In his welcome address, the Rector of the University of Saida, Tebboune Fethallah Ouahbi, highlighted the university’s commitment to digital transformation, innovation and research addressing societal challenges. He noted that gatherings such as the General Assembly can foster joint research projects, academic exchanges and new initiatives.
The Governor of Saida Province emphasised the General Assembly’s role in exchanging knowledge and experience, strengthening scientific cooperation and supporting young researchers. He also reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to open international cooperation in science and higher education.
Wolfgang Spadinger, Austria’s Ambassador to Algeria, in his speech focussed on the importance of Science Diplomacy amid international tensions and uncertainty. He stressed that universities and researchers can complement diplomatic efforts by fostering cross-border dialogue and building connections through scientific exchange and shared interests.
Africa-UniNet President Hubert Hasenauer reflected on the network’s development since its establishment in 2020, emphasising the value of personal encounters in building lasting scientific partnerships. He encouraged participants to use the General Assembly to develop new collaborations and future projects. On a similar note, OeAD Managing Director Jakob Calice described the General Assembly as an important opportunity to strengthen academic cooperation between Austria and Africa. He highlighted the importance of dialogue, mutual understanding and joint projects, noting Africa-UniNet’s contribution to Austria’s broader engagement with the African continent.
The event was officially opened by Algeria’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kamel Bidari. He highlighted the role of university cooperation in strengthening ties between Algerian, African and European institutions, identifying sustainable development, health, food and water security, energy security and digitalisation as key areas for future collaboration.
The opening was followed by the keynote address “Translating Science into Practice: Key Stakeholders’ Agendas within the Science-Policy Interface”, delivered by Paul T. Yillia from Sierra Leone. Drawing on the relationship between science, policy and practice, he emphasised that research and scientific evidence provide an essential basis for informed decision-making. He stressed that policy and practice should be guided by evidence rather than assumptions, highlighting the importance of translating research findings into practical action. In this context, he underlined the role of researchers and scientific institutions in contributing evidence that can inform policy and address real-world challenges. Noureddine Halla, Vice-Rector of External Relations of University of Saida, provided a brief introduction to the Algerian higher education system.
While not present in person, Austria’s Federal Minister for Women, Science and Research, Eva-Maria Holzleitner sent her video message to the General Assembly expressing her appreciation of the Africa-UniNet and highlighting the importance of the network and its shared values such as freedom of research, gender equality, international partnership, scientific exchange on an equal footing and a shared determination to address global challenges.
Science diplomacy and sustainable partnerships
The afternoon programme of the first day of the 4th Africa-UniNet General Assembly focused on the role of science diplomacy and sustainable partnerships in strengthening international cooperation between higher education and research institutions. Bringing together perspectives from African countries and Austria, the session explored how academic cooperation can contribute not only to the exchange of knowledge, but also to institutional development, innovation and sustainable societal impact.
The session highlighted the potential of science diplomacy to create dialogue and build bridges across borders, particularly in a global context characterised by multiple and interconnected challenges. Speakers emphasised that cooperation between researchers and institutions can complement political and diplomatic relations by creating spaces for dialogue, mutual learning and shared approaches to common challenges. Science was also discussed as a form of soft power that can contribute to international understanding and peaceful cooperation.
A recurring theme was the importance of partnerships based on mutual benefit and equal participation. Sustainable international cooperation, speakers noted, goes beyond individual mobility or the transfer of knowledge from one institution or country to another. The lasting value of academic cooperation lies in the knowledge, networks and capacities that remain within institutions and communities and can generate further collaboration. This includes strengthening research capacities, developing institutional leadership and creating networks that enable knowledge and experience to be shared more widely. The discussion also placed particular emphasis on moving from research to impact. Research cooperation should respond to real societal challenges and generate results that can be taken up in policy, education, industry and communities. Speakers stressed the importance of developing joint programmes, embedding successful cooperation within institutional structures and scaling up solutions where appropriate. In this context, trust, ownership and clearly defined impact objectives were identified as important foundations for long-term partnerships.
The session also reflected on the importance of creating opportunities for researchers and students to become multipliers within their institutions and wider communities. Scholarships, academic exchanges and joint research projects can have a lasting effect when they contribute to leadership development, institutional capacity and continued cooperation beyond the initial project. The emphasis therefore shifted from measuring mobility alone towards understanding how knowledge and skills generated through international cooperation can cross borders and create wider benefits. The final presentation connected these discussions with opportunities for global partnerships in higher education and research. Africa-UniNet was presented as part of a wider landscape of international cooperation opportunities that supports long-term collaboration between Austrian and African higher education and research institutions. With 120 projects across a broad range of disciplines, the network provides a foundation for developing new partnerships and extending existing ones.
An Institutional Exchange Fair and poster exhibition subsequently provided participants with opportunities to present their institutions and research projects, exchange ideas, and identify possibilities for future collaboration.
Perspectives from Research and Practice
The second day focused on open knowledge and innovation in higher education and research. Presentations explored open-source software, AI-ready research data, collaborative innovation and entrepreneurship in Algerian universities. A recurring message was the importance of strong institutional structures, equitable partnerships and digital infrastructure in enabling research to create lasting impact.
A parallel session on sustainable spaces and environments showcased the breadth of Africa-UniNet research. Projects addressed issues including climate stress and water management, mercury contamination in gold-mining communities, wetland conservation and resilient urban development. The presentations demonstrated how interdisciplinary research and locally adapted solutions can contribute to addressing pressing environmental and social challenges
Shaping the future of Africa-UniNet
The formal General Assembly meeting focused on the network’s governance and future development. Three new universities from Egypt, Kenya and Ghana were welcomed to the network. The assembly also approved changes to the governance structure and the composition of the Africa-UniNet Board, strengthening regional representation through an expanded board with members from both Africa and Austria.
Board elections subsequently took place, with candidates representing Austria and different African regions. The eight representatives elected into the board are: Anke Bockreis (University of Innsbruck, Austria), Belachew Gebrewold (Management Center Innsbruck, Austria), Ali-Maged Gharieb (Suez University, Egypt), Astrid Erber (Med Uni Wien, Austria), June-Rose Phoshoko (Southern Africa, University of Pretoria, South Africa), Courage Kosi Setsoafia Saba (Western Africa, University for Development Studies, Ghana), Nzula Kitaka (Eastern Africa, Egerton University, Kenya), Andreas Melcher (BOKU University, Austria).The newly elected board will guide the network through its next phase, beginning in the coming year, with a continued focus on equal partnership, African ownership and closer cooperation between academic institutions.
The General Assembly also marked an important moment of transition. After seven years of leadership, Professor Hubert Hasenauer announced his departure as President of Africa-UniNet. The new presidents as of 2027 are Belachew Gebrewold (Management Center Innsbruck, Austria) and vice-president June-Rose Phoshoko (University of Pretoria, South Africa). Andreas Obrecht, who is retiring as Head of the programme, was also recognised for his contribution to the network in the final part of the programme.
Looking ahead, participants were encouraged to make use of the next Africa-UniNet call for project proposals and the network’s matchmaking platform to develop new collaborations. The next General Assembly is scheduled to take place in Austria in 2028. The 4th Africa-UniNet General Assembly closed with a strong sense of community and optimism for the future, reaffirming the network’s commitment to equal, sustainable and impactful cooperation between African and Austrian universities and research institutions.
