ABOUT US
The Pan-African Citizen Science e-Lab (PACS e-Lab) is a non-profit organization that aims to promote citizen science and soft astronomy research in Africa. We are registered in Nigeria according to the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 2020, with the company registration number 6997143. Our online platform is founded on the belief that citizen science is a powerful way to engage the public in scientific inquiry and discovery. We provide our users with the opportunity to participate in data collection and analysis, and to collaborate with other researchers and enthusiasts across the continent and beyond.
Our network spans across all 54 countries in Africa, and we work closely with various stakeholders in the field of space education and outreach. These include national space agencies, higher institutions, national astronomy organizations, astronomy clubs and organizations, amateur astronomy groups, high schools, teachers, students, and space enthusiasts. Our goal is to foster a sense of curiosity and wonder about the universe, and to inspire the next generation of African astronomers and scientists.
Our projects are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in the areas of SDG 4, 5, 8, 10, and 16: Quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequality, and peace, justice, and strong institutions. We believe that by empowering our users with access to cutting-edge resources and tools, we can contribute to the social and economic development of Africa.
Our Aim
To promote and support citizen science in Africa as a means of advancing space research and exploration, and enhancing space education and outreach.
OUR OBJECTIVES
- To disseminate citizen science projects that enable African participants to contribute to space research and exploration.
- To provide our African participants with adequate training and educational resources to be able to engage in meaningful and effective citizen science projects.
- To provide opportunities for our African participants to partner with internationally acclaimed space scientists and engineers in designing and conducting research projects.
- To foster collaborations with diverse national space agencies, industry, and academic institutions in Africa to support citizen science projects and research.
- To inform the African scientific and public populations about the results of African citizen science programs and research.
PARTNERS
At the Pan African Citizen Science e-Lab, we are proud to collaborate with a diverse range of international, regional, national, and local groups across Africa to achieve our aims and objectives. Our partners include esteemed organizations such as national space agencies, higher education institutions, national astronomy organizations, astronomy clubs, amateur astronomy groups, high schools, and many more.
These valued collaborations allow us to leverage the expertise, knowledge, and resources of our partners to promote citizen science and advance scientific engagement in Africa. Working together, we strive to empower individuals and communities to actively participate in our programs, foster a culture of curiosity and learning, and contribute to scientific research.
We are grateful for the support and partnership of these esteemed organizations, whose collective efforts contribute to our mission of promoting citizen science and scientific exploration in Africa.
We are still updating this list. Check back!
COMMUNITY
The Pan African Citizen Science e-Lab is made up of a dedicated team of experienced volunteers who promote citizen science in their local communities. With expertise in different software and tools, our team ensures the smooth running of PACS e-Lab, including training and other activities. Their enthusiasm and dedication make them invaluable assets as we empower African communities to engage in citizen science and contribute to scientific knowledge advancement.
NAME: Miracle Chibuzor Marcel (He/Him/His)
COUNTRY: Nigeria
ROLE: Founder and Director
DESCRIPTION: Chibuzor serves as the Founder and Director of the Pan African Citizen Science e-Lab (PACS e-Lab). He is an independent astrophysics researcher with interests in stellar astrophysics, planetary astrophysics, cosmology, and astronomy education and outreach. You can check out his publications on Google Scholar and also connect with him on linktr.ee
NAME: Henry Sanderson Viyuyi
COUNTRY: Zambia
ROLE: Graphic designer, Database & social media management, Team leader and trainer
DESCRIPTION: Henry Sanderson Viyuyi is one of our graphic designers, database and social media managers, team leaders and trainers of his Zambian group. He is an undergraduate physics student at the University of Zambia. He founded the Zambia Space Explorers, a student-led organization that aims to get young people interested in STEM. Henry harnesses his skills in computer programming and graphic design to develop web applications, analyze data, and contribute to astrophysical research. Henry is not only an aspiring astrophysicist but also a fervent advocate for STEM education and a climate change activist. His mission is to utilize science and technology as powerful tools to address global challenges and make a positive impact on the world. Connect with Henry on Facebook and LinkedIn to see his activities.
