Developing research connections for the Indian Ocean - AFRAN Forum 2023
Each year, the Australian-French Association for Research and Innovation (AFRAN) Inc. runs a Forum to exhibit and discuss current cooperation and areas of future cooperation upscaling potential. The 2023 AFRAN Forum will be held on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 October 2023 at Murdoch University in Perth and will be supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Australian Government.
The theme for 2023 is “Developing research connections for the Indian Ocean”.
This Forum will display current collaborations, facilitate the development of new connections, and discuss new opportunities in the fields of science and industry in and for the Indian Ocean region. The AFRAN Forum is a great opportunity to promote the activities of Australian and French stakeholders in the research and innovation sectors, and to strengthen high-level networks. Both Australia and France are developing collaborations with other countries in the Indian Ocean Region to support the design of knowledge-based solutions serving an inclusive and sustainable development of the region.
Regional integration is central to the French La Réunion Island, and its university and research organisations have been striving to build and develop regional academic and scientific networks or regional structuring initiatives. Australia is a powerful partner to achieve successful collaboration in the region with its high-level scientific expertise, research infrastructures, and operational capabilities.
This 2023 AFRAN Forum will be the occasion to launch the new Indian Ocean Research and Innovation Hub!
Program:
Thursday 26 October
The Loft, Murdoch University
8.45-9.00 am : Welcome and Registration
9.00-9.30 am : Forum opening
Prof Peter Davies, Acting DVCR, Murdoch University
Ms Caroline Gatenby, Acting Director, Northeast Indian Ocean Programs Section, Indian Ocean and South Asia Maritime at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
Dr François-Ronan Dubois, Attaché for Science and Higher Education, Embassy of France in Australia
Prof Katherine Daniell, AFRAN President
9.30-10.00 am :
Keynotes: Environment in the Indian Ocean
A/Prof Christiane Rafidinarivo, President of the Indian Ocean Political Science Association, the Institute of Political Studies in Madagascar and at the University of Reunion.
10.00-10.30 am : Break
10.30-12.00 pm :
Panel 1: Engaging for an Indian Ocean community
Chair:
Dr Kwadwo Adusei-Asante, Senior Lecturer & Course Leader, Social Science, Board Member, International Organisation for Cooperation in Evaluation, Edith Cowan University
Speakers:
Prof Christiane Rafidinarivo, President of the Indian Ocean Political Science Association, IEPM/ LCF UR/ CEVIPOF Sciences Po: Facing environmental, political and geopolitical risks
Prof Richard Vokes</