From 6–9 July 2026, the Faculty of Science and Technology (FAST), University of Abomey-Calavi, in partnership with the African Astronomical Society (AfAS), successfully organised the First Summer School in Astronomy in Benin at the Francophone Digital Campus of the University of Abomey-Calavi.
Held in a hybrid format, the Summer School brought together professor-researchers, researchers, PhD candidates, postgraduate students, educators, and astronomy enthusiasts under the theme “Astrophysics for Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa.” The initiative aimed to strengthen astronomy education and research capacity while fostering regional collaboration and knowledge exchange.
A Comprehensive Astronomy Programme
Over four days, participants explored a broad range of astronomy and astrophysics topics through lectures, practical workshops, and discussions delivered by experts from across Africa and beyond. The programme covered stellar astrophysics, exoplanets, radio astronomy, galaxies, cosmology, high-energy astrophysics, multi-messenger astronomy, and modern astronomical data analysis, while also highlighting the growing role of artificial intelligence, open astronomical databases, and emerging observational technologies in contemporary research.
The programme also emphasised the strong interdisciplinary nature of astronomy, illustrating how concepts from classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, quantum physics, nuclear physics, particle physics, general relativity, optics, fluid dynamics, statistics, and signal processing all contribute to understanding the Universe.
Strengthening Astronomy Capacity in Africa
Beyond the scientific lectures, the Summer School provided participants with opportunities to develop practical skills, exchange ideas with experienced researchers, and build professional networks across the African astronomy community.
Sessions also explored astronomy education, entrepreneurship, amateur astronomy, and future development pathways, encouraging participants to consider how astronomy can contribute to scientific innovation and sustainable development throughout the continent. The event concluded with participant feedback, discussions on future collaboration, the presentation of certificates, and the development of a post-school roadmap to sustain the momentum generated during the programme.
High-Level Institutional Engagement
The Summer School also benefited from the support of Professor Clément Kouchadé, Minister of Secondary Education and Technical and Vocational Training of Benin, who also serves as Head of the Department of Physics at the University of Abomey-Calavi. Professor Kouchadé officially opened the Summer School, underscoring the importance of astronomy and science education for the country’s future.
Following the opening ceremony, representatives from AfAS met privately with the Minister at his ministry to discuss opportunities for strengthening astronomy education in Benin. Discussions focused on introducing astronomy into the national secondary school curriculum and expanding astronomy teaching and training at the Master’s level, reflecting a shared commitment to developing the next generation of African astronomers.
Building Future Collaborations
The First Summer School in Astronomy represents an important milestone in strengthening astronomy education in Benin and reflects the shared commitment of the University of Abomey-Calavi and the African Astronomical Society to developing scientific capacity across Africa.
AfAS congratulates the organisers, lecturers, partners, and participants for the successful delivery of this inaugural Summer School and looks forward to supporting future initiatives that expand access to astronomy education, research, and international collaboration across the continent.
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