Research in Central Africa : Dr. J. E. Keyston

Abstract

SUPPORT was forthcoming from all branches of scientific opinion for proposals put forward in 1946 at the Royal Society Empire Scientific Conference that research in Africa, south of the equator, should be planned and organised on a regional basis. Even before the Conference, the three Central African territories of Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland were contemplating arrangements for a joint attack upon the research problems of their own sub-region of Africa, and for collaboration with the research organisations in, the neighbouring territories of East Africa and the Union of South Africa. The Central African Council, which is a consultative assembly of representatives of the three Central African countries, has given effect to proposals made by a Special Committee on Joint Research set up at the end of 1945, by appointing a ‘research ‘secretary whose first duty will be to survey the research facilities available in the Central African, East African and South African territories, to report on any additional facilities required in Central Africa and on the relations to be established between research work and workers in Central Africa and in other countries. This survey is expected to lead to recommendations regarding the nature, priority and future organisation of research in Central Airica.