Interviewed by Godlove Bainkong
6 November 2009
interview
Jean Paul Fouda, member of an Association of Cameroon Engineers and Computer Scientists based in Germany.
You are a member of the Cameroon Association of Engineers and Computer Scientists in Germany. Could you tell us the missions of your association and how it operates?
The VKII (in German) is a non-political association founded in 2000 and is based in Frankfurt/Germany. Our missions include channelling talents of Cameroonian engineers and computer scientists, developing and implementing development-oriented projects, technology and knowledge transfer, using, preserving and protecting natural resources for a sustainable development in Cameroon as well as contributing to the establishment of technological institutions in Cameroon. So far, we want to offer our help (if needed) for the development of technical education system with international standards in Cameroon. This might lead to the establishment of technological institutions. We try to channel the talents of Cameroonian engineers and Computers Scientists in order to promote research activities in our fatherland. But more urgently and frequently, we develop and implement development-oriented projects.
The association has a general assembly, an executive board and a scientific council. We live from donations and the contribution of members (yearly 15 - for students and 50 - for professionals.
What appraisal could you make of scientific research in the country?
Scientific research in Cameroon is in a very good level. To be honest, I had sometimes complexes walking through some exhibition stands at the JERSIC. I saw wonderful innovations. Unfortunately I wasn't chanced to have a detailed chat with Prof. Uphie Melo from MIPROMALO, winner of the Lion d'or 2009 for her work on local materials, but I got a general view on her work. She doesn't need to have any complex with any other scientist worldwide. The same goes for Dr.Tangha and many others.
What did you bring in from Germany to exhibit and how did the public react to your innovation?
We didn't bring anything to exhibit because we were not informed that we could. However, we were able to use the opportunity of being here to reward the Best Student Awards of this year. We heartily thank the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr. Madeleine Tchuinté and the representative of the German Embassy in Cameroon, Horst Gruner for having personally given the prizes to the winners. Every year the VKII organises a competition for the best master thesis worldwide
In your opinion what could be done to improve scientific research in the country?
Like in any sector of life, education is the key. In my presentation during JERSIC, we would like the wonderful idea of JERSIC to be extended to secondary and why not to primary schools in order to encourage research and innovation spirit in younger Cameroonians. We should also think to construct in every sub-division at least a well-equipped laboratory where each school would have a time for practical experiences. Rewarding researchers for their work is also a very good thing because it leads to competition and improvement. We should also keep in mind to renew outdated equipment. The Secretary General in the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation confirmed that a project for the revalorisation of research was on course.
What could be the contributions of Cameroonian researchers in the Diaspora to achieving this goal?
Researchers in the diaspora could use their contacts and facilities to contribute to the transfer of technology. They could also help by organising partnerships between high schools here and abroad. More to that, researchers in the diaspora could have more multidisciplinary research projects where Cameroon-based researchers could also be involved. By introducing the prize "prix de la diaspora", which we are very happy to have won this year, the Cameroon government shows once more its determination to integrate researchers abroad in the country's development. This will encourage diaspora initiatives which are going to open more possibilities for Cameroon's research.
What advice would you give to Cameroon-based researchers so that when you meet again in two years, they might have attained your level?
Sorry I don't like the question. It seems as Cameroonian researchers in the diaspora are automatically better than those based in Cameroon. In Germany we certainly work in different conditions with better equipments but this doesn't mean that our level is necessary higher. Nevertheless, I would advice Cameroon-based researchers to make known themselves and their inventions and innovations. We should make a better publicity of our research.
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