CHReaD CoS Logo

Culture

of Science

2026

Venue:
Nairobi, Kenya

Date:
14 – 15 August 2026

Schedule of Conference

Culture of Science Conference Programme

Pre-Conference Day 1: Financing & Governing Day 2: Executing & Innovating Day 3: Embedding & Sustaining
10:00AM - 5:00PM Registration Open 8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast 8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast 8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast
10:30 am – 1:00 pm Youth & Innovation Catalyst 9:00 am – 9:15 am Opening Remarks 9:00 am – 9:10 am Opening Remarks 9:00 am – 10:15 am AI for Public Health
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Plenary Sessions 9:15 am – 10:05 am Sovereign Science Funds 9:10 am – 9:55 am Research Infrastructure 9:15 am – 10:50 am Break
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Live Innovation Showcase 10:05 am – 10:50 am Blended Finance for R&D 9:55 am – 10:45 am Networking & Activities 9:50 am – 12:20 am Science PACT Signing
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Pre-Conference Networking 10:50 am – 11:10 am Networking & Activities 10:45 am – 12:00 pm Science Communication 12:20 am – 1:30 am Lunch
11:10 am – 12:00 pm Lunch 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch
A Pan-African Convening

About the Culture of Science Conference

Science as a Public Good

The conference explores science not as a siloed technical enterprise, but as a cultural, political, and economic force that shapes how societies govern, invest, regulate, and innovate. It will synthesize insights, showcase African exemplars, and broker cross-sector partnerships.

Strategic Focus Areas

Core Thematic Pillars

Financing Scientific Ambition

Innovative models for domestic R&D investment, sovereign wealth, and blended finance mechanisms.

Policy & Regulation

Crafting agile, trustworthy governance and harmonizing regulatory frameworks across Africa.

Catalyzing Innovation

Bridging the value chain from foundational research to safe, local manufacturing scale-up.

Building Public Trust

Combating misinformation, fostering science literacy, and engaging indigenous knowledge holders.

The CoS Honors

Celebrating exemplary leadership across science, policy, innovation, and public engagement in Africa.

Numbers speak themselves

The Conference in Numbers

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DELEGATES

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ENGAGEMENT ZONES

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ACTION AGENDA

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HONORS AWARDS
Our Speakers

Honorable Speakers

Speaker TBA

Financing & Investment Track

Speaker TBA

Policy & Regulation Track

Speaker TBA

Research & Innovation Track

Speaker TBA

Public Trust & Legitimacy Track

Speaker TBA

Youth & Innovation Catalyst

Speaker TBA

Traditional Medicine Pavilion

Speaker TBA

Culture Studio & Media Hub

Speaker TBA

CoS Honors Keynote

Register for CoS 2026

What they've said about us

Discover what attendees and speakers have to say about our past events. Their feedback highlights the exceptional organization, valuable content, and impactful networking opportunities.

"The Culture of Science Conference represents a watershed moment for repositioning science as a cultural force across Africa. The multi-sector dialogue and cross-sector partnerships will drive lasting systemic change."

Policy Leader

African Union Commission

"CHReaD has built a powerful platform for convening policymakers, researchers, and innovators. This conference tackles the fundamental systems that enable science to serve society."

Research Director

Pan-African Research Network

"The conference addresses critical gaps in evidence-to-policy translation across the continent. Bringing together diverse voices ensures accountable, sovereign investment in African science."

Innovation Lead

African Science Foundation

"The Culture of Science movement is essential for normalizing evidence-informed governance. Bringing researchers, policymakers, and communities together creates the cultural shift Africa needs."

Public Health Advocate

WHO Africa Region

"This conference tackles the fundamental challenge of building public trust in science. The focus on indigenous knowledge systems and science communication makes it uniquely African and forward-looking."

Science Communicator

AfriComm Media Network
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Register for CoS 2026

Secure Your Registration

Join over 500 policymakers, researchers, innovators, funders, and civil society actors in Nairobi for this defining summit.

Reserve Your Seat Today

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Venue: Conference Venue,
Nairobi, Kenya

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who should attend the Culture of Science Conference?

    The conference is designed for policymakers, researchers, innovators, funders, journalists, artists, youth leaders, and civil society actors committed to strengthening science-driven policy and practice across Africa. Approximately 500–700 delegates are expected.

  • What topics will be covered?

    The programme is built around four pillars: Financing the Scientific Ambition, Enabling Through Policy & Regulation, Catalyzing Research & Innovation, and Building Public Trust & Legitimacy. Sessions include keynote addresses, panel discussions, engagement zones, and the CoS Honors Gala.

  • How can I register for the event?

    You can register directly on this page using the registration form above, or contact us at info@chread.com. Registration tiers include Delegate ($130), Student ($35), Exhibitor ($500), and Partnership packages from $5,000 to $15,000.

  • What is included in my registration?

    The Delegate Pass ($130) includes full conference access to all sessions, workshops, and the Innovation Showcase, plus lunches, coffee breaks, Welcome Cocktail, conference materials, and networking app access. The Student Pass ($35) covers the same excluding the Welcome Cocktail.

  • Is there a virtual attendance option?

    Details on virtual attendance options will be announced closer to the conference date. Please check back or contact info@chread.com for the latest updates.

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Advancing Science as a Public Good Across Africa

The Culture of Science Conference 2026 will conclude with a Culture of Science Action Agenda (2026–2028), documenting priority commitments, partnerships, and accountability mechanisms to advance research ecosystems across Africa.

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