Building Science Capacity using Seismology Michelle Grobbelaar

AfricaArray A public-private partnership supporting capacity building for Africa’s natural resource sector Goal: address limited human capacity in Africa in Geophysics.

AfricaArray  Establish in-situ training and research programs to help build a scientific workforce  initially in geophysics  As part of the training and research programs, create shared scientific observatories (initially broadband seismic stations) to promote education, research, and community building

AfricaArray  “AfricaArray” = array of observatories + array of training programs + array of research projects + array of partnerships and collaboration

AfricaArray

Seismic networks of participating countries are upgraded and can then be used for earthquake monitoring, natural hazard mitigation, and oil, gas and mineral exploration. To date, 17 African countries actively participate in collaboration with 11 private companies and many organisations outside Africa.

AfricaArray Implemented in 4 phases over 20 years: Years 1-3 – focused on solid Earth geophysics, thus a permanent network of broadband seismograph stations has been established AND a training programme has been expanded which supports 8 honours, 6 Msc and 5 post- doctoral researchers from 11 countries Results are presented in annual workshops

AfricaArray The 2 nd and 3 rd phases will expand on the permanent network, establish project-related temporary networks, strengthen other geophysics training centres in Africa and expand the stations to observatories for meteorology, atmospheric chemistry and GPS, etc.

AfricaArray  Provides an example for how to link capacity building in science to developing an “observing system”  If we can do this in seismology we can do it in other related science fields  Potentially provides a model for developing sustainable observing systems in developing countries  Many Gov’ts are more interested in science training than long-term monitoring of the environment

AfricaArray Long term permanent support for technical purposes, bursaries and administrative and coordination support.

Thank you!