A new chapter in global scientific cooperation has begun with the signing of an agreement between the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and the European Research Council (ERC)
The new agreement signing, announced in Brussels on 23 October 2025, will improve collaboration between African researchers and ERC-funded scientists across Europe, changing the way the two continents connect through research and innovation.
Building bridges through continents
The EU-Africa partnership allows researchers supported by the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence – Pilot Programme (ARISE-PP) to join research teams led by ERC grantees in Europe.
Through temporary placements, African scientists will have the chance to access world-class laboratories, share expertise, and develop partnerships that strengthen scientific excellence on both sides.
The EU-Africa partnership was formalised by Marc Lemaitre, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, and Professor Lise Korsten, President of the AAS.
Also present were Myriam Ferran, Deputy Director-General for International Partnerships, and Professor Maria Leptin, President of the ERC. Their joint presence highlighted the shared vision of fostering long-term scientific ties between Africa and Europe.
Inclusion development
ARISE-PP is an important part of the EU-Africa partnership. Funded under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (NDICI–Global Europe), the €25 million programme supports African researchers working on frontier science and innovation. It is designed to strengthen Africa’s research base while contributing to broader goals of sustainable and inclusive development, economic growth, and job creation.
Developed under the framework of the AU–EU High-Level Policy Dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation and the AU–EU Innovation Agenda, ARISE-PP represents a collective effort to align scientific priorities between the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU). By encouraging collaboration on shared global challenges, from climate resilience to health innovation, the programme ensures that scientific advancement translates into tangible societal benefits.
ERC’s global outreach
The new EU-Africa partnership is part of a wider series of “implementing arrangements” developed by the ERC since 2012 as part of its global outreach strategy. These initiatives aim to make Europe a hub for top scientific talent by opening doors to researchers from around the world.
The ERC, founded in 2007, is Europe’s leading funding organisation for frontier research. It supports some of the bes scientists of any nationality and discipline who are pursuing groundbreaking ideas in Europe. With a budget of more than €16 billion under the Horizon Europe programme (2021–2027), the ERC remains a big part of the EU’s research ecosystem, overseen by its independent Scientific Council.
Through this new EU-Africa partnership, the European Commission, the ERC, and the African Academy of Sciences have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing scientific excellence and global cooperation. By connecting African innovation with European research infrastructure, the partnership seeks to nurture a new generation of globally engaged scientists equipped to tackle complex challenges.
