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...

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...

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 Human Brain: A Journey Through Four Major Transformations A groundbreaking study has revealed that the human brain does not undergo change at a constant rate. Instead, it experiences four distinct periods of rapid transformation throughout life. These transformations occur at key ages—9, 32, 66, and 83 years—where the brain restructures itself to support cognitive processes aligned with human development, growth, maturation, and aging. The research was conducted by a team of neuroscientists from the University of Cambridge. Their findings were published in the journal Nature Communications on the 25th of the month. Key Phases of Brain Development The researchers analyzed MRI diffusion scan data from the brains of 3,802 individuals aged between 0 and 90. Diffusion MRI tracks how water molecules move through brain tissue to visualize neural networks. Their analysis identified five major phases across the average human lifespan: Childhood (0–9 years) Adolescence (9–32 years) ...

CSIR Research Staff Association Holds 36th Annual General Meeting The Research Staff Association (RSA) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) recently held its 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) to review past achievements, evaluate progress, and elect new executives to lead its initiatives for the next two years (2025-2027). The event took place at the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) in Nyankpala, near Tamale, and brought together a diverse group of attendees, including directors of CSIR institutes, RSA members, executives, and research and development partners from across the country. The AGM was themed “Accelerating Resilience for Food and Nutrition Security in Ghana: The Role of Transformative Research, Development and Partnerships.” This theme focused on enhancing resilience in food and nutrition security through targeted research, innovation, and collaborative partnerships. The discussions emphasized the importance of addressing challenges su...

Introduction to the Agricultural Technology Park The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) has launched an Agricultural Technology Park (ATP), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting climate-smart agriculture and sustainable farming practices. This hub serves as a bridge between research and practical application, with the goal of enhancing food security and productivity in West Africa. The park was developed in collaboration with the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF) and the Innovation Research Extension and Advisory Coordination Hub Consortium under the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme. It functions as a hands-on demonstration site for advanced crop varieties, agronomic practices, and agricultural technologies. Additionally, the facility acts as a training center for farmers, youth, researchers, and extension agents, facilitating the adoption of innovat...

EU’s Horizon Europe Programme Welcomes Nigerian Researchers The European Union (EU) has made a significant statement regarding its Horizon Europe programme, a massive €100 billion initiative dedicated to funding research and innovation across the globe. This programme is now open to researchers from Nigeria, marking an important step in international scientific collaboration. At the University of Lagos 18th Annual Research Conference, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, emphasized the importance of research in driving inclusive and transformative progress. He stated, “Horizon Europe is open to Nigerian researchers because the pursuit of knowledge belongs to all humankind. When science connects people, it builds a stronger, fairer and more sustainable world.” Mignot highlighted that the EU is working closely with Nigeria to strengthen the country's research and innovation ecosystem. The focus areas include digital transformation, climate resilience, and susta...

The Nigeria Prize for Science Goes Unawarded for the Fifth Time For the fifth time in its 21-year history, the Nigeria Prize for Science has gone unawarded. This year’s edition, which received a total of 112 entries, failed to meet the high standards required for the prestigious award. The decision was made by the judging panel after a thorough evaluation process, and it was announced in Lagos by Professor Barth Nnaji, Chairman of the Advisory Board. Professor Nnaji emphasized that this outcome was not taken lightly. He stated that the decision was necessary to preserve the integrity and legacy of Africa’s most significant science prize. “After a rigorous adjudication of the 112 entries received this year, none was found suitable for the Prize. To lower the bar would be to betray the trust of the public and diminish the legacy of the Prize itself,” he said. The Nigeria Prize for Science is more than just an award; it is a platform that recognizes creativity, originality, and scienti...

Understanding the Impact of Novice Researchers on Innovation A recent study conducted by a team of researchers from the South Florida College of Social Sciences in the United States has uncovered an intriguing trend in academic research. By analyzing over 28 million academic papers published between 1971 and 2021, the researchers found that teams with a higher proportion of novice researchers are more likely to produce innovative and disruptive research. The study focused on evaluating the level of innovation in each paper. The researchers used several criteria to determine how 'innovative' a paper was, including the number of times it was cited and whether it received more citations than existing references. Based on this analysis, they concluded that the presence of more beginners—those writing their first paper—increases the likelihood of producing innovative work. Measuring Innovation in Research To better understand the concept of innovation, the researchers assigned ...

