Chris Infotainment

Establishment of the National Science AI Research Institute The National Science AI Research Institute is set to begin full-scale preparations this month, with an expected opening in June. This initiative involves government-funded research institutes collaborating to explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in scientific and technological innovation. The plan was unveiled by Chairman Kim Young-sik of the National Research Council of Science & Technology (NST) during a work report session for the Ministry of Science and ICT on the 12th. According to NST, the ‘National Science AI Research Institute’ will start its establishment process this month. It will focus on finalizing the construction of its office building, AI infrastructure, and operational system. The institute aims to serve as a central hub for AI-driven scientific and technological advancements within government-funded research institutes. Budget and AI Research Initiatives This year’s budget for the Na...

Emphasizing Science and Innovation for Uganda's Future Uganda's Vice President, Jessica Alupo, has emphasized the critical role of science, research, and innovation in driving the country’s socio-economic transformation. Her message was delivered during the 21st graduation ceremony of Kyambogo University in Kampala, where she urged universities to lead the nation towards a knowledge-based economy. "Science, research, and innovation should be the cornerstone of our development and survival as a nation," Alupo stated. She encouraged graduates and university stakeholders to continue their work in research and innovation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, as well as international partners. This call to action aligns with President Museveni's vision for Uganda's future. The government remains committed to expanding investments in higher education, recognizing that it is essential for producing the human resources needed t...

Celebrating Scientific Excellence: VinFuture Prizes 2025 Honors Groundbreaking Achievements The VinFuture Foundation recently announced the recipients of the VinFuture Prizes 2025 during a ceremony held in Hanoi on December 5. This year’s awards recognized four exceptional scientific and technological breakthroughs, aligned with the theme "Rising and Thriving." These achievements underscore the vital role of international scientific collaboration in tackling global challenges related to health, the environment, and human livelihood. The 2025 VinFuture Grand Prize, valued at $3 million, was awarded to four scientists from the United States—Dr. Douglas R. Lowy, Dr. John T. Schiller, Dr. Aimée R. Kreimer, and Prof. Maura L. Gillison—for their pioneering work in developing HPV vaccines. Their research has led to significant advancements in preventing tumors caused by human papillomaviruses (HPVs), particularly cervical cancer. The foundational studies conducted by Drs. Lowy a...

How life began on Earth is one of the most profound mysteries in science. Recent discoveries by NASA have brought scientists closer to understanding this enigma. The US space agency has identified essential sugars on Bennu, an ancient asteroid located 200 million miles from Earth. Among the findings are ribose, a five-carbon sugar, and glucose, a six-carbon sugar. This marks the first time such sugars have been detected in an extraterrestrial sample. The research, led by a team at Tohoku University in Japan, clarifies that these sugars are not proof of alien life. Instead, they could offer critical insights into the origins of life on our planet. According to the team, while these sugars do not indicate the presence of life, their detection, along with amino acids, nucleobases, and carboxylic acids in Bennu samples, suggests that the building blocks of biological molecules were widespread throughout the solar system. Bennu is an asteroid composed of rocks that date back nearly 4.6 b...

A New Era of Scientific Innovation in Africa The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) has launched a groundbreaking initiative with the inauguration of its new UM6P CoreLabs in Benguerir. This multidisciplinary scientific platform is designed to revolutionize research, innovation, and advanced training across Africa. The university highlights that this development marks a significant step toward strengthening scientific sovereignty, fostering local value creation, and integrating Africa into global knowledge networks. Addressing Structural Challenges For many years, African researchers have faced significant structural barriers, including reliance on foreign laboratories, limited access to advanced tools, long delays in experiments, and a lack of control over their data. In response to these challenges, CoreLabs aims to provide an integrated environment where observation, experimentation, analysis, and validation can be conducted locally, adhering to international standards. ...

Kenya's Vision for a Sustainable Research and Innovation Ecosystem Kenya has launched an ambitious masterplan aimed at strengthening and sustainably financing its research, science, technology, and innovation (RSTI) ecosystem. Dubbed the Kenya Research Financing and Capacity Strengthening Masterplan (2026–2036), this document outlines a practical 10-year roadmap to close the research and development (R&D) financing gap, enhance coordination, and accelerate innovation across key sectors. During the document validation meeting, the Principal Secretary for Science, Research, and Innovation, Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to raising Kenya’s investment in R&D to two percent of GDP as required by the Science, Technology and Innovation Act (Cap. 250A). “To raise these resources, we will no longer rely solely on the government. Kenya will diversify R&D funding through public investment, private sector partnerships, diaspora contributions, in...

South Africa Hosts World Conference of Science Journalists 2025 TSHWANE, Dec. 2 – South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, emphasized the crucial role of science journalism in fostering public trust in scientific endeavors and ensuring that scientific knowledge contributes to a fair and compassionate society. During the opening of the World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ) 2025 on Tuesday, Nzimande expressed pride in hosting the event for the first time on the African continent. He highlighted that the conference serves as a platform to showcase South Africa’s scientific and cultural achievements, including field trips to notable sites like the Square Kilometre Array. The conference theme, “Science journalism and social justice: journalism that builds understanding and resilience,” reflects the need to leverage science to address global challenges such as inequality, conflict, pandemics, and climate change. Nzimande noted that this...

