The Ethiopian Academy of Sciences (EAS) is an independent, membership-based, not-for-profit organization founded in March 2010 as a registered NGO by a group of prominent scholars from various disciplines and professions. An Act of Parliament (Proclamation No. 783/2013) officially recognized the Academy in March 2013. The main objective of the Academy is to promote and support a culture of science, scientific research, science education, technology transfer, and innovation. Its core activities include providing evidence-based policy advice to the government and other stakeholders, conducting consensus studies, popularizing science, technology, and innovation, building capacity, disseminating information, hosting public and panel lectures, and facilitating networking.
VISION
To be the premium organization in Ethiopia for the advancement of scientific culture.
MISSION
To foster scientific culture, knowledge, and innovation for societal development in Ethiopia.
ACTIVITIES
Policy Advising: Providing well-considered expert opinions on critical issues and promoting public dialogue through various platforms.
Consensus Studies: Conducting studies on critical national issues to provide evidence-based policy advice to the government and stakeholders.
Public Engagement: Organizing conferences, panel discussions, intellectual debates, workshops, symposia, and public lectures on themes and topics that fall within its objectives.
Science, Technology, and Innovation Promotion: Establish centers such as the Science Center, STEM Center, Science Museum, and Creative Art Center to inspire passion for science and the arts among the public.
Publications: Publishing journals, periodicals, and peer-reviewed books to disseminate scientific knowledge.
Capacity Building: Enhancing scientific research on areas of special importance with the active involvement of Ethiopian scholars from all disciplines.
GOVERNANCE AND ORGANIZATION
The Governing organs of the Academy include:
- EAS General Assembly (includes all Fellows);
- EAS Board (elected by the general assembly);
- EAS Executive Committee (composed of the President, Principal Vice President, Vice President, Treasurer, and the Executive Director).
MEMBERSHIP
The Academy has the following three categories of membership based on the nominee’s election by the General Assembly:
- Fellows (Ethiopians residing in Ethiopia – currently 222)
- Associate Fellows (Non-Ethiopians – currently 88)
- Honorary Fellows (who have made significant contributions to the strengthening and success of the Academy).
MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA
The major criteria of selection include:
- Scholarly publications/professional contributions
- Contribution to the growth of one’s field
- International stature
- Services to the Ethiopian society
Members of the Academy are also organized by the General Assembly into the following six sectoral Working Groups to facilitate their engagement in activities of the Academy:
- Agriculture Working Group
- Engineering and Technology Working Group
- Fine Arts Working Group
- Health Working Group
- Natural Science Working Group and
- Social Sciences and Humanities Working Group
CENTERS AND SERVICES AT EAS
- Science Center: A facility aimed at promoting science education and awareness among the public.
- Creative Art Center: A space dedicated to fostering creativity and integrating arts with science.
- Ethiopian Academy Press: A facility serving as the publishing arm of the academy for scholarly works and findings.
- Ethiopian Academy of Science Library: A facility aimed at providing support for the learning environment and creating a vibrant public space, and enhancing social and intellectual engagement.