UDs hosts 1st Pan African Crystallography Conference

A Platform for Development

Dschang, SIC/UDs-06/10/16.The University of Dschang in its glamour hosted the 1^st Pan African crystallography conference with the aim to maximise the scientific impact of crystallography for a sustainable development in Africa and in the developing world and make African Universities autonomous in the study and research in Crystallography. The conference which gathered over 200 participants from various countries world-wide was presided over by the Vice chancellor of the University Prof Tsafack Roger Nanfosso. During the launching ceremony which took place at the Amphi theatre 1000 of the University at 7.30 pm, the Mayor of the Dschang Council represented by the first Deputy Assistant, Prof Temgoua Emile welcomed participants, stating that the town of Dschang was privileged to host the conference. Prof Emile added that the forum is aimed at regrouping researchers of different fields in order to popularize crystallography and hence reinforce capacity. He gave a brief history of the touristic town and encouraged the participants to avail themselves of the pleasant scenery during the 5 day stay in Dschang. The President of the Organizing committee and Chairman of the Cameroon Crystallography Association, Prof Ignas Tonle Kenfack, in his address acclaimed that it was a big day for the Cameroon Crystallography Association as Dschang will serve as a 5 day world’s capital for Crystallography. He lauded the support of Prof Anaclet Fomethe’s contribution and the present Vice Chancellor for their support in facilitating the hosting of the event. He equally appreciated members of the organizing committee, international bodies’ sponsors and partners. Prof Kenfack outlined that the 5 day conference will be characterised by project research, sessions, roundtables, poster presentations among other activities.The President of the European Crystallography Association, Prof Alessia Bachi in her address stated that the Association was committed in establishing a network in crystallography all over the French, English and Latin community. She traced the initiative of the African Association and emphasised the need to implement strategies to promote the participation of young African students in Crystallography. She stated that the conference was a corner stone for the birth of a newassociation with Africa/