TRAINING // WP8 – Communication and Dialogue in Geoscience
2025-11-24 - 2025-11-26 | Uganda
About PanAfGeo+
“PanAfGeo+” for “Pan-African Support to Geological Sciences and Technology, Africa-EU Partnership” is a project which supports the training of geoscientific staff from African geological surveys through the development of an innovative training programme. This programme includes the acquisition and development of important professional skills that complement existing qualifications and technical skills. The training programme is carried out by world-class geoscientific experts coming from African and European geological surveys.
PanAfGeo+ is funded by the European Commission (DG INTPA). The consortium of PanAfGeo+ consists of EuroGeoSurves (EGS) and Organisation of African Geological Surveys (OAGS) coordinated by the French Geological Survey (BRGM). This programme allows trainees to acquire a state-of-the-art tool kit that contains methods and/or field work from eight geoscientific domains or work packages.
WP8 – Communication and Dialogue in Geoscience
This upcoming training focuses on building effective communication skills specifically tailored to geoscience. Participants will be guided through theory, discussion, and practical workshops aimed at creating real-world communication outputs. Download the call for applications here.
Training Topics

Theories and types of communication
Engagement and constructivism in science communication
Writing, use of images and graphics, and visualising statistics
Social media, press releases, and policy communication
Storytelling for geoscience
Audience targeting and message adaptation
Monitoring communication outcomes
Communicating with non-technical audiences
Emotional dynamics in science messaging

Practical Workshops

Crisis communication during mining rushes or natural hazards
Public-facing science communication
Advocating geoscience to policymakers

Participants will create a communication product related to their geological work.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the training, participants will:

Better understand audience needs and communication strategies
Apply empathy, listening, and storytelling to scientific topics
Use appropriate formats, styles, and tools for diverse communication
Develop a tailored communication plan

Return-to-Work Plan
All trainees will be required to design and present a short-term work-back plan. This plan should outline how the communication skills acquired will be applied in their home organisation. Where possible, trainees will also attend a PanAfGeo+ training in their own country and create a communication product related to it.
Eligibility and Profile of Applicants
This course is open to individuals who meet the criteria defined in the PanAfGeo+ Trainee Charter.
Costs Covered
This training is fully funded by the European Commission through the PanAfGeo+ programme. The following will be covered:

Return international flight (from/to an African country)
Visa costs (upon presentation of official receipt)
Accommodation, meals, and training materials

Please note:

No per diem or daily allowance is provided
No reimbursement of health insurance is available
Travel to the departure airport and insurance arrangements should be organised with your employer

Application Instructions
Applicants must submit the following documents in PDF format:

Completed Application Form
Signed Letter of Commitment (by employer)
Letter of Motivation
A copy of passport (valid for at least six months after the date of entry into Uganda).

All documents must be named using Latin characters and include your surname. Upload the documents separately on the portal.
Apply through the portal only: Register here
Deadline for applications: Please note that the deadline for document submission has been extended to 12 August 2025 (previously 05 August).
The selection process will ensure balanced regional representation and gender diversity. Successful applicants will receive confirmation early to allow time for visa procedures.
Contact
For practical questions about the training:

Krishnan Subramani Ramakrishnan – krishnan.subramani@eurogeosurveys.org
Mahlatse Mononela – mmononela@geoscience.org.za

For general information about PanAfGeo+:

EuroGeoSurveys – panafgeo@eurogeosurveys.org
Organisation of African Geological Surveys – info-oags@oagsafrica.org

We look forward to receiving your application.

