To mark its 75th anniversary, the Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire (CSRS) opened a symposium on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the CGECI, dedicated to the role of scientific research in sustainable development and improving the well-being of populations.

Held under the theme “Scientific Research and Public-Private Partnerships: Catalysts for Sustainable Development and Well-Being in Sub-Saharan Africa,” this event brought together numerous stakeholders from the scientific, institutional, and economic sectors. It aims, in particular, to strengthen the links between research, government, businesses, and the needs of the population.

Research as a Catalyst for Concrete Solutions

For the Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire (CSRS), this anniversary marks an important milestone, but also an opportunity to reflect on the future of research in Africa. Since its founding, the institution has sought to generate knowledge, train scientists, inform public policy, and help translate research findings into solutions that contribute to sustainable development.

CSRS Director Professor Jérémie ZOUEU stated that the Center’s 75th anniversary is not a time to rest on its laurels, but rather “a time of maturity, confidence, and responsibility.” According to him, the challenge now is to build on this legacy and pass it on to future generations. The Center thus intends to continue its work on issues such as health, biodiversity, food security, climate change, socioeconomic inequalities, and digital transformation.

However, the symposium aims to create a space for scientific exchange focused on current and future challenges. Consequently, participants are encouraged to reflect on the links between research and public policy, innovation, businesses, and the needs of the population. The stated objective is to develop concrete roadmaps, strengthen scientific networks, and open up new avenues of research that could have an impact on society.

Strengthening the Link with Scientific Research

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Professor Arsène Kobéa Toka emphasized the need to take a new step forward in the development of scientific research. “The first 75 years allowed us to build the institution. The next 25 must build an African model of collaborative research—sustainably funded, rooted in the needs of our people, and open to the world,” he stated. He also emphasized the importance of closer dialogue between researchers and public policymakers. “Research must speak to those in power, and those in power must listen to research,” he noted.

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