Signing of the partnership framework agreement between AUF and Acfas: the renewal of a long-standing collaboration between the two organizations

Over 6,000 delegates from Quebec, Canada and around the world gathered on the University of Ottawa campus and online from May 13 to 17, 2024 to take part in the 91st Acfas Congress. On the sidelines of this major event for the French-speaking scientific community, the Rector of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), Prof. Slim Khalbous, Acfas President Martin Maltais and Executive Director Sophie Montreuil signed a framework partnership agreement for the period 2024-2027.

This is the third consecutive cooperation agreement signed between the two organizations. It follows on from the 2021-2023 framework agreement, which came to an end on January 25, 2024. The two parties have placed particular emphasis on cooperation in the field of training and the promotion of scientific communication practices, including the RaccourSci platform, an initiative launched by the two partners to celebrate the launch of the RaccourSci website.This includes the RaccourSci platform, an initiative launched by the two partners and soon to celebrate its fifth anniversary, and the "Ma thèse en 180 secondes" international competition, whose international final is now in its tenth year.The final will be hosted and organized by the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie in November 2024 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Collaboration in the promotion of research in French and scientific diplomacy is also at the heart of this new framework agreement.

" The promotion of science in French and the development of societies through knowledge are common objectives of the AUF and Acfas. Our joint initiatives include the RaccourSci digital platform and the "Ma thèse en 180 secondes" (My thesis in 180 seconds) competition, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2024; two projects that aim to disseminate science and knowledge in French. Our long-standing collaboration and the renewal of our framework agreement will enable us to develop other initiatives that will contribute to providing food for thought on the challenges of research and the Francophonie in science," emphasized Prof. Slim Khalbous, Rector of the AUF.

" We are delighted to renew our framework agreement with the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie, a major ally and partner in the promotion and influence of the French-speaking world of science. Our fruitful collaboration has led to the creation of RaccourSci, an essential platform offering clear, concrete and concise resources and tips to the research community on how to communicate science effectively. The continuation of our partnership will undoubtedly enable us to continue working together to train the next generation of scientists and to promote research in French on an international scale ", added Martin Maltais, President of Acfas.

Source: www.auf.org