AOU Co-Organizes Roundtable Dialogue among Young Scientists in China and Africa in Wuhan: Registration and Cooperation Calls Now Open

Africa Open University (AOU) is pleased to announce its participation as a co-organizer of the Roundtable Dialogue among Young Scientists in China and Africa Dialogue 2026, scheduled for 11 November 2026 in Wuhan, China, alongside the 2026 China–Africa Innovation Cooperation and Development Forum.

The Roundtable will bring together scientists, young researchers, universities, research institutions and cooperation partners from China and African countries to explore joint research, scientific innovation, talent development and practical collaboration.

As a pan-African platform promoting open learning, youth development and international cooperation, AOU sees the Dialogue as an opportunity to connect emerging African researchers with international scientific networks, encourage knowledge exchange and identify practical cooperation needs.

AOU warmly invites its Pan-African Youth Fellows, educators, researchers, students, partner institutions and other interested participants to engage in the following opportunities.

1. Registration Open for the Wuhan Roundtable

The Dialogue will focus on three interconnected themes:

Young Scientific Talent and Joint Research: Strengthening scientific exchanges, research networks, mentoring and joint talent development.

Scientific Innovation and Practical Applications: Exploring research needs, technology cooperation and opportunities to apply scientific knowledge to real-world challenges.

Open Cooperation and Capacity Building: Connecting universities, research institutions and cooperation platforms to support knowledge sharing and sustained collaboration.

Event Information

Date: Wednesday, 11 November 2026

Time: 14:30–17:00 (China Standard Time, UTC+8)

Venue: Wuhan East Lake International Conference Center, Wuhan, China

Format: In-person meeting, with Chinese–English simultaneous interpretation planned

Registration Deadline: 25 October 2026, 20:00 (China Standard Time)

Scientists, early-career academics, postdoctoral researchers, postgraduate students, African scholars and students in China, and representatives of relevant institutions are welcome to register.

Register Online:

https://globaltalent.mikecrm.com/KVJoaF3

Places are limited, and registration is subject to review and confirmation. Registration applies only to the Roundtable and does not grant access to other Forum activities. Participants are generally responsible for their own travel and accommodation unless otherwise agreed in writing.

2. Public Consultation on the Wuhan Action Initiative

The proposed Wuhan Initiative on Cooperation among Young Scientists in China and Africa is now open for public consultation ahead of its planned release during the Roundtable on 11 November.

The draft promotes equality and mutual trust, practical joint research, youth participation, application of research outcomes, institutional partnerships and sustained joint action.

AOU encourages young researchers, educators, Fellows and partner institutions to share their perspectives on scientific cooperation, talent development, equitable access to opportunities, capacity building and practical follow-up activities.

Deadline for Comments: 25 October 2026

Read the Bilingual Consultation Draft (English and Chinese):

China-Africa Young Scientists Cooperation (2026).pdf

Comments may also be submitted to zheng@yinzhi.org.cn, including the contributor's name, institutional affiliation (if applicable) and contact details.

Participation is voluntary and does not constitute formal endorsement or an institutional commitment.

3. Call for Research Collaboration Needs and Project Opportunities

AOU also invites contributions to the China–Africa Young Scientists Collaboration Needs and Project Opportunities Directory (First Edition).

The initiative seeks to gather practical needs and cooperation proposals from scientists, universities, research teams, young innovators and relevant institutions across Africa and beyond.

Submissions may include:

• Joint research interests and potential scientific projects;
• Technology cooperation and practical innovation needs;
• Youth talent development, professional training and mentoring opportunities;
• Scientific capacity building and institutional cooperation;
• Other research or development challenges that may benefit from international collaboration.

Areas of interest may include sustainable agriculture, health and nutrition, biodiversity, renewable energy, green technologies, digital innovation and other locally relevant priorities.

An existing Chinese partner is not required, and attendance at the Wuhan Roundtable is not necessary to submit a proposal.

Submissions may be considered for inclusion in the first edition of the Directory and for possible follow-up discussions and partner matching, subject to further review and mutual interest.

Submission Deadline: 31 October 2026

Submit Research Needs or Project Opportunities:

https://globaltalent.mikecrm.com/eZeOpgA

An Invitation to AOU Fellows and Partners

AOU particularly welcomes contributions from members of its Pan-African Youth Fellows Network, as well as young scientists, educators, innovators and institutional partners across Africa.

Participation can take different forms: attending the Wuhan Dialogue, recommending suitable young researchers, commenting on the proposed Wuhan Action Initiative, or sharing research needs and cooperation ideas.

Those unable to travel to China are equally welcome to contribute remotely through the consultation and project submission channels.

Through its role as a co-organizer, AOU hopes to help connect African talent, local priorities and international expertise, encouraging cooperation that supports scientific capacity, practical learning and sustainable development.

AOU looks forward to working with its Fellows and partners to turn scientific dialogue into opportunities for meaningful collaboration.