The scientific programme of the Union is carried out mainly by its Scientific Panels, which are each responsible for a programme of work. These panels are proposed by members of the General Assembly and established by the UAPS Council. They consist of a small group of high level experts.

These scientific  panels organize research seminars and capacity building workshops and coordinate the publication of special editions in the African Population Study on their work in their respective areas of specialization.

UAPS’ Scientific Thematic Panels (STPs) aim to promote research, capacity building, and policy dialogue in specific areas of specialization in population and development.  Some of these specific areas are:

• The Capability Approach to Population Studies and Programs in Africa
• Gender Equality
• African Censuses
• Computational Social science
• Fertility Change
• Environment, population dynamics, climate change, development and sustainability
• Migration and Urbanization
• Maternal and Child Health
• Demographic Estimation Methods