A New Initiative to Support Future Scientific Talent LX Group has launched a unique scholarship program called the "LX Science Fellowship," aimed at students from Seoul National University’s College of Natural Sciences. The initiative will see an investment of 700 million Korean won over the next five years, starting this year. This effort was spearheaded by Koo Bon-jun, chairman of LX Group, who has always been passionate about the basic sciences. His vision is to create an environment where another "June Huh" could emerge—referring to the first Korean recipient of the Fields Medal, often called the "Nobel Prize of Mathematics." Professor June Huh, now at Princeton University, is an alumnus of Seoul National University’s College of Natural Sciences and a junior of Chairman Koo. This connection played a significant role in shaping the new scholarship program. Building on a Legacy of Excellence On the 26th of last month, LX Group formalized its partners...

New Discoveries on Lunar Landslides Could Shape Future Moon Bases Recent scientific research has uncovered evidence of active landslides on the moon, primarily caused by moonquakes. These findings could significantly influence the selection of future lunar bases and research stations, particularly as space agencies around the world expand their ambitions for long-term presence on the moon. The study was conducted by a team of Chinese scientists from Sun Yat-sen University, Fuzhou University, and Shanghai Normal University. Their work was published in the peer-reviewed journal National Science Review , which is supervised by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The researchers analyzed 562 pairs of before-and-after images of 74 sites on the moon to identify 41 new landslides that have occurred since 2009. This detailed analysis revealed that while some of the landslides were triggered by impacts from meteorites, the majority were likely caused by internal seismic activity—moonquakes. Und...

A Groundbreaking Approach to Protein Structure Prediction A Nigerian researcher, Muinat Zubair, has made significant strides in the field of protein structure prediction and protein-protein interactions. Her innovative work combines experimental and computational methods to unlock the mysteries of how proteins function and interact within the body. Zubair developed this method during her time as a graduate teaching and research assistant at Tennessee Technological University in the United States, where she earned her Master’s degree in chemistry. Her research is part of a broader effort to solve the long-standing protein folding problem that has challenged scientists for over half a century. Speaking about her work, Zubair emphasized the importance of understanding the structures of proteins involved in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. These proteins are activated in response to cellular stress and their malfunction can worsen symptoms of neurodegenerative diseas...

The Evolution of Science Granting Councils in Africa Science Granting Councils across Africa are undergoing a significant transformation, shifting their focus from merely funding research to actively shaping national and continental policies through evidence-based approaches, accountability, innovation, and inclusion. This change is essential for ensuring that science and technology play a central role in driving Africa’s development agenda. As these councils continue to expand their influence, they are fostering innovation and delivering tangible benefits to society. This transformation was a key topic during a panel discussion at the 2025 Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) Forum held in Accra. Representatives from 17 councils, international funders, and African Union institutions gathered to review lessons learned over the past decade and finalize plans for the next phase of the initiative. A Decade of Progress Launched in 2015, the SGCI has been supported by several key...

Key Research Findings on Growth Hormone Treatment for Short Stature LG Chem recently shared significant progress in its research on growth hormone treatment for children with short stature. These findings were presented at the 20th LGS (LG Growth Study) Symposium, which took place in June and was attended by pediatric endocrinology specialists. The symposium focused on the long-term safety of growth hormone treatment over 12 years and its efficacy over four years. Since 2012, LG Chem has been conducting extensive studies to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of administering growth hormone to South Korean children. This ongoing effort is part of a larger initiative that aims to track the outcomes of growth hormone treatment for children with short stature over an extended period. Professor Hong Yong-hee from Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital delivered a presentation titled "12th-Year Safety and 4th-Year Efficacy Results of Growth Hormone Treatment." According to...

