1. to support in-situ training and research programs to help build a scientific workforce -initially in geophysics
2. As part of the training and research programs, create a network of shared scientific observatories (initially broadband seismic stations) to promote education, research, and community building
3. Call it AfricaArray
We placed the existing Geophysics training programme at the disposal of AfricaArray
STEP 2: find the right partners
Honorary staff to supplement teaching & research
Engage partners that can contribute through established programmes: Wits, Council, CSIR
Embed AfricaArray witin the School structure and promote linkages to other disciplines
Align AfricaArray with University policy and vision
Align AfricaArray with Gov’nt policy and vision
Engage broadly and advertise the new programme
Student geophysics society (SEG); newsletter; web-page
STEP 5: find funding
Leverage funding (e.g.):
1. In kind support from Wits, Council and Penn State: 2 million
2. Use (1) to obtain NSF support (e.g. PIRE) and support from METF (SA mining industry); institutional reputation is important as is an excellent proposal
3. Use (2) to obtain NRF support in SA (e.g. equipment grants, bursaries and SARCHI)
4. Use (3) to bring in partners from Africa to provide direct support
5. Use the success of (2), (3) and (4) to establish public- private partnerships through projects addressing local needs
6. Next challenge will be to convince African Governments to recognize the success and provide sustainable funding……
STEP 5: find funding
Write many proposals
Know your principle stake holders and make them part of your vision (in SA this is CSIR, the Council and the Mining Industry)
Create a diverse scholarship base to essentially bring students into the programme
Challenge: find embedded long-term funding
Requirement: proof the concept works (perseverance)