Expansion of Satellite Data Collection Stations in Ethiopia The Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) has launched a new network of satellite data collection stations in Addis Ababa and several regional cities, marking a major milestone in Ethiopia's digital transformation journey. This initiative is part of the broader Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy, which aims to drive technological progress and modernization across the country. State Minister of Innovation and Technology, Muluken Kere, emphasized that the strategy has laid a solid foundation for significant advancements in technology. He highlighted ongoing efforts to build robust digital infrastructure and reiterated the government's commitment to expanding satellite data receiving stations nationwide. Muluken also pointed to recent achievements, such as the rollout of the Digital ID project, and expressed optimism about Ethiopia's growing pool of skilled professionals, which he sees as a positive sign for the...

The World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ) 2025 Begins in Tshwane TSHWANE, South Africa — The World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ) 2025 kicked off on Monday in Tshwane, marking the first time this global event is being held on African soil. The conference brings together science communicators from around the world to discuss the critical role of science journalism in shaping public understanding and fostering social justice. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Science journalism and social justice: journalism that builds understanding and resilience.” This focus highlights the importance of science communication in addressing societal challenges and promoting equitable development. South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) emphasized that hosting the event reflects the country’s dedication to strengthening science diplomacy and amplifying the visibility of African innovation. “Science holds immense promise for humanity and for building...

Addis Ababa, December 1, 2025 — The Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) has launched a new network of satellite data collection stations in Addis Ababa and several regional cities. This development marks a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s digital transformation journey. The initiative is part of the broader Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy, which aims to drive technological progress across the country. State Minister of Innovation and Technology, Muluken Kere, emphasized that the strategy has created a strong foundation for major technological advancements. He pointed to ongoing efforts in building digital infrastructure and reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding satellite data receiving stations nationwide. Muluken also highlighted recent digital achievements, such as the rollout of the Digital ID project, and expressed optimism about the growing pool of skilled professionals in Ethiopia, which he sees as a positive sign for the nation’s digital future. Cur...

Overview of the 9th National Conference on Science and Technology (CNCT) The province of Benguela is set to host the 9th National Conference on Science and Technology (CNCT), which will take place from the 3rd to the 5th of December. This biannual event, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESCTI), aims to promote and discuss the country's scientific and technological development. Under the motto "Angola 50 years: promoting development based on science, technology and innovation," the event is part of the celebrations marking the fiftieth anniversary of National Independence, which was observed on November 11th. The CNCT serves as a platform for showcasing scientific and technological advancements, with approximately a thousand delegates expected to participate this year. Partnership and Additional Events This edition of the CNCT, in collaboration with the Council of Rectors of Universities of Angola (CRUANG), will coinci...

Reviving Kenya’s Science and Innovation Sector Kenya has the potential to revive the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MSTI) and leverage its highly skilled scientists to drive socio-economic development. As one of the African nations capable of achieving and sustaining science-driven growth, Kenya is well-positioned to make significant strides in research and innovation. President William Ruto recently emphasized the importance of scientific advancement in his policy statements, highlighting Kenya's goal to achieve first-world status by 2055. A key component of this vision is allocating two percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to Research and Development (R&D). This commitment underscores the need for a stronger focus on innovation and technological progress. The President also pointed out that Kenya currently exports raw materials such as tea, coffee, cotton, fish, minerals, and hides and skins, only to import them back at higher prices as fi...

The Role of Science and Technology Parks in ESG Transformation Science and technology parks are increasingly recognized as vital catalysts for driving the global shift towards environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. Executives in the sector emphasize the importance of these parks in fostering regional and cross-border cooperation between academia, government, and the private sector to bridge resource gaps and accelerate sustainable impacts. These parks are encouraged to adopt a global mindset, expanding their focus beyond startups to engage with large corporations. This approach positions them as innovation catalysts, ecosystem builders, and market gateways. According to Sukit Limpijumnong, president of Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency, science and technology parks are powerful catalysts for corporate and societal transformation. The Asian Science Park Association (ASPA) plays a key role in driving innovation, promoting sustainability...

Recognition of Women's Contributions in Science and Technology The Ministry of Science and ICT has recently announced the recipients of the Women in Science and Technology Award of the Year , highlighting the significant contributions made by women in various scientific fields. This prestigious award aims to recognize and celebrate the achievements of female scientists, researchers, and professionals who have made a meaningful impact in their respective areas. Academic Category: Professor Shin Joo-young Professor Shin Joo-young from Sungkyunkwan University was awarded in the academic category for her groundbreaking work in identifying the side effects of antibiotic exposure. Her research has provided critical insights into how antibiotics can affect human health beyond their primary purpose of treating infections. By addressing this challenge, Professor Shin has contributed to the development of safer medical practices and more effective treatment protocols. Her work underscores...