NAME: Edson Domingos Jequecene (He/Him/His)
COUNTRY: Mozambique
ROLE: Social Media management, Team leader and trainer
DESCRIPTION: Edson is one of our social media managers, team leaders, and trainers for his Mozambique group. He is a graduate student in Physics, an amateur astronomer, and a scientific popularizer. Jequecene is the founder of the Detetives Do Cosmos astronomy club, a member of the Portuguese Language Astronomy for Development Group (PLOAD), and a member of the Pan-African Citizen Science e-Lab. Reach out to him via his Facebook and email: edsondomingosj772@gmail.com
NAME: Keketso Qhomane (He/Him/His)
COUNTRY: Lesotho
ROLE: Team leader and trainer
DESCRIPTION: Keketso is the citizen science leader for Lesotho, his home country. He is a Mosotho student pursuing a BSc in Geoinformatics at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. He also serves as the Executive Chairperson of BlueCraneSpace, a student-led STEM society at the same university. In 2023, he led the BlueCraneSpace Astronomy and Astrophysics Department’s IASC Asteroid Research Team as the department coordinator. He is also the SGAC National Point of Contact for Lesotho. To learn more about his professional achievements with BlueCraneSpace or to join his research group in Lesotho, connect with him on LinkedIn.
NAME: Regaibi Salma (Her/She)
COUNTRY: Morocco
ROLE: Team leader and trainer
DESCRIPTION: Ms. Regaibi Salma is one of our team leaders from Morocco who engages students from her country in citizen science research. She is the president of the Steps into Space Association, the president and founder of the Astronomy for Dreamers club, and the president of the Astronomy Passion Initiative. She received training in space sensing from Space Caver. She is also an astronomical content creator and a student majoring in physics. Check out her activities on Facebook and Instagram.
NAME: Betty Rose Nabifo (Her/She)
COUNTRY: Uganda
ROLE: Team leader and trainer
DESCRIPTION: Ms. Rose is one of our team leaders from Uganda. Since 2021, she and a team of students and educators from the National Curriculum Development Centre have been participating in asteroid searches and have made a provisional discovery of asteroid 2022 HK11. Ms. Rose also heads the Physics Department at Sam Iga Memorial College in Wakiso District. You can connect with her via her email.
NAME: Allen A Thomas (He/him/his)
COUNTRY: Liberia
ROLE: Team leader and trainer
DESCRIPTION: Allen is one of our team leaders, and trainer from Liberia. He is a science teacher at the Tappeh memorial high school and the principal of the Christian High School in Tappita, Nimba County. He is currently the holder of the Presidential national best teacher of the republic of Liberia who has an interest in teaching practical science. Allen is also the founder of the Best Teachers Initiative (BTI), an organization with the goal of inspiring teachers across the country and especially in the rural areas. You can follow him on Facebook.
NAME: Mohamed Moustafa Mohamed Elattar (He/him/his)
COUNTRY: Egypt
ROLE: Team leader and trainer
DESCRIPTION: Moustafa is one of our team leaders, and trainer from Egypt. He is currently a fifth-year student at the Faculty of Navigation Science and Space Technology. His passion for astronomy and space technology has led him to several notable achievements and roles. For example, he is the recipient of the National Award in the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) 2023 in Egypt. He serves as an ambassador for the IAAC. He is the Vice Head of the IEEE Astronomy Branch at Beni-Suef. He works as an astronomy teacher and conducts workshops for children at BareeQ Egypt. He is a member of the Project Management team in Enactus New Beni-Suef. To connect with Moustafa, follow him on Facebook.
