From May 18 to 22, 2026, the Africa Pandemic Sciences Collaborative (APSC) brought together 35 experts in Cape Town from research institutions and academies across 11 countries, including Mali’s University Clinical Research Center. This strategic workshop aimed to structure the EPSILON communication network and transform research into concrete public health policies through science communication. On the sidelines of the event, Alex Kandie, Head of Communications for the APSC, gave an exclusive interview on the ambitions of this gathering PODCAST.

Could you please introduce yourself?

Alex: Hello. My name is Alex Kandie, and I am a science communication professional. I have the privilege of leading the communications department at the Africa Pandemic Sciences Collaborative, better known as the APSC.

Can you tell us about the 5-day workshop currently taking place in Cape Town?

 Alex: Absolutely. This five-day workshop in Cape Town is a historic milestone for us. It is the very first time that representatives from the communication units across our entire network are meeting in person. This event is designed to give our teams a unified vision of the collaborative, harmonize our working methods, and clearly define how science communication can support the continent’s economic and health goals.

What are the main objectives of this workshop?

 Alex: We are focusing on three major priorities: Ensuring that all teams align on the core identity, goals, and daily operations of the collaborative; determining how communication can actively influence scientific research and better prepare the continent for epidemics; and building a strong, supportive pan-African network of science communicators where everyone can learn from one another.

How many participants are attending, and which countries do they represent?

Alex: We have gathered about 35 participants. They form a diverse group coming from more than 11 countries across Africa and Europe, including Mali, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Burkina Faso, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, as well as the United Kingdom, Spain…

Could you explain to us what the SFA and the EPSILON network are?

Alex: They are the institutional pillars of our collaborative: The SFA (Science for Africa Foundation): This is a pan-African non-profit organization dedicated to promoting science and innovation. Its guiding motto is « Science to Impact, » with a core focus on sustainable development. EPSILON (Epidemic and Pandemic Innovation and Science Leadership Networks): This network connects seven centers of scientific excellence across Africa. They conduct research in areas such as vaccinology, social sciences, and public health to provide data that helps governments strengthen their resilience against future crises.

Closing remarks: Do you have a final word or closing statement?

Alex: My conclusion is that scientific research alone is no longer enough if it remains locked behind the paywalls of academic journals. Policymakers and ordinary citizens urgently need clear, accessible information to make choices. Science communication is the vital bridge that transforms raw data into life-saving policies, making it a central pillar for building a healthier and more resilient Africa.

WAC-CREP Communication Office