The Need for a New Time Zone on Mars Forget about Greenwich Mean Time or Eastern Daylight Time—scientists are suggesting that we need a brand new time zone, specifically for Mars. This is because clocks on the Red Planet will tick 477 microseconds faster than those on Earth each day. While this may seem like a tiny difference, it can accumulate over time and lead to significant effects. According to physicists from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Mars will slip 1.7 seconds ahead of Earth every decade. This unusual phenomenon is a result of Einstein's laws of general relativity, which state that time does not move at the same rate everywhere in the universe. In areas with strong gravity, time progresses more slowly, while in areas with weaker gravity, time moves faster. On Mars, where gravity is five times weaker than on Earth, this means astronauts will age slightly faster than their friends back home. Although the difference is just one thousandth ...

Addis Ababa, November 27, 2025 — A groundbreaking fossil discovery in the Woranso-Mille region of Ethiopia has provided new insights into the evolutionary history of early humans. According to a recent study led by Yohannes Haile-Selassie from Arizona State University, the species known as Australopithecus deyiremeda co-existed with another relative, specifically the well-known Lucy’s species, Australopithecus afarensis. The Australopithecus deyiremeda, an early human ancestor that lived approximately 3.4 million years ago, was first identified in 2009. The initial discovery involved a mysterious fossilized foot found in Burtele, within the Afar Region. This find sparked significant scientific interest and debate over its origins and significance. During a recent briefing, Yohannes Haile-Selassie, a paleoanthropologist at Arizona State University, explained how the discovery of a juvenile jawbone, which matched the same age and geological layer as the foot, allowed scientists to con...

A Cosmic Butterfly Captured by a Telescope in Chile A remarkable image of a grand and graceful cosmic butterfly has been captured by a telescope in Chile. This stunning visual was released by the National Science Foundation's NoirLab on Wednesday. The photograph was taken last month using the Gemini South telescope, which captured the Butterfly Nebula, a celestial object that lies between 2,500 to 3,800 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius. To put this distance into perspective, one light-year is approximately 6 trillion miles. At the center of this bipolar nebula is a white dwarf star that shed its outer layers of gas long ago. The expelled gas forms the butterfly-like wings that extend from the aging star. The heat from the star causes this gas to glow, creating the mesmerizing visual that has now been captured by the telescope. The Butterfly Nebula is not only a scientific marvel but also a symbol of educational outreach. Schoolchildren in Chile selected this astron...

A New Extinct Shark Species Unveiled in Morocco A team of researchers has uncovered a new species of extinct shark, providing valuable insights into the evolution of these ancient predators just before the end of the dinosaur era. The discovery was made from dozens of isolated teeth found in 2024 in Morocco’s Sidi Chennane quarry, one of the world's richest Maastrichtian fossil sites. This site is known for its exceptional preservation of marine life from the late Cretaceous period. The newly identified species, named Pseudocorax heteroserratus , was described from a large sample of isolated teeth discovered in the upper Couche III layer of the Sidi Chennane quarry in the Oulad Abdoun Basin (Khouribga Province). This area is recognized as one of the most significant locations for Maastrichtian marine fossils globally. Unique Characteristics of Pseudocorax heteroserratus According to the researchers, this new species stands out from all previously known Pseudocorax sharks due ...

Transformative Impact of Science Kits at Coopil Primary School In 2023, Coopil Primary School in Gulu District received a significant boost to its science education when it was provided with Science Kits by the Ministry of Education and Sports in collaboration with River Flow International. At the time, few could have predicted the profound changes these kits would bring to the way science is taught and learned at the school. For many years, science lessons at Coopil Primary School were primarily theoretical. Students relied heavily on imagination rather than hands-on experiments, which limited their understanding of scientific concepts. However, the introduction of the Science Kits has transformed the classroom environment, making it more dynamic and engaging. According to Mr. Ronald Opiyo, a teacher at the school, the kits marked a turning point in science education. "We used to teach Science with difficulty. Most lessons were theoretical. Now, learning is real, participatory...

During graduate school, low wages often made survival a key concern. Many colleagues from modest backgrounds faced similar challenges. The belief that "becoming a professor would bring stability and prestige" began to fade as more individuals opted for corporate jobs. At a recent reunion, a friend who completed postdoctoral studies abroad and was appointed as an assistant professor at a prestigious private university shared a starting salary of 70 million Korean won. The reaction was one of shock. Even more surprising was the revelation that Seoul National University assistant professors had seen their starting salaries remain stagnant in the 60 million range for over a decade. Top talent does not stay where compensation is cut. As highlighted by KBS’s “War on Talent,” elite professionals are increasingly moving toward medical schools. Current researchers admit, “I’m considering discouraging my child from pursuing engineering.” They understand better than anyone that dedica...