The Unusual Science Behind Stripes and Flies In a surprising twist of scientific discovery, a Japanese research team found that painting cows with white stripes could help reduce fly bites. This quirky experiment earned them the Ig Nobel Prize, an award given for studies that "make people laugh, then think." The research, led by Tomoki Kojima, involved spraying white stripes on Japanese beef cows and observing their interaction with flies. The results showed that the striped cows attracted fewer flies and appeared less disturbed by them. Kojima expressed his excitement about winning the prize, saying, "When I did this experiment, I hoped that I would win the Ig Nobel. It's my dream. Unbelievable. Just unbelievable." During the ceremony, he appeared on stage wearing stripes and was joined by colleagues waving cardboard flies, highlighting the humorous nature of the award. Despite the success of the study, Kojima acknowledged that applying the method on a large...

Celebrating Innovation and Excellence in Science South Africa is witnessing a surge of enthusiasm among its young scientific talents as they prepare for the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair. This prestigious event serves as a platform where gifted students can showcase their innovative projects and gain recognition in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI). The fair promises to be an exciting opportunity for learners to present their ideas on a global stage. The 2025 edition of the fair will take place from 6 to 10 October at the Emperors Palace Convention Centre in Kempton Park. It will feature over 300 participants from 35 regions across South Africa, with additional contributions from 16 international participants hailing from countries such as Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mexico, Ireland, India, and Russia. Learners from Ghana and Mozambique will also have the chance to participate virtually, highlighting the i...

Strategic Collaboration Between KFSHRC and Saudi Space Agency A significant step has been taken in the field of space medicine with a new partnership between the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) and the Saudi Space Agency. This collaboration is centered on advancing research in health and biotechnology, particularly under microgravity conditions. The initiative aims to explore the effects of space environments on human health and develop innovative medical solutions for astronauts. The agreement was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), which outlines the framework for joint efforts between the two organizations. This partnership represents a commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and applying it to real-world challenges faced by those venturing into space. Focus Areas of the Partnership One of the primary areas of focus for this collaboration is the study of health and biotechnology in microgravity. Researchers ...

Breakthrough in Brain Research: Mapping Neurons During Decision-Making Scientists have made a groundbreaking achievement by successfully mapping the brain neurons that activate when mice make decisions. This marks the first large-scale recording of individual neuron activity across the entire mouse brain. Researchers believe this could be the initial step toward creating a "map of the mind" that can read thoughts. Could we one day see into the mind, as often depicted in science fiction films? Ultra-Fine Electrodes and Mouse Experiments The International Brain Laboratory (IBL) Consortium, which includes 12 universities and research institutions from the U.S. and Europe—such as Stanford University and the Max Planck Institute—recently published a “brain-wide neural activity map” in the journal Nature . This was based on experiments involving 139 mice. The team implanted ultra-fine electrodes into the brains of these mice to record signals from neurons activated during decisi...

Launch of the Research and Innovation Centre at Launceston General Hospital A new facility has been introduced at Launceston General Hospital in Northern Tasmania, marking a significant step forward in medical research and patient care. The newly established Research and Innovation Centre is designed to support a wide range of activities, including patient research, clinical trials, and initiatives aimed at improving clinical care. This development is expected to enhance the quality of healthcare services provided to patients in the region. The centre will also serve as a hub for research and learning opportunities, fostering collaboration between healthcare professionals, researchers, and academic institutions. By creating an environment conducive to innovation, the facility aims to drive advancements in medical science and improve treatment outcomes for patients. Benefits for the Community and Healthcare Professionals According to Bridget Archer, the Minister for Health, Mental H...

The Importance of Scientific Research in Nepal Science is often underfunded, undervalued and disconnected from public communication and national policy in Nepal. We rarely talk about how we apply science in our daily lives, and the significance of scientific research in the development of the nation. However, when a crisis hits in the form of health or climate tragedies, we realize our unpreparedness. What's disappointing is that we still fail to adequately prepare for similar tragedies that could occur in the future. Therefore, we must develop a culture of advocating for scientific research to bridge research with policy, education and society at large. Scientific research is not optional; it is essential. It is the foundation for many problems Nepal currently faces. For instance, many health-related issues, such as hypertension and diabetes, are common problems affecting almost every household in Nepal. Thousands of people lose their lives to these conditions every year. They a...