Latest news with #ScienceWeek
Morocco World
21-02-2025
- Science
- Morocco World
UM6P Science Week 2025 Closes with Promise of African Leadership in Science
Ben Guerir – Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) concluded its ambitious Science Week today, marking a milestone in Morocco's journey to becoming a leading force in global scientific innovation. The five-day event confirmed Africa's growing scientific capabilities and its emergence as an independent go-getter of research and development. Hosted at UM6P's state-of-the-art campus in Ben Guerir, Science Week brought together researchers, innovators, and thought leaders from across Africa and beyond. UM6P President Hicham El Habti delivered a rousing closing ceremony speech to wrap up the fifth edition of Science Week. 'What was shared during the week, the energy that was here and there was just amazing,' he said. UM6P President Hicham El Habti 'I think that we have now achieved what we have in mind where we have to celebrate science.' This year's theme, 'Shaping the Future,' drew attention to how African scientists can collaborate to address the continent's unique approaches to addressing Africa's as well as global challenges. The event's rich program revolved around sustainable development, food security, artificial intelligence, innovation, and solutions tailored to African contexts. This year's Science Week also succeeded in reflecting UM6P's growing role as a catalyst for pan-African scientific collaboration. Through its various research platforms and partnerships, the university has created a network that connects researchers across the continent, fostering a uniquely burgeoning African scientific ecosystem. Of the event's significance for Moroccan and African students, El Habti said: 'We have to give the opportunity to our students to share what they are working on.' He pointed to the importance of such gatherings in shaping the future of science across the continent. Read also: AI in Healthcare: Promises vs Realities for Africa's Medical Systems Science Week's Scientific Director Fouad Laroui expressed satisfaction with the event's growing prominence in the global scientific landscape. Since its inception in 2020, he told Morocco World News, Science Week has positioned itself as a crucial platform where UM6P researchers engage with world-leading scientists. In line with its motto, 'At the frontiers of science,' Science Week 2025 brought together high-flying academic discussions and real-world innovative projects. Fouad Laroui, Science Week's Scientific Director He further specified that UM6P's Science Week particularly echoes Africa's development challenges. Its panels and networking engagements typically focus on Africa-specific research priorities. Science should help resolve pressing concerns like food security for Africa's growing population and the need to create employment opportunities for millions of graduating youth, he concluded. Convergence is the future of science Looking ahead to next year's edition, Laroui unveiled at today's closing ceremony an ambitious theme of 'Convergence,' with a particular emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration. Science Week Next Year's Theme He argued that this approach reflects a broader trend in global science: the convergence of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and cognitive sciences. Next year's edition should engage with this type of convergence and have crossed projects in its agenda, he announced. Read also: UM6P, STATION F Partner to Empower Agritech, Greentech, and Healthtech Startups He envisions its panel sessions to bring together different departments and faculties and reflect UM6P's cross-disciplinary vision. Reflecting UM6P's spirit of initiative and proactivity in positioning Morocco as a hub to bolster Africa's scientific landscape, Laroui noted 'We're closing one Science Week and immediately beginning preparation for the next.' For Laroui, UM6P's ultimate hope with this transformative event is to set the stage for future scientific endeavors that will continue to position Morocco and Africa at the forefront of global innovation. As it concluded today, Science Week left behind a legacy of cross-disciplinary dialogue and ambitious collaborations.
