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The inaugural CBSI Annual Conference, held in Brazzaville from 7–9 January 2026, marked a significant milestone for environmental research and capacity building in the Congo Basin. Bringing together all 31 students supported through UK International Development funding under the Congo Rainforest Alliance for Forest Training for Sustainable Development (CRAFT–Sustainable Development) programme, the event served as a platform to showcase early-stage research and foster collaboration among emerging scientists. Launched in 2025, the CRAFT programme is designed to train a new generation of highly qualified scientists to conduct future studies of the Congo Basin’s climate-water-forest-people system, and lobby for evidence-based decision making. The 31 bursary students have been allocated to six thematic observatories, each addressing a key area of research relevant to the sustainability and resilience of the Congo Basin: Climate and Meteorology, Hydrology and Freshwater, Vegetation, Soil and Biogeochemistry, Biodiversity, Land Cover and Land Use Change, Socio-ecology. A key highlight of the conference was a series of interviews with six selected students, one per observatory, who shared insights into their respective research topics. Speaking with enthusiasm and clarity, they explored the potential impacts of their work—from improving understanding of climate patterns and water systems, to advancing biodiversity conservation and informing sustainable land-use practices. Their perspectives underscored not only the scientific relevance of their research but also its importance for local communities and long-term regional development. The conference provided an important opportunity for peer learning and networking, enabling students to exchange ideas, receive feedback, and build connections that will support their growth as researchers. It also emphasised the role of locally led scientific initiatives in addressing global environmental challenges, particularly in ecologically vital regions such as the Congo Basin. Doctoral student Cherifa Chudap Mache, University of Yaoundé I, Climate and Meteorology observatory. Doctoral Student Manuella Debi Wando, University of Kinshasa, Socio-ecology observatory. Doctoral student Jean Felly Ngandou, University of Kinshasa, Hydrology and Freshwater observatory. Doctoral student Lebon Aganze Badesire, University of Dschang, Vegetation, Soil and Biogeochemistry observatory. Doctoral student Roger Mpolo Itoto, Catholic University Congo, Biodiversity observatory. Doctoral student Styven Mahoungou, Marien Ngouabi University, Land Cover and Land Use Change observatory. Looking ahead, the programme continues to build momentum. By 2027, students are expected to produce their first substantial research findings, which will be presented at the Second CBSI Annual Conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon. This next gathering promises to showcase not only the progress made by these young scientists but also the tangible contributions of the CRAFT–Sustainable Development programme to environmental knowledge and policy. As the journey of these researchers unfolds, their work offers a compelling glimpse into the future of sustainable development in the Congo Basin. We look forward to following their progress and invite you to engage further by watching the student interview videos and registering for our upcoming conference.

The First CBSI Annual Conference highlights emerging research in the Congo Basin

The inaugural CBSI Annual Conference, held in Brazzaville from 7–9 January 2026, marked a significant milestone for environmental research and capacity building in the Congo Basin. Bringing together all 31 students supported through UK International Development funding under the Congo Rainforest Alliance for Forest Training for Sustainable Development (CRAFT–Sustainable Development) programme, the event served as a platform to showcase early-stage research and foster collaboration among emerging scientists. Launched in 2025, the CRAFT programme is designed to train a new generation … Read more

Championing women in science: Celebrating six female bursary students of the Congo Basin Science Initiative’s first annual conference

In an effort to increase the participation and visibility of female early‑career researchers from the Congo Basin region during the first annual conference of the Congo Basin Science Initiative (CBSI), we launched six competitive travel bursaries, one for each of our observatories. The bursary covered the plane ticket to and from the conference, as well as accommodation and meals during the conference. The eligibility criteria were simple yet powerful: You must be a female scientist currently pursuing your PhD. The … Read more

Historic Momentum for Central African Science: First Congo Basin Science Initiative Conference Draws Global Attention

Brazzaville, Republic of Congo — January 2026. At the beginning of this year, hundreds of scientists from across the Congo Basin and around the world gathered in Brazzaville for a landmark event: the first Congo Basin Science Initiative (CBSI) conference, held from January 7–9 at the Hôtel Saint François de Paule. The gathering marked a major turning point for scientific collaboration and leadership of researchers from one of the world’s most critical ecological regions, the Congo Basin. A Science Movement … Read more

Visit by the British Ambassador to the University of Kinshasa and CRREBaC

On 28 October 2025, Her Excellency the Ambassador of the United Kingdom paid an official visit to the University of Kinshasa and the Congo Basin Water Resources Research Center (CRREBaC). Accompanied by the UK Climate Adviser in Congo, the Ambassador met with the university’s academic authorities and toured several laboratories and faculties, including those dedicated to science and technology, agronomy, environment, medicine, and pharmacy. The visit concluded at CRREBaC, where she engaged with the CBSI secretariat and met the newly … Read more

CBSI@COP30

Join us at COP30 CBSI members are speaking at the following events: Date and Time Event Title Join Speakers / Panellists Thursday 13 November 14:00 – 15:30 (time in Brazil), 17:00 (UK time) The Lungs of Africa – The Congo Basin and why it matters In person: UK Pavilion Online: https://www.youtube.com/live/5exwLSNB_qo Prof Raphael TshimangaProf Simon LewisProf Virginia ZaunbrecherMinister Marie Nyange Ndambo Dr Aurélie Flore Koumba Pambo Date and Time Event Title Join Speakers / Panellists Friday 14 November 12:45 – 13:45 … Read more

Welcoming a new generation of scientists: Meet our CBSI scholars Mohamed and Génie

In April 2025, Mohamed and Génie, were among thirty three exceptional scientists from central Africa to be awarded a CBSI scholarship through the Congo Rainforest Alliance for Forest Training for Sustainable Development (CRAFT) programme. CRAFT is the first major CBSI programme, funded for five years from 2025 with £9.1m from UK International Development. CRAFT aims to transform scientific research and environmental stewardship across the Congo Basin by building world-class scientific capacity within Central Africa, enabling homegrown research to drive policy … Read more

Call for applications: CBSI is hiring a Director of Science (m/f)

CBSI Director of Science: A new job offer is available to become part of our team!  The CBSI Director of Science will provide scientific leadership and coordination across CBSI’s activities, support the academic and professional development of students, oversee research integration and synthesis, and help manage scientific outputs and visibility. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and coherence of CBSI’s research agenda, training programmes, and engagement with the broader scientific community. The position will … Read more

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