François Stepman is a Senior Knowledge Management Expert with a strong experience in the development of platforms that aim to improve dissemination of scientific knowledge in the African continent. 

François is deeply convinced that both applied and fundamental scientific forms of research need to be supported and to be used to inform policy decisions and innovation. François has an extensive knowledge of the context of agricultural research in Africa as he has constantly been involved in various initiatives for the last fifteen years: Advisory Services for Resilient Agri-Food Systems (ASRAFS), CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research), Platform for African - European Partnership in Agricultural Research for Development (PAEPARD), Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA). He has worked for over 10 years in West, South and North African countries and therefore has a perfect knowledge of the different national and regional stakeholders that should be involved to ensure the proper involved of all interested parties in policy decisions, in particular around food systems transformation.