NAME: Dr. Esaenwi Sudum (He/him/his)
COUNTRY: Nigeria
ROLE: Team leader and trainer
DESCRIPTION: Dr. Esaenwi is one of our team leaders, and trainer from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria where he also works as a lecturer and researcher in the physics department. He also has over 10 years of research experience as a science officer at the National Space Research and Development Agency, Abuja. He has published about 30 scholarly articles on the field of Electronics, Instrumentation and Space Science in the international and local Journals respectively. Check out his publications on Google Scholar and also connect with him on LinkedIn.
NAME: Dr. Hans ESSONE OBAME (He/him/his)
COUNTRY: Gabon
ROLE: Team leader and trainer
DESCRIPTION: Dr. Hans ESSONE OBAME is one of us and is an assistant professor in physics at the “École Normale Supérieure” in Libreville, where he teaches astrophysics in particular. He also supervises Master’s courses in astrophysics. His passion for space, the universe, pushed him to participate in several international projects related to astronomy, notably with the International Astronomical Union. Check out his website to see more of his works.
NAME: Joseph Mafuka Lusala (He/him/his)
COUNTRY: Democratic Republic of Congo
ROLE: Team leader and trainer.
DESCRIPTION: Joseph Mafuka serves as one of our trainers. He is a social activist and passionate about improving the education and mentorship of young adolescents, he is the founder of Astro-club Kongo Central and Astro-club Kinshasa, he is a student in civil engineering, he is committed to the promotion and popularization of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in his local community, a trainer at the science and technology week in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Check out his activities on Facebook.
NAME: Andoniaina Rajaonarivelo (He/him/his)
COUNTRY: Madagascar
ROLE: Team leader and trainer.
DESCRIPTION: Andoniaina is the co-president of the Haikintana Astronomy Association which works to promote astronomy in Madagascar. He is also the manager of the Astronomical Observatory of Ecoles du Monde Madagascar – Besely. He is interested in radio astronomy, ML, transient astronomy, and multi-messenger astronomy. You can connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.
NAME: Dr. Frances Ngozika (She/her)
COUNTRY: Nigeria
ROLE: Team leader and trainer.
DESCRIPTION: Frances Ngozika is a lecturer in the department of industrial physics at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu University, Uli campus, Anambra State. She is the team leader of asteroid search group: the COOU Asteroid search group Uli. You can connect with her on Facebook.
NAME: Immanuel Luis (He/Him/His)
COUNTRY: Namibia
ROLE: Team leader and trainer
DESCRIPTION: Immanuel serves as the leader and a trainer for his team at the University of Namibia, where he is also an undergraduate physics student. He has great enthusiasm for stellar and planetary astrophysics. He can be contacted via email for collaborations.
NAME: Ahmed Saeed (He/Him/His)
COUNTRY: Sudan
ROLE: Team leader and trainer
DESCRIPTION: Ahmed Saeed serves as the leader and a trainer for his team in Sudan. He is a dedicated applied physics student with a profound passion for the realms of science, particularly astronomy, electronics, physics, and programming. Get in touch with him for collaboration via his personal website.
NAME: Fortune Tatenda Matambo (he/him/his)
COUNTRY: Zimbabwe
ROLE: Team leader and trainer
DESCRIPTION: Fortune is a junior space scientist at the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency, an independent astrophysicist, and an advocate for education and outreach. He has vast interests in space instrumentation, research in plasma physics, and radio astronomy. Check him out on LinkedIn.
NAME: Dr. Souley Yahaya (he/him/his)
COUNTRY: Niger
ROLE: Team leader and trainer
DESCRIPTION: Meet Mr. Souley Yahaya (PhD), an Electrical Engineer with a PhD in Computer Sciences. He works in the telecoms industry in his home country, Niger, and also serves as a lecturer at Abdoul Moumouni University in Niamey. His primary hobby is amateur astronomy, and he owns an observatory around the university. Dr. Souley and his team of undergraduates from the university are representing their country in asteroid research. Connect with him on Facebook.