Morocco World
20-02-2025
- Science
- Morocco World
Digital Agriculture: Bridging the Tech Gap in African Farming
Ben Guerir – The fourth day of UM6P's Science Week gathered experts to discuss the future of digital agriculture in Africa, shedding light on the immense potential and significant challenges of the continent's agriculture transformation journey. Ken Lohento, Digital Agriculture specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) regional office for Africa, pointed to striking statistics. He revealed that only 5% of small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa regularly use digital technology, while a vast majority is left unable to benefit from agricultural innovations. This digital divide is further complicated by infrastructure challenges, with approximately 50% of communities lacking reliable access to electricity. Speaking today during a session on Agritech and Digital Divide, Lehonto spoke of stark contrasts between nations across the continent. 'Africa is not one country,' he said. While countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, Morocco, and Tunisia have shown significant progress in digital agriculture adoption, others such as Togo, Niger, Chad, and Guinea face considerable obstacles. Mustapha El Bouhssini, Entomology Professor and Associate Dean for Research at UM6P's College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, spoke to Morocco World News (MWN) of how digital agriculture and agroecology can shape farming's future in Morocco and Africa. 'With digital agriculture, it's precision agriculture,' he explained, describing how modern technology enables farmers to optimize resource use through precise soil analysis and targeted application of inputs. The integration of artificial intelligence and mobile applications is revolutionizing farm management, he argued . Mustapha El Bouhssini, Entomology Professor and Associate Dean for Research at UM6P Read also: OCP Nutricrops, UM6P, French Partners Join Forces for Sustainable Agricultural Solutions Digital innovations now enable farmers to photograph crop symptoms using their phones to receive immediate guidance on nutrient deficiencies or advice on pest control measures. However, while larger farms are already benefiting from advanced technologies like drones and sensors, cost remains a significant barrier for smaller farmers. Morocco's agritech promising initiative Morocco's agricultural sector features promising developments in this digital transformation. El Bouhssini said that the country aims to 'implement conservation agriculture across one million hectares in the coming years,' a crucial step as Morocco has undergone an ongoing seven-year drought. With 100 engineers working throughout Morocco, UM6P's Al Moutmir extension service reflects Morocco's commitment to technology transfer, though digital solutions are needed to reach a broader farming population In terms of ecoagriculture, El Bouhssini noted that their research at UM6P is focused on 'pest management approaches.' 'These are environmentally friendly means of controlling diseases and pests rather than relying on pesticides only,' he added. As African nations work to achieve food security, experts agree that success will require a balanced approach combining digital innovation with sustainable practices. This includes the precision application of essential nutrients like phosphorus, where Morocco's vast phosphate reserves could play a crucial role in supporting continental food security, while ensuring environmental protection through smart resource management. Both international and UM6P's agriculture experts asserted today the need for AI in boosting Africa's agriculture transition. Meanwhile, of UM6P's role in Africa's agriculture transformation journey, El Bouhssini said: 'We hope through our research that we really contribute to the food security in Africa by adding really the needed amount of phosphorus and other fertilizers and other input.'
Morocco World
19-02-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
AI in Healthcare: Promises vs Realities for Africa's Medical Systems
Ben Guerir – The third day of UM6P's Science Week focused on Morocco's vision of AI applications in the health sector. Rachid El Fatimy, Dean of the UM6P's Faculty of Medical Sciences, set the tone for the day's discussions by addressing the rapid evolution of healthcare. Speaking at the beginning of the conference on medical sciences, El Fatimy said that 'medicine and healthcare is changing faster than ever. It's really challenging for us to follow what happens actually, and AI is playing a major role in this transformation.' Rachid El Fatimy, Dean of the UM6P's Faculty of Medical Sciences The conference tackled pressing questions about AI's integration into medical practice. 