Space for Africa: Path to Knowledge and Development

1st IAA AFRICAN REGIONAL CONFERENCE

CALL FOR PAPERS

DECEMBER 3-5 2007, ABUJA, NIGERIA

 
Call for papers

Registration form

Hotels form

Abstract Submission Form

National Space Research Development Agency

 International Academy of Astronautics

Space for Africa: Path to knowledge and Development is the theme for the 2007 Conference. The Abuja conference which will specifically highlight the role   space science and technology can play in the enhancement of sustainable development in Africa. This includes inter-alia, knowledge generation, system development and applications of space science and technology, for public good, with emphasis on the role of decision makers in sustainable development efforts. The IAA will provide a platform that can attract the scientific and engineering community to accomplish the specified goals.

Honorary Chairmen         
Dr. Adigun Ade Abiodun, Nigeria
Dr. K. Kasturirangan, India

Conference co-chairmen
Ambassador Peter Jankowitsch, Austria
Prof. C.A Onwumechili, Nigeria     

Co-Vice chairmen
Director, UN-OOSA, Austria
Dr. Jean Michel Contant, IAA

General Secretary
Mr. Jide Ajayi, Nigeria

Co- International Programme Committee

Chairmen
Prof. Dr. Karl Harmsen, UN University, Ghana
Dr. Joseph O.Akinyede, NASRDA, Nigeria

Members

Call for Papers

The conference would provide a forum for the presentation and discussion of topics related to the theme,? Space for Africa: Path to Knowledge and Development ?.Papers are invited in the following areas of the conference Sub-themes:

- Space technology development with emphasis on competence building and the emergence and nurturing of space related industries. Developing engineering competence using space as a motivation. Development, design and building of small satellites and associated payloads as an affordable route to space. Emerging allied industries, spin-offs, cooperation programmes, commercial activities and including satellite data and services (Two Plenary Sessions)

- Basic space sciences with a focus on (i) astronomy and equatorial electro-jet, including past, current and future efforts in Africa and the results of such efforts; (ii) study of the upper atmosphere with emphasis on climate change in Africa; and (iii) The International Heliophysical Year (IHY) and the contributions of Africa to this effort. (One Plenary Session)

- The Equatorial orbit:  Physical characteristics, comparison of these characteristics with those of other LEOs, particularly the polar orbit. Challenges and benefits of understanding and utilizing the equatorial orbits by the developing countries, particularly those of Africa (One Plenary Session)

- Advances in Earth observation sciences and related technologies, including GIS Technologies: The applications of space-acquired data to monitor all facets of the oil industry, national security, food security, land-se and land-cover changes, landscape mosaics, resource management (desertification, flooding, water resources, (gradual extinction of Lake Chad)), pollution, disaster management including forest fires in Africa, weather and related climate change including Africa?s contributions to global warming as exemplified by the melting ice cap on Mount Kilimanjaro. (Parallel Sessions)

- Future Trends in Communications
Rural communication, rural health delivery, growth and usage of bandwidth, spectrum slicing, satellite communication application in tele-health, tele-education, e-comers and e-government. (Parallel Sessions)

- Sustainability of the space enterprise
Appreciation and understanding of the role of space sciences in societal developments, Role of decision makers, funding, capacity building (including professional education, institutional building and related infrastructure), collaborative efforts (bilateral and multilateral).

Format

An abstract of half a page of A4 size, should be submitted to the International programme  Committee not later than 30 September, 2007.Prospective participants will be informed of the acceptance of their abstracts on or before 15 October, 2007. Full papers, not more than 12 pages of A4 size on font 12 of accepted abstracts should be received by the programme committee, with a modified abstract, if necessary, on or before the 30 October 2007. Acceptance of full papers and papers for poster sessions will be communicated by 30 November, 2007. Abstracts should be submitted in, Microsoft Word (12 point Times New Roman), with bolded headings, author/s name, e-mail and affiliation at the top.

Accommodation

Hotel rooms and rates have been negotiated.

Registration

Prospective participants can take advantage of the early registration fees and discounts as highlighted

Registration form will also be available on site.

Exhibits           

The Exhibition hall will feature scientific exhibits as well as space hardware products and services. Please refer to the ?? Space for Africa: Path to Knowledge and Development 2007 ?

Transportation details (International & Local)

The following airlines fly to Abuja and Lagos, British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Virgin Nigeria, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Bellview, South African Airlines, Kenya Airlines and a few others. However KLM, British Airways and Lufthansa fly directly to Abuja. Please visit their websites for further information.

There are 6 local airlines that fly from Lagos to Abuja daily. The Airlines are as follows:
Virgin Nigeria, Aerocontractor, Chanchangi, Bellview, Arik and IRS. Their fares range between N13, 000 and N18, 000 or $107 - $140 depending on when booking is made. There are flights from Lagos to Abuja every 1 ? 2 hours. Delegates are advised to route there flights directly to Abuja from their home countries if possible.
Arrangements will be made to meet delegates at both Lagos and Abuja airports; transfer?s arrangements will be made where necessary. Please note that delegates will be required to fill the travel itinerary in the registration forms.

Transport arrangements will be made from each hotel to the Conference location.

VISA:
Foreign delegates are required to fill their passport details on the registration form and forward it to the contact addresses provided. This is required to enable the secretariat to send a formal invitation to the delegates. All Nigeria Embassies abroad have been informed about the Conference to prevent delay in processing visas.

Contacts:

General Secretary: Jide AJAYI, National Space Research and Development Agency, e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Phone: 234-802-340-1381, 234-807-584-9733 or 234-(9)-2342203 Fax: +234-(9)-4132624