NAME: Kirubel Menberu (He/him/his)
COUNTRY: Ethiopia
ROLE: Team leader and trainer
DESCRIPTION: Kirubel Menberu is one of our team leaders and trainers from Ethiopia. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electromechanical Engineering (BSc.) and is currently pursuing his MSc. in Space Engineering at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University / Space Science and Geospatial Institute. Engaged in space science for the past 8 years, he has been actively volunteering with the Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS) since 2016. In 2018, he was honored with the Youth Space Ambassador title by ESSS and currently serves as a Program Manager. Kirubel also holds key positions such as the National Point of Contact (NPoC) for Ethiopia at SGAC, Deputy National Outreach Coordinator (NOC) for Ethiopia at IAU OAO, and volunteers at EA-ROAD. You can find more about him on his various social media handles on Linktree
NAME: Thobekile Sandra Ngwane (She/Her)
COUNTRY: Zimbabwe
ROLE: Team leader and trainer
DESCRIPTION: Thobekile is the leader of the Asteroid Search Team at the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s in Applied Physics from the same institution. Currently, she is undertaking a Master’s degree in Astronomy at the University of Cape Town. Thobekile’s research focuses on Near Earth Asteroids and Instrumentation. You can find more about him on his various social media handles on Linkedin
NAME: BADO Fabrice (He/Him/His)
COUNTRY: Burkina Faso
ROLE: Team leader and trainer
DESCRIPTION: BADO is the team leader for the asteroid search at Joseph KI-ZERBO University in Burkina Faso. He holds two master’s degrees and is currently pursuing his PhD in astrophysics. His interests lie in Galactic Archaeology, Physics, Astrophysics, as well as the promotion and education of Astrophysics. Additionally, he is in charge of the Burkina Astronomy Association. For more information, please visit the website and Facebook pages. The main objective of Burkina Astronomy is to promote Astrophysics and related disciplines in Burkina Faso. To contact BADO you can send his an email at: fabricebado726@gmail.com
NAME: Mr Jocelyn Franck-Patient BOUNGOU POATY (He/Him/His)
COUNTRY: Republic of Congo
ROLE: Team leader and trainer
DESCRIPTION: Mr. Jocelyn is the team leader for the asteroid search at Marien NGOUABI University. He holds a master’s degree in Space Weather from the Faculty of Science at Marien NGOUABI University. He was recruited by Université Denis SASSOU N’GUESSO as Assistant Technique d’Enseignement et de Recherche (ATER), where he teaches a course on the introduction to cosmology and astrophysics. He has also published numerous research papers on Sun-Earth relations. You can connect with him via email: jocelynfranck67@gmail.com
NAME: Christian K. Koussouwa GBABA (He/Him/His)
COUNTRY: Togo
ROLE: Team leader and trainer
DESCRIPTION: Christian GBABA is the second vice-president of the Togolese NGO “Science Géologique pour un Développement Durable (SG2D).” Passionate about astronomy, planetary, and space sciences, he promotes these disciplines in Togo through various activities organized by his organization. In 2022, he led an asteroid search campaign that discovered two asteroids classified as provisional discoveries. Connect with him via LinkedIn and Facebook
NAME: Dr. Meryem Guennoun, Ph.D. (She/Her)
COUNTRY: Morocco
ROLE: Team leader and trainer
DESCRIPTION: Dr. Meryem Guennoun, Ph.D., is the first female astronomer in Morocco. She is an accomplished astrophysicist at the Oukaïmeden Observatory of Cadi Ayyad University, specializing in meteor observations, analysis, and orbit computation with a keen interest in their parent bodies. As a dedicated educator, she imparts her passion for physics to aspiring minds. Beyond academia, Meryem wears multiple hats; she proudly serves as the President of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Marrakech and holds a junior membership with the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Her unwavering commitment to astronomy outreach activities in Morocco underscores her mission to share the wonders of the cosmos and promote scientific knowledge. Check out her publications and connect with her on LinkedIn.
We are still updating this list. Check back!