The SRA Symposium - College of Medicine

Poster Abstracts
Contributed Poster Abstract
2005 Symposium
Annual Meeting of the Society of Research Administrators International
Milwaukee WI
16-19 October 2005
Principal Author: Professor Cliff Studman, PhD, Dip Ed, BSc.
Affiliation: Pie Squared Pty
Author Email: Studman@Botsnet.bw
Author Address: Pie Squared Pty
Box 45371 Riverwalk
Gaborone, Botswana
Title: Research Capacity Building in Africa
Abstract
In recent years there has been a significant increase in interest in African Studies. As a result
research interest in the continent has grown, and with it the desire to collaborate with researchers
within Africa, particularly on projects in health, or environmental and social science. However
an analysis of data demonstrates that the continent itself lags behind the rest of the world
in terms of all measurable outputs. Internally there is a desire to change this situation, but there
are constraints, including resources, staff retention, and research management expertise. On the
other hand in most countries the continent now has significant numbers of staff in Universities
trained to the level of PhD. Research managers should be aware of the need for sensitivity and
understanding of the situation in the potential host country when researchers propose projects in
Africa. Based on specific examples of attempts at collaboration and capacity building, this poster
will present some do’s and don’ts for potential researchers wishing to collaborate with African colleagues,
including an African view of how collaborations should work. It also indicates the importance
and potential of research management as a significant component in facilitating research
capacity building.
20 2005 Symposium Proceedings Book