Webinar outline: Academic freedom hampered: A plea for equal access to scientific mobility

I. Webinar Presentation

● Title: Academic Freedom Hindered: A Plea for Equal Access to Scientific Mobility

● Theme: Addressing systemic obstacles to the academic mobility of African researchers

and advocate for equitable access to global scientific spaces. This webinar will examine the challenges posed by restrictive visa policies, high costs, and administrative barriers that limit the participation of African researchers in international scientific conferences, particularly in high-income countries.

● Objective: To highlight the “visa apartheid” faced by African researchers, discuss its implications, and explore potential solutions, including the “Researcher Passport” initiative. The discussion will also address strategies for retaining talent, reducing brain drain, and fostering balanced scientific partnerships.

II. Welcome address and introduction (3:00 PM - 3:10 PM GMT) *

Moderator: Professor Adama Faye (10 minutes)

● Brief introduction of the theme and objectives of the webinar.

● Thanks to Dakar Medical and the other organizing bodies.

● Introducing the distinguished panelists.

Ask a general question to all panelists, for example: what are your personal experiences with academic/research mobility?

Question 1: For Professors Pasquale Maffia and Léon Tshilolo : (3:10 PM - 3:20 PM GMT)

A. How important is global collaboration?

B. What unique strengths or perspectives can African researchers bring to global collaborations?

Question 2: For Professor Akhere Omonkhua (3:20 PM - 3:30 PM GMT)

A. What are the obstacles to international travel for African researchers?

B. Discuss the obstacles to intra-African collaborations.

C. What is the impact of these collaborations on the African research ecosystem?

Question 3: For Professor Papa Salif Sow (3:30 PM - 3:40 PM GMT)

A. What short-term measures can institutions adopt to support mobility while awaiting the implementation of structural changes?

B. How can events and hybrid formats organised by Africa contribute to rebalancing the dynamics of scientific collaboration?

C. How would a "researcher's passport" transform the access of African researchers to global scientific platforms?

Total (40 minutes)

Roundtable discussion: Brain drain, visa restrictions and the quest for equitable mobility (3:40 PM - 4:00 PM GMT)

Speakers: Professor Akhere Omonkhua, Professor Pasquale Maffia, Professor Papa Salif Sow, Professor Léon Tshilolo , Professor Adama Faye

Discussion points:

● The profound impact of visa restrictions on talent retention and the exacerbation of brain drain, forcing African researchers to obtain Western passports to facilitate their mobility.

● How this circular problem of brain drain and increased visa control perpetuates inequalities in global scientific collaboration.

● The concept of a “researcher passport” as a structural solution, supported by organizations such as the African Union, the WHO, and the UN, aims to facilitate equitable access to global scientific spaces. * The potential of such initiatives to strengthen talent retention, mitigate brain drain, and cultivate more balanced scientific partnerships.

● Identification and advocacy for transitional measures, including simplified visa procedures, targeted aid, promotion of events in Africa, and the use of hybrid formats for scientific participation. Total (20 minutes)

6. Questions and answers (4:00 PM - 4:15 PM GMT)

Moderator: Professor Adama Faye

The ceiling is open to questions from the public and discussion with the speakers.

7. Conclusion and call to action (4:15 PM - 4:20 PM GMT)

Moderator: Professor Adama Faye

Summarize the main points to remember from the webinar.

Reiterate the urgent need for advocacy and concrete measures to remove obstacles to the academic mobility of African researchers.

Thank the speakers, organizers and participants.

III. Technical Logistics

● Platform: Google Meet

● Meeting link: https://meet.google.com/mnf-cdwc-bsk

● Recording: The webinar will be recorded and available for later viewing.