TRAINING // WP1 - Field Geoscientific Mapping
2026-02-04 - 2026-03-04 | Entebbe/Mbale, SE Uganda
About PanAfGeo+
“PanAfGeo+” for “Pan-African Support to Geological Sciences and Technology, Africa-EU Partnership” is a project which supports the training of geoscientific staff from African geological surveys through the development of an innovative training programme. This programme includes the acquisition and development of important professional skills that complement existing qualifications and technical skills. The training programme is carried out by world-class geoscientific experts coming from African and European geological surveys.
PanAfGeo+ is funded by the European Commission (DG INTPA). The consortium of PanAfGeo+ consists of EuroGeoSurves (EGS) and Organisation of African Geological Surveys (OAGS) coordinated by the French Geological Survey (BRGM). This programme allows trainees to acquire a state-of-the-art tool kit that contains methods and/or field work from eight geoscientific domains or work packages.
WP1 – Field Geoscientific Mapping
The WP1U1 Field Geoscientific Mapping training session focuses on enhancing the practical field mapping skills of junior geologists working in African Geological Surveys and related institutions.
This course aims to strengthen participants’ ability to create high-quality geological maps through comprehensive training in field data collection, interpretation, and compilation. The session will combine classroom-based theoretical learning with extensive hands-on exercises and fieldwork in the Mbale region of Uganda, characterized by volcanic and carbonatite geological formations. Download the call for applications here.
Context
Geological maps provide critical information about the Earth’s crust and serve as vital tools for decision-making in resource management, environmental protection, and infrastructure development. Improving geological mapping skills in Africa will empower local geological surveys to generate accurate, reliable data that underpins sustainable development.
The +WP1U1 training is coordinated by the Czech Geological Survey with strong collaboration from the Geological Survey Department of Uganda and partners across Europe, ensuring a robust and practical curriculum tailored to Africa’s geoscientific challenges.
Course Content and Methodology
Participants will learn essential field mapping techniques, including:

Geological data collection and recording
Petrographic, geochemical, geophysical, structural, and stratigraphic interpretation
Use of portable instruments such as UV lamps, gamma-ray spectrometers, and portable XRF analyzers
Remote sensing principles and digital data management
Compilation and presentation of geological maps

The training will emphasize practical skills through daily outdoor fieldwork in varied terrain, complemented by classroom sessions and group workshops.
Who Should Apply?
This training is open to junior staff from African geological surveys or equivalent institutions who:

Are involved or will be involved in detailed geological mapping projects
Have good computer literacy and proficiency in English
Are physically fit and prepared for demanding outdoor fieldwork in mountainous terrain
Have the full support of their employer, demonstrated through a signed Letter of Commitment

A maximum of four candidates per institution will be accepted to ensure diverse participation across the continent. Previous participants in WP1 or WP7 sessions are encouraged to explore other PanAfGeo+ training opportunities. View the PanAfGeo+ Trainee Charter.
Important Notes

Accommodation will be provided in Mbale for the field portion and in Entebbe near the airport before and after fieldwork.
Applicants must have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the training end date.
Suitable hiking and outdoor equipment are essential.
Health insurance and any extra personal expenses during the training are the applicant’s responsibility.

Funding
The European Commission fully funds this training, covering:

International and local travel within Uganda
Accommodation and meals during training
Training materials and technical equipment

Please note that no daily allowances or health insurance reimbursements are provided.
Application Instructions
Applicants must submit the following documents in PDF format:

Completed Application Form
Signed Letter of Commitment (by employer)
Letter of Motivation
A copy of passport (valid for at least six months after the date of entry into Uganda).

All documents must be named using Latin characters and include your surname. Upload the documents separately on the portal.
Apply through the portal only: Register here
Deadline for applications: 21 August 2025, 24:00 GMT
Selection will consider geographic and gender balance, aiming to strengthen the capacities of geological surveys across Africa. Successful applicants will be notified by early September and provided with invitation letters to facilitate visa applications.
Contact:
For practical questions about the training:

Veronika Stedra: veronika.stedra@geology.cz
Joseph Aykobua (Geological Survey Department of Uganda): ayikobuajoseph@gmail.com

For general information about PanAfGeo+:

EuroGeoSurveys: panafgeo@eurogeosurveys.org
Organisation of African Geological Surveys: info-oags@oagsafrica.org

We look forward to receiving your application.

