Based on the success of NAS's Kavli Frontiers of Science Program and NAE's Frontiers of Engineering, the US-Africa Frontiers of Science, Engineering, and Medicine program convene a series of symposia to bring together young scientists, engineers and medical professionals from the United States and African Union member countries to discuss exciting advances and opportunities in their fields. The program will:

• Enhance the scientific exchange and dialogue among young researchers in Africa and the United States, including the African science diaspora, through the initial meeting and the consequent development of a strong and active alumni network (supported through an online portal);
• Encourage and strengthen scientific collaboration within and beyond the region (further encouraged through small seed grants); and
• Empower young scientists.

Drawing from the scientific, engineering, and medical resources in Africa, each symposium will be designed to discuss cutting-edge research but also research in areas of critical importance to the region (such as climate, energy, food security, data science and public health), that will help build capacities in participating African countries.
The organizing committee is constituted of 12 outstanding early to mid-career scientists and engineers. They are responsible for developing the scope of their respective sessions based on the selected topics. The committee is responsible for developing the session topics, nominating speakers, and building bridges across sessions. Members are selected based on their excellent credentials, diverse background, leadership skills, commitment to multilateral collaboration, and ability to work effectively in a team. Organizing committee members are the main drivers behind this effort, and each session is chaired by one US and one African committee member.
An ad-hoc oversight committee, consisting of well-recognized U.S. and African scientists and including the NAS, NAE, or NAM Foreign Secretary depending on the topic, will provide overall guidance to the program staff; provide input on future session themes of critical relevance to African countries and the United States; and review all applicants and nominees for the symposia prior to selection by the organizing committee.
Each symposium will be evaluated by the organizers and participants. In addition, long-term impacts of the program (increased research cooperation resulting from the networking opportunities provided at the symposia) will be evaluated at the completion of five symposia.