An international conference promoting the development of science in Africa, and AIMS in particular, was held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris this week. Leading scientists, political leaders and students discussed the need for pan-African initiatives to develop science and stem brain drain on the continent. There was strong emphasis on the development of AIMS-Senegal at the conference, with great enthusiasm and admiration for what has been achieved so far at AIMS-South Africa, and the prospect of expanding the project in Africa.AIMS Alumni,  Elisa Rindraharisaona and Saheed Akindeinde at the UNESCO conference (photo UNESCO)