AFQUA brings developed and developing world researchers together to discuss progress in studies of the Quaternary period (the last 2.6 million years) in Africa, bridging regional divides, and fostering communication and collaboration at both regional and continental scales. Along with talks on subjects including palaeoclimatology, palaeoecology and archaeology, equal time is dedicated to a series of focus groups and training workshops. These include thematic discussions of cutting-edge research topics as well as workshops that introduce and train early career and developing researchers in the skills they need to develop and communicate their science in the modern research environment.