'Can AI replace system medical specificities? How can it improve patient care without taking away the human connection between the professional and patient?' El Fatimy posed these central questions. In response, he argued that 'the future of medicine is about much more than AI.' In an interview with Morocco World News, El Fatimy stressed the need for AI to help within the healthcare system, now that the technology is 'performing very well in helping physicians, doctors, for the diagnosis.' He further elaborated that 'by using the data, the available data in the healthcare system, the AI now is able to help, to support, to support the physician almost every day,' thus contributing to the healthcare sector. Fresh from a global nephrology congress in New Delhi, Intissar Haddiya, professor of nephrology at Mohammed I University in Oujda, shared insights from her recent research across ten African countries. Read also: Morocco Sets Stage for AI Future with GenAI Summit Later speaking to Morocco World News (MWN), Haddiya drew a clear distinction between AI as an assistant and as a replacement. Intissar Haddiya, professor of nephrology at Mohammed I University in Oujda She said that AI will not replace humans, but rather boost doctors' performance and productivity 'AI will not replace us, just as calculators did not replace mathematicians and autopilot programs did not replace pilots,' Haddiya explained. She warned, however, that 'doctors who adopt and use AI responsibly in the future will replace those who don't.' The technology shows particular promise in specialties involving imaging and structured data. She spoke in particular of AI's applications in radiology and oncology, stressing: 'AI can detect lesions that are very small, that the human eye cannot screen or detect. It can also detect some lesions years before they become really seen and established.' Haddiya delivered a compelling presentation on AI's role in transforming healthcare, particularly in addressing Africa's medical challenges. Intissar Haddiya's presentation The UM6P Science Week itself represents a significant milestone for Moroccan healthcare research. 'This is a very nice and insightful and prestigious scientific event that builds bridges between scientists and researchers from across the world and fosters collaboration and insights from various fields of science,' Haddiya explained. Read also: UM6P's Bet on Entrepreneurship, Innovation Is Driving Morocco's AI Leadership She told MWN that the scientific gathering provides 'a great opportunity for us as Moroccan researchers to develop new research topics and to work together and broaden our horizons in terms of research.' Prior to her interview with MWN, Haddiya's presentation on the role of AI in boosting doctors' productivity had stressed the incredible pace and precision of AI-assisted diagnosis. 'Imagine a doctor capable of reviewing millions of medical records in seconds, without fatigue or inattention, detecting anomalies invisible to the human eye and predicting diseases before symptoms appear,' she began, noting: 'This isn't science fiction – this AI doctor already exists.' Haddiya's recent research, published in both French and English, examines healthcare systems across ten African countries, revealing significant challenges. 'Our study showed alarming disparities in healthcare access,' she noted, elaborating that 'in some countries, patients must cross four borders to receive specialized care.' Haddiya also spoke of how particularly pressing challenges are significantly shifting the overall medical knowledge. 'In the 1950s, medical knowledge doubled every 50 years. During the COVID pandemic, it was every 70 days. Now, it's around three weeks,' she noted, adding: 'No human can stay informed of all advances.' Read also: Morocco Takes Lead in Shaping Global Scientific Future at UM6P Science Week Haddiya cited recent studies that show how patient interaction still favors human doctors. The studies reported that '80% of patients found AI consultations effective and informative,' while 'human doctors scored even better at 91%,' she said. For African healthcare systems, AI presents an opportunity to address resource gaps and improve access to specialized care. As healthcare continues to evolve, the integration of AI appears not just beneficial but necessary, especially in regions facing significant health-related challenges. In the face of such pressing concerns, UM6P's Science Week hopes to provide the ground for promising discussions aimed at enhancing Morocco's and Africa's scientific presence in a wide range of fields, as leaders rather than followers.
Morocco World
19-02-2025
- Science
- Morocco World
UM6P's Bet on Entrepreneurship, Innovation Is Driving Morocco's AI Leadership
Ben Guerir – As world-leading experts gathered yesterday for the second day of UM6P's Science Week fifth edition, Morocco World News (MWN) sat down with UM6P's College of Computing's director Ali Kettani to discuss Morocco's evolving artificial intelligence (AI) landscape and its potential to drive both regional and global innovation. Throughout the conversation, Kettani spoke emphatically of the crucial role of education and entrepreneurship in positioning Morocco as an emerging hub for AI development. At the heart of the rapidly evolving AI conversation in Morocco and across Africa is the significance of channeling local expertise to devise AI models capable of resolving the most pressing local, national, and continental concerns, he argued. MWN's conversation with Kettani further touched on recent global AI developments, including breakthroughs by companies like OpenAI and DeepSeek. Morocco has 'everything that it takes to develop our own technology to address our own challenges,' especially in areas such as health, mobility, energy, and climate change, he insisted. UM6P's College of Computing is significantly contributing to this technological transformation. The institute has successfully attracted outstanding professors and researchers in computer sciences, AI, and cybersecurity; an academic excellence that, in turn, draws excellent students from Morocco and beyond. Kettani talked of the rapid evolution of AI and how 'it is going to be a key disruption beyond even the inception of the Internet.' On a domestic level, he mentioned the transformative potential of AI, focusing on the necessity of building local AI capabilities and investing in education to ensure Morocco's competitive position in the global tech landscape. Read also: Artificial Intelligence in Morocco: The Need for an Integrated Public Policy The College of Computing at UM6P represents Morocco's bold step in this direction, Kettani suggested, noting how its overarching mission is to serve as an educational hub that nurtures the next generation of tech innovators. Kettani also spoke of the growing significance and relevance of entrepreneurship in the emerging global market. 