Our work begins with a simple belief:
"The knowledge needed to imagine Africa’s future already exists within its people, communities, and intellectual traditions."
The Future of Africa Lies in The Mind of Its People
Africa possesses generations of intellectual, scientific, ecological, medicinal, technological, and cultural knowledge. Yet much of this knowledge has historically been excluded from the institutions and systems that define modern science.
Ìrò Science Foundation works to reconstitute a cohesive practice of scientific inquiry rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems and strengthened through engagement with modern scientific approaches.
We are committed to increasing the number of Black and African scientists, supporting scientists focused on challenges facing Africa and the Global South, and creating new pathways for Indigenous African knowledge systems to contribute to scientific discovery and innovation.
Rooted Across Generations
Dr. Lifoma Salaam
Read About Me
Ìrò is an intergenerational foundation rooted in the belief that knowledge grows through relationships between generations. The leadership of our foundation is headed by a mother and son team.
Our leadership brings together scientific research, community knowledge, cultural experience, and different ways of understanding the world. At the center of this work is a partnership between generations connecting inherited knowledge with new scientific questions and possibilities.
Like a tree, our work is sustained by deep roots while continuously growing new branches.
Founder & Director
Dr. Neico Slater
Read About Me
"Family is like a forest, from the outside it is dense but when you come close, you see that every tree has its place"
Founder & Co-Director
Founding Researcher
Our Work
01 - Explore Knowledge
Indigenous African Knowledge Systems
We deepen understanding of Indigenous African scientific methodologies, technologies, applications, and ways of knowing. By studying, preserving, and revitalizing these traditions, we seek to expand scientific inquiry and uncover new approaches to challenges facing Africa and the world.
02 - Apply Knowledge
Science in Service of Africa and Its Diaspora
We bring Indigenous knowledge, contemporary science, and technical expertise together to address real-world challenges affecting African people and communities throughout the diaspora. Our work prioritizes solutions that are culturally grounded, sustainable, and responsive to communities that have historically been underserved.
03 - Cultivate Scientists
Developing the Next Generation
We educate, mentor, and support a new generation of Black scientists who can work across Indigenous and contemporary scientific traditions. We aim to prepare scientists who are equipped to advance discovery, sustainable development, and innovation in service of Africa, its diaspora, and the wider world.
Partnerships
We have partnered with several organizations, both in the states and in Africa, to help advance and actualize our mission.
