I am David Baratoux, Senior Researcher and geologist at the Institute of Research for Sustainable Developement (IRD), France, and Editor of Journal of Geophysical Research, Planets2169-9100/aims-and-scope/read-full-aims-and-scope.html). I spent 15 years at the University of Toulouse exploring Planets, Mars in particular. In 2013, I chose to move to the University Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar (Senegal). What is a planetary scientist doing in Africa? Planetary Scientists explore our solar system and beyond, and address fundamental questions for humanity: what’s the origin of the Earth and life? These questions should not be a privilege for a small number of countries. Planetary and Space Sciences are a strong driver for societal, ethical, technological and economic development. They drive generations of young students toward a scientific career. So, we’re here to discuss the issues, challenges and benefits of strengthening education and research programs in Planetary and Space Sciences in Africa. We’ll also discover an untapped great potential of Africa and the pioneering work of emerging groups.
I am Hasnaa Chennaoui-Aoudjehane, Professor of Geochemistry and Meteoritics sciences at the Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco and co-head of the Africa Initiative for Space and Planetary Sciences, an initiative that is presented in a publication in EOS. I'm working on Meteoritics and Planetary Sciences (M&PS) since 2000, I have introduced this topic in Morocco, with various actions including elaboration of courses, formation of PhD students, communicating about M&PS to public media and scientific community. M&PS plays a fundamental role on the improvement of the fundamental knowledge on the origin of the Universe, the Solar System, planets including the Earth, as well as the origin of water and life on Earth, or the masse extinctions. Despite an important part of meteorites are collected in the Sahara, Meteoritics and planetary sciences are underrepresented in Africa. I would like to contribute to strengthen M&PS education and research programs all over Africa to offer new opportunities for scientific and social and economic development. My conviction is that Planetary and Space Sciences are essential for the future of humankind and it's my engagement to make sure that African scientists get more and more involved!
We’ll be back at 12pm ET to answer your questions. Ask Us Anything!
The AGU AMA series is conducted by the Sharing Science program. Sharing Science: By scientists, for everyone. More at sharingscience.agu.org.
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