TRAINING // WP3 - ASSM Mining of Development Minerals in African Countries
2026-05-04 - 2026-05-08 | Lusaka, Zambia
About PanAfGeo+
“PanAfGeo+” for “Pan-African Support to Geological Sciences and Technology, Africa-EU Partnership” is a project which supports the training of geoscientific staff from African geological surveys through the development of an innovative training programme. This programme includes the acquisition and development of important professional skills that complement existing qualifications and technical skills. The training programme is carried out by world-class geoscientific experts coming from African and European geological surveys.
PanAfGeo+ is funded by the European Commission (DG INTPA). The consortium of PanAfGeo+ consists of EuroGeoSurveys (EGS) and Organisation of African Geological Surveys (OAGS) coordinated by the French Geological Survey (BRGM). This programme allows trainees to acquire a state-of-the-art tool kit that contains methods and/or field work from eight geoscientific domains or work packages.
WP3 – ASSM Mining of Development Minerals in African Countries
Interest and focus on Critical Minerals have been increasing over the past few years, and exploration activities have also expanded across Africa. In general, these studies show that due to mineralogical composition and the mining technologies required a limited number of ASSM are mining critical minerals,
International reports indicate that the mining of Development Minerals in Africa accounts for around 40% or more of ASSM operations. Therefore, it is important to develop a better overview of Development Minerals mined by ASSM operators.
This upcoming training focuses on building a better understanding of the ASSM sector in Development Minerals in African countries. Participants will be guided through theory, discussion, and practical workshops aimed at creating a common understanding Development Minerals and building a network of colleagues in the government sector and academia interested in Development Minerals. Download the call for applications here.
The Work Package “ASSM” (WP3) aims to enhance knowledge and understanding of ASSM operators engaged in mining Development Minerals across Africa. The programme seeks to cover all aspects related to Development Minerals in each country, including:

Types of minerals
Mining methods
Environmental and health issues
Economic aspects
Organisation of miners
The value chain from mining to market

The training will include presentations from participating countries, lectures from African experts, and interactive group work. Notably, WP3 exclusively uses African experts to deliver the sessions.
Under PanAfGeo-2, Geological Surveys from all 54 African countries were invited to participate in ASSM training and seminars. Each country prepared a chapter describing ASSM activities within their territory. All these contributions were published in the PanAfGeo-2 Guidebooks on ASSM. Link to guidebooks, here. We hope to develop a guidebook on ASSM mining of Development Minerals across Africa, based on contributions written by the participants of these upcoming training sessions.
Eligibility and Profile of Applicants
This course is open to individuals who meet the criteria defined in the PanAfGeo+ Trainee Charter.
Costs Covered
This training is fully funded by the European Commission through the PanAfGeo+ programme. The following will be covered:

Return international flight (from/to an African country)
Visa costs (upon presentation of official receipt)
Accommodation, meals, and training materials

Please note:

No per diem or daily allowance is provided
No reimbursement of health insurance is available
Travel to the departure airport and insurance arrangements should be organised with your employer

Application Instructions
Applicants must submit the following documents in PDF format:

Completed Application Form
Signed Letter of Commitment (by employer)
Letter of Motivation
A copy of passport (valid for at least six months after the date of entry into Zambia).

All documents must be named using Latin characters and include your surname. Upload the documents separately on the portal.
Apply through the portal only: Register here
Deadline for applications: 7 December 2025
The selection process will ensure balanced regional representation and gender diversity. Successful applicants will receive confirmation early to allow time for visa procedures.
Contact
For practical questions about the training:

John Tychsen: jtassm@gmail.com

For general information about PanAfGeo+:

EuroGeoSurveys: panafgeo@eurogeosurveys.org
Organisation of African Geological Surveys: info-oags@oagsafrica.org

We look forward to receiving your application.
