Based on the success of NAS's Kavli Frontiers of Science Program and NAE's Frontiers of Engineering, the U.S.-Africa Frontiers of Science, Engineering, and Medicine program will 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.
An oversight committee composed of senior U.S. and African scientists, engineers and medical professionals will provide overall guidance for the program over the ten-year period and will review applications for general symposium participants. A separate organizing committee composed of early to mid-career subject matter experts and others will be appointed for each symposium to develop the agenda and select a diverse set of U.S. and African speakers for each session.
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.