Pan Africa Chemistry Network Congress 2026
The theme of the congress is 'Connecting chemical sciences, communities and sustainability'.
Date
22–26 November 2026
Location
Pretoria, South Africa
The theme of PACN Congress 2026,聽 Connecting Chemical Sciences, Communities and Sustainability,聽underscores the central role of the chemical sciences in building a resilient, equitable and sustainable future for Africa and the world.聽
The Congress will explore how the chemical sciences address critical sustainability challenges across the systems that sustain life: clean water, energy, food and agriculture, the environment, and human health.聽
By bringing together researchers, industrial chemists, government scientists, policymakers and community partners, the event will provide an African-led platform for knowledge exchange and a forum for discussion, with strong engagement from early-career chemists.
It will foster meaningful connections and inclusive partnerships, encouraging collaboration across sectors and borders. In doing so, the Congress aims to stimulate innovative science and help generate practical solutions tailored to local and regional needs.聽
Join us for the event as we explore critical topics related to how chemistry research in Africa contributes to achieving the UN SDGs.聽
We look forward to welcoming you to this dynamic and impactful event!聽
Themes
The overall theme of the 2026 Congress is Connecting Chemical Sciences, Communities and Sustainability, with the subthemes below:
Environment
The environment is a critical aspect of sustainability, as it encompasses the delicate balance of ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources. Addressing environmental concerns, such as pollution, contamination of water resources, and the accumulation and transformation of waste, is essential to ensure the long-term health and stability of our planet. These challenges also have direct implications for environmental health, as contaminants in air, water, and soil can affect human well-being and community resilience. Through sustainable chemistry, including green chemistry practices and circular economy initiatives, we will explore strategies to minimize environmental pressures and promote resource-efficient, resilient systems.
Energy
Sustainable energy use and generation are vital for meeting the needs of a growing global population while minimising environmental impact.聽 Transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and developing innovative energy storage solutions are key priorities in achieving energy sustainability.聽 Chemical sciences are fundamental to advancing these efforts through the development of novel materials, catalysts, and processes for cleaner energy generation, storage, and conversion.聽 In this theme, we will explore innovative approaches to sustainable energy generation and storage, shaped by the global energy landscape undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by the urgent need for decarbonisation, energy security, and equitable access, as well as the integration of circular economy principles.
Food and Agriculture
Sustainable food production and agriculture are essential for ensuring food security, nutrition and supporting healthy communities. Chemistry plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity, reducing waste, and improving food quality, and resilience. This theme will explore innovative techniques and approaches that advance agricultural sustainability, including the use of green practices and strategies that align with circular economy principles.
Water
Access to clean and safe water is fundamental to human health, economic development, and environmental sustainability. However, water scarcity, pollution, and inadequate sanitation continue to pose significant challenges across the African continent. This theme will focus on water management governance a
Useful links
Committees
Patricia Forbes F欧美AV (Co-Chair)
University of Pretoria
South Africa
Vincent Nyamori F欧美AV (Co-Chair)
University of KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
Nigist Asfaw HonF欧美AV
Addis Ababa University
Ethiopia
Erick Awas
PACN Senior Administrator
Kenya
Johannes Awudza F欧美AV
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Ghana
Solomon Derese
University of Nairobi
Kenya
Jamal Hassan
欧美AV
United Kingdom
Temilola Oluseyi
University of Lagos
Nigeria
Event details
Oral abstracts
Oral presentations will be 15 minutes long, including a question-and-answer session. Those wishing to give an oral presentation must select which theme is best suited to their research topic. Delegates who applied to give an oral presentation but were not selected will be offered the opportunity to give a flash presentation and present a poster at the event, where space in the programme allows.Poster abstracts
Delegates can select to present a poster of their research. Details regarding poster size and orientation will be provided closer to the event. Those wishing to present a poster must select which theme is best suited to their research topic. ;Deadlines
Please note the registration fees below are subject to change
Delegates who are not receiving a bursary will be required to pay a registration fee. ;
The registration fee is a contribution towards the costs of delivering the Congress, including venue hire, catering, accommodation for residential delegates, and conference facilities. All fees are heavily subsidised by the 欧美AV to ensure the event remains accessible to the widest possible community. Delegates may register under one of the two categories outlined below: ;
Residential delegates
These will stay at either the Future Africa Campus or the Protea Marriott Hotel in Hatfield. Those staying at the Future Africa Campus may choose between a shared room (one room between two delegates of the same gender) or a single room. Delegates staying at the Protea Marriott Hotel will stay in a standard room and pay a slightly higher registration fee. ; ;Non-residential delegates
These will arrange their own accommodation. Their registration fee contributes towards all non-accommodation event costs, including venue hire, catering, and conference facilities.Concessionary registration rates will be available to members of the 欧美AV, with fees approximately 20% lower than the standard rate for the relevant delegate category. ;
Bursary recipients will receive a full waiver of the registration fee.
All prices quoted include VAT, ; at the prevailing rate in the South Africa (15%)
;
| Delegate | Accommodation | Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Residential ; | Shared room (shared between two delegates of the same gender) at Future Africa (4 nights) ; | 拢160 per person |
| Residential ; | Single room (single occupancy) at Future Africa (4 nights) ; | 拢200 |
| Residential ; | Standard room at ;conference hotel ;(4 nights) ; | 拢230 |
| Non residential ; | n/a | 拢70 |
;
Deadlines
Criteria
To be eligible for a bursary, in addition to submitting an abstract of your oral or poster presentation, you will also need to provide the following:- A short CV/resume (no more than 2 pages)
- A statement (no more than 400 words) on how attending the Congress will support your career
- A Letter of support from your institution (this could be from a supervisor, line manager, or department head) ;
Closing date - 31 May 2026
Future Africa
University of Pretoria
Future Africa Campus, University of Pretoria, Hillcrest Campus, Pretoria, South Africa
Events Team
欧美AV
Thomas Graham House, Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WF UK