Pan Africa Chemistry Network congress 2026

The theme of PACN congress 2026, Connecting Chemical Sciences, Communities and Sustainability, underscores the central role of the chemical sciences in building a resilient, equitable and sustainable future for Africa and the world. 

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. 

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.   

Join us for the event as we explore critical topics related to how chemistry research in Africa contributes to achieving the UN SDGs. 

We look forward to welcoming you to this dynamic and impactful event! 

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.  Transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and developing innovative energy storage solutions are key priorities in achieving energy sustainability.  Chemical sciences are fundamental to advancing these efforts through the development of novel materials, catalysts, and processes for cleaner energy generation, storage, and conversion.  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 and technology, highlighting the importance of developing a better understanding of the levels of pollution in water resources, whilst striving for circular economy approaches in water research. By promoting sustainable water practices and strengthening the resilience of water resources, the conference aims to provide a platform to address water-related challenges across the continent.

Health

Good health is intrinsically linked to sustainability, encompassing not only individual well-being but also the health of communities and ecosystems. Chemistry plays a central role in healthcare, from drug discovery and development to innovative approaches that support disease prevention and improve health outcomes. This theme will highlight the wide-ranging impact of chemical research in addressing pressing health challenges, particularly those of major relevance to African populations.

Congress workshops

We will be hosting 2 workshops at the Congress

PACN Congress 2026 – Introduction to Machine Learning for Chemists Workshop

Introduction  The UK AI for Chemistry Hub, AIchemy, will host a half-day training workshop for chemistry researchers interested in learning the fundamentals of machine learning and exploring how these approaches can be applied to their own research.

The workshop will combine introductory teaching with hands-on practical sessions, using chemical datasets and accessible tools such as Jupyter Notebooks and Google Colab.

Who should attend? The workshop is aimed at experimental and computational chemists who would like an introduction to modern machine learning approaches and their application to chemical datasets. Participants from across Africa, including PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and academic staff, are encouraged to apply.

Learning outcomes By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to: Describe and distinguish between different approaches to learning from data. Apply simple machine learning models to chemical problems. Recognise some of the challenges involved in working with real-world chemical datasets. Explore relationships between chemical features and properties.

What do I need? Participants will need to bring their own laptop. No specific software installation is required, as the practical sessions will be delivered using Jupyter Notebooks and/or Google Colab through an internet browser. A basic working knowledge of Python would be an advantage but is not essential. The hands-on training will be tailored to the experience and background of the participants.

Places for this course are limited, you can register your interest to attend using the link provided.  You will be informed if you have a place before the Congress

PACN Congress 2026 - Leadership in Chemistry: Innovation and Entrepreneurship

This 3-hour interactive workshop explores how scientists can move from research to innovation and impact by aligning value, commercial strategy and people. It aims to strengthen participants’ ability to identify commercial opportunities, assess risks, communicate value and mobilise stakeholders. 

Working in teams around an innovation case study, participants will develop a commercialisation strategy, map key stakeholders, adapt messages for different audiences and practise networking and feedback. They will also deliver short, stakeholder-specific presentations and receive facilitator and peer feedback. 

Participants will also hear from budding African innovators already developing concepts across Africa. They will leave with practical frameworks for commercialisation, communication, relationship-building and leading innovation through influence. 

Places will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.

Deadine for both workshops - 18th October 2026