Ben Guerir – Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) concluded its ambitious Science Week today, marking a milestone in Morocco’s journey to becoming a leading force in global scientific innovation.
The five-day event confirmed Africa’s growing scientific capabilities and its emergence as an independent go-getter of research and development.
Hosted at UM6P’s state-of-the-art campus in Ben Guerir, Science Week brought together researchers, innovators, and thought leaders from across Africa and beyond.
UM6P President Hicham El Habti delivered a rousing closing ceremony speech to wrap up the fifth edition of Science Week.
“What was shared during the week, the energy that was here and there was just amazing,” he said.
“I think that we have now achieved what we have in mind where we have to celebrate science.”
This year’s theme, “Shaping the Future,” drew attention to how African scientists can collaborate to address the continent’s unique approaches to addressing Africa’s as well as global challenges.
The event’s rich program revolved around sustainable development, food security, artificial intelligence, innovation, and solutions tailored to African contexts.
This year’s Science Week also succeeded in reflecting UM6P’s growing role as a catalyst for pan-African scientific collaboration. Through its various research platforms and partnerships, the university has created a network that connects researchers across the continent, fostering a uniquely burgeoning African scientific ecosystem.
Of the event’s significance for Moroccan and African students, El Habti said: “We have to give the opportunity to our students to share what they are working on.”
He pointed to the importance of such gatherings in shaping the future of science across the continent.
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Science Week’s Scientific Director Fouad Laroui expressed satisfaction with the event’s growing prominence in the global scientific landscape. Since its inception in 2020, he told Morocco World News, Science Week has positioned itself as a crucial platform where UM6P researchers engage with world-leading scientists.
In line with its motto, “At the frontiers of science,” Science Week 2025 brought together high-flying academic discussions and real-world innovative projects.
He further specified that UM6P’s Science Week particularly echoes Africa’s development challenges. Its panels and networking engagements typically focus on Africa-specific research priorities.
Science should help resolve pressing concerns like food security for Africa’s growing population and the need to create employment opportunities for millions of graduating youth, he concluded.
Convergence is the future of science
Looking ahead to next year’s edition, Laroui unveiled at today’s closing ceremony an ambitious theme of “Convergence,” with a particular emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration.
He argued that this approach reflects a broader trend in global science: the convergence of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and cognitive sciences.
Next year’s edition should engage with this type of convergence and have crossed projects in its agenda, he announced.
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He envisions its panel sessions to bring together different departments and faculties and reflect UM6P’s cross-disciplinary vision.
Reflecting UM6P’s spirit of initiative and proactivity in positioning Morocco as a hub to bolster Africa’s scientific landscape, Laroui noted “We’re closing one Science Week and immediately beginning preparation for the next.”
For Laroui, UM6P’s ultimate hope with this transformative event is to set the stage for future scientific endeavors that will continue to position Morocco and Africa at the forefront of global innovation.
As it concluded today, Science Week left behind a legacy of cross-disciplinary dialogue and ambitious collaborations.
