The Academy of Medical Sciences’ Post

#Goodreads #Citizenscience and learning outcomes: assessment of projects in #SouthAfrica The paper emphasizes integrating educational goals with scientific objectives in citizen science projects to enhance learning outcomes and broader impacts, with a deep dive into projects based in South Africa. Learn More here: https://lnkd.in/ejAW3j8A

Updates from our #OpenInfrastructure program

It was an insightful session hosted by Fanuel J. Muindi of Civic SciTV, featuring our founder, Stephanie Okeyo, who shed light on the Science Engagement Funding Landscape based on our ongoing research. Key issues discussed included the lack of funding for science engagement initiatives, the insufficient recognition of science engagement by African governments, and the predominance of small or grassroots organizations in this field. Many of these organizations lack a digital footprint to showcase their work, making it difficult for them to gain visibility. Despite these challenges, there are opportunities in this space. With the growing appreciation for participatory research, many science research projects now require a science engagement or communication strategy. There is also a need for African governments to develop national structures that support science engagement initiatives. To support the science engagement environment, UTM is identifying and mapping different organizations with STEM initiatives to promote their visibility in Africa (https://lnkd.in/dtNzm7Ja). Listen in at https://lnkd.in/dkawDcv2. #scienceengement #sciencecommunication

Our special issue focusing on Engaged Research in South Africa is now live at the South African Journal of Science. A special word of appreciation to my co-guest editors, Profs Heila Lotz-Sisitka and Lesley Le Grange. Contributions in this special issue at https://buff.ly/4eDQCvL draws on a range of disciplines and publics generating co-engaged knowledge. A paper by PhD student in our research group Thandiswa Nqowana explores how engagement with communities may define scientific research and impact future innovations through the co-development of a water monitoring programme. More at https://buff.ly/4dmsvAv Sincere appreciation to the editors and staff of SAJS. Rhodes University, Rhodes University Community Engagement, The National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (NRF SAASTA) #engagedresearch, #responsibleresearchandinnovation, #citizenscience, #scicomm #ru120

The days of knowledge being confined to a few are over. Today, we thrive in a knowledge economy, where access to information is one of the greatest gifts we can offer to humanity and future generations. That's why we're proud to partner with The Conversation Africa to bring complex research to a wider audience. By making knowledge more accessible, we're helping pave the way for a brighter future for all. If you've published your research in any Taylor & Francis journal, we encourage you to submit a pitch to The Conversation Africa in the following simple steps: 1. Pitch 2. Write 3. Engage 4. Approval 5. Promotion Let's amplify African research and share our insights with the world. #OpenScience is the future. Submit your Pitch 👉https://lnkd.in/dSBwrsTa

𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐔𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄'𝐒 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑! It’s been a year since the Africa Initiative newsletter was launched! Our goal is to keep the UM6P community, and its African partners informed about the latest developments in research and innovation, academic opportunities, and scientific events across the continent. This survey is intended to get your feedback to improve the relevance of the newsletter and provide valuable insights and timely updates. It will take you 2-3 minutes to fill the survey. https://shorturl.at/YRyFT

Thank you Botho University for hosting the Open Science Forum 2.0 under the theme “Towards Open Science Advocacy and Capacity Building in Sub Saharan Africa”. Some of the key highlights included the transformative potential of collaborative research and data sharing. During this forum, my key takeaways included the importance of transparency in the scientific research process and the need for inclusive practices that engage diverse stakeholders. Given the rightful opportunities, platforms and utilizing “Fair Principles” we can foster accountability and build trust between researchers and the public, promoting informed decision-making and evidence based practice. There should also be sustained financial models for Open Science and measures put in place to protect Intellectual Property.

🚨New episode alert🚨 In the latest episode of In Conversation with Africa Melane, we dive deep into the critical challenges and opportunities shaping research output and collaboration in South Africa's Higher Education sector. Join top leaders in Higher Education as they explore: - How to enhance collaboration between public and private institutions - The need for international partnerships and their implications - South Africa's progress toward achieving research goals, including the National Development Plan's PhD targets for 2030 - The role of funding and support in transforming the academic landscape Join the conversation. Take action. Transform education. #EDGEeducation #HigherEducation #TransformEducation #SouthAfrica #InConversationWithAfricaMelane #ThoughtLeadership

This week I am at the 3rd Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) and Global Research Council (GRC) Forum, where we are exploring and discussing the future of research funding and collaboration, particularly in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. In an era characterized by exponential technological growth, the need for a structured approach to research governance becomes increasingly urgent and as such my view is that the establishment of a robust Research Council in Botswana is imminent, this can help position Botswana as a leader in scientific inquiry and innovation. #Innovation #SustainableDevelopment #ResearchFunding #SDGs #Agenda2030 #UN 🇧🇼🇺🇳

Updates from our #openinfrastructure program