'I deeply believe[s] that if there is one field where young Moroccan talent, young African talent […] could thrive is through start-ups in launching their own companies, addressing challenges all around us,' he said. Kettani envisions a future where local entrepreneurs, Moroccans and Africans, tackle not only regional issues but also contribute to solving global challenges in health, mobility, energy, and climate change. With this investment in education and focus on entrepreneurship, UM6P ultimately hopes to position itself as an indispensable player in the future of AI development and implementation in Morocco and across Africa. A flagship event that brings together leading minds in technology and innovation, UM6P's Science features a diverse program focusing on artificial intelligence, sustainable development, and technological entrepreneurship, among others. As it becomes a platform for knowledge exchange and networking, the week-long conference is reinforcing UM6P's commitment to fostering science, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Morocco's rapidly evolving tech ecosystem. Tags: AI innovationMorocco AIMorocco entrepreneurshipMorocco technology
Morocco World
18-02-2025
- Science
- Morocco World
Expert: Phosphorus Puts Morocco at Heart of Global Quest for Sustainability
Ben Guerir – UM6P's Science Week is increasingly turning into the ultimate platform shedding light on Morocco's rise as a leading African voice in a range of strategic sectors. The North African country processes the largest raw phosphate reserve, thus putting it at the heart of Africa's and the world's quest for sustainability, a prominent expert emphatically argued on Tuesday in his keynote speech on the opening day of UM6P's Science Week. Jacob Jones speaking at the inauguration of the fifth edition of UM6P's Science Week Jacob Jones, Director of Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS), delivered his keynote presentation on phosphorus sustainability, focusing on Morocco's pivotal role in this critical resource. 'Morocco is the ideal location to have such conversations because of its key position in world phosphorus sustainability,' Jones noted, referring to Morocco's control of approximately 70% of global phosphate rock reserves. Phosphorus drives key plant processes like energy and nutrient transport, photosynthesis, and cell division. Thus, when applied correctly, phosphorus-rich fertilizers boost the availability of this vital nutrient for crops, enhancing their growth and productivity. On the sidelines of a presentation on Phosphorus and Sustainability, Jones spoke of the contribution of phosphorus to sustainability. In an interview with Morocco World News (MWN) Jones said: as holder of 70% of the world's phosphate rock reserves,' Morocco is well positioned as 'an ideal leadership to help convene the world on understanding sustainability of phosphate use.' Jacob Jones, Director of Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Jones further explained to MWN that 'as the holder of 70% of the world's phosphate rock reserves,' Morocco is well positioned as 'an ideal leadership to help convene the world on understanding sustainability of phosphate use.' Read also: Morocco Takes Lead in Shaping Global Scientific Future at UM6P Science Week STEPS' director outlined dramatic future challenges, particularly in Africa, noting that 'over the next 75 years, the United Nations projects that the greatest population growth will be in sub-Saharan Africa.' In particular, he explained , 'countries like Nigeria are projected to need over a 900% increase in phosphorus between now and 2050.' As the Science Week gathers scientists from different fields, Jones's presentation focused on the weight of interdisciplinary approaches to tackle these challenges. 'What we must not do is work in silos as scientists,' Jones warned, advocating for what he calls a 'convergence approach' that integrates diverse fields from microbiology to computer science and engineering. The STEPS Center's work includes innovative research methods, such as using Bayesian hierarchical modeling to track phosphorus flows across continents. Jones explained that understanding the relationships between climate, agriculture, and soil chemistry in driving phosphorus concentrations demonstrates why nutrient management must be tailored to different ecological regions, including Africa. The convergence of Science Week's vision for African scientific leadership and Jones's expertise in phosphorus sustainability highlights UM6P's unique position at the intersection of global challenges and local solutions. The Science Week program will continue through February 23. Featuring sessions on artificial intelligence, sustainable agriculture, future careers, and the intersection of science, ethics, and philosophy, it reflects UM6P's commitment to interdisciplinary approaches to global challenges.
