help early-career researchers and students grow through AcIRSTD-Academy of Innovative Research, Science & Technological Development. The initiative introduces participants to real-world research, mentorship, international networks, and activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This program also provides direct lab or field experience under active scientists, offers fellowships and cross-border mobility for collaborative work, and builds long-term professional networks and scientific communication skills.

AcIRSTD will mobilize and empower young scientists in Nigeria and beyond to help tackle developmental challenges through science and innovation.

The Academy will organize national annual conferences involving young scientists, young entrepreneurs and influential young leaders in business and industry. The aim is to share experiences and identify common developmental challenges where young scientists can play a transformative role through research and innovation.

Honoring Excellence in Science

Honoring excellence in science celebrates breakthrough research, outstanding discoveries, and major contributions to society, and serves as a catalyst that directly improves future research productivity, increases citation impact, and lengthens a scientist's active career. It highlights brilliant minds, promotes new ideas, and inspires future generations of researchers

A major strategic priority of AcIRSTD is to recognize, support and encourage the pursuit of excellence in scientific research in Nigeria. It will therefore continue to give top priority to electing outstanding scientists as members. In addition, it will for the first-time award prizes and medals to eminent Nigerian scientists who have made significant contributions to scientific research and its application in the Country.

The following areas of scientific achievements are recorded:

Landmark discoveries

Original research that changes or advances a field of study.

High-impact publications

Papers published in top peer-reviewed journals.

Technical significance

The measurable value and long-term impact of the work on science or society

Application

Applying for science excellence awards in general requires reviewing eligibility rules, preparing comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV), and gathering project evidence or written endorsements. Particular preference is given to accomplished women scientists in the country to improve the gender balance in the membership.

For further information, please email us at [email protected]

Contributing to the Implementation of SDGs

A strategic program of AcIRSTD focuses on contributing to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) centers on strategic alignment, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and performance tracking. It embeds global sustainability targets into institutional frameworks to address worldwide social, economic, and environmental needs. The program aligns organizational missions with global targets, focusing on core areas like stakeholder engagement, and measurable indicators.

The program delivers economic growth, risk reduction, and enhanced reputation. Aligning organizational strategy with the UN 2030 Agenda turns global targets into concrete local value. Particular attention will be given 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

A key strategic objective of AcIRSTD is to play a central role in finding the best scientific solutions to critical sustainability problems affecting the lives of people in Nigeria, and across African nations. The Academy will organize a number of interdisciplinary workshops and study groups of high-level experts, drawn from the Nigerian universities, research institutes, and AcIRSTD, 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.

The recommendations arising from these workshops and study groups will form the basis for developing policy-relevant consensus reports and/or statements to be communicated to decision makers in government and private sector.

Securing Financial Resources

AcIRSTD Securing Financial Resources program is a structured training and operational framework designed to help the Academy identify, raise, and manage capital effectively. It focuses on funding options, financial planning, and investor relations. The Academy emphasizes establishing long-term, independent, and diversified funding mechanisms to sustain scientific research and innovation. This financial stability ensures that the institution can consistently fund critical scientific research, drive technological innovation, and provide unbiased advice on national policies.

In pursuance of its fundraising campaign, AcIRSTD will first appeal to organizations and institutions in the Country, especially the private sector and universities.

To fulfill its Strategic Objectives, AcIRSTD must develop and implement a dynamic fundraising strategy and explore funding opportunities at home and abroad.

AcIRSTD will also extend its appeal to international organizations and foundations abroad to support its global agenda.

Funds will be required to cover the operational costs of the AcIRSTD Secretariat and implement the programs outlined above.