Biology subjects

Musisi, J. M.

Publications and source records attributed to Musisi, J. M..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2021

Mentorship as a strategy to improve research ability of students and young researchers in Africa: an exploratory study and initial findings on the CORE Africa Research Mentorship Scheme

Mentorship provides an opportunity to support skill development, improve research ability, promote interest in research and offer career advice. The need for research mentorship in Africa is well-recognised. However, there is scarce literature on the development of such programmes and their potential impacts on students and young researchers in Africa (SYRIA). This study documents the development of the CORE Africa Research Mentorship Scheme (CARMS), and reports the outcomes and challenges experienced over a two-year period, from 2018 to 2020. 41 mentors and mentees from Cameroon, Uganda and Nigeria participated in the programme. Mentors were based in Africa and the UK, while mentees were all based in Africa. Mentees gained knowledge and skills in various research areas including proposal writing, research methods, data analysis, report writing and research publication. Nine mentees gained their first research publication through the CARMS and three successfully completed their first grant proposal. Three mentees were supported by their mentor to develop PhD research proposals and five others gained skills that helped them secure paid research jobs. Eleven mentees have graduated from the programme, seven of which are currently enrolled as trainee mentors. Mentees appreciated the opportunity to improve on their research skills and felt that the programme gave them a safe environment to freely express their concerns. Main challenges encountered were: difficulty finding suitable mentors, communication barriers, poorly defined mentorship goals, dealing with mentees lack of knowledge/experience of basic research concepts and funding limitations. This programme had several positive impacts on the knowledge and skills of mentees and demonstrates the importance of mentorship in research capacity strengthening. Sustaining such programmes requires investments in training and development, to ensure that mentees are continuously and adequately supported.

scientific communication and education↗

bioRxiv2019

Tackling the research capacity challenge in Africa: An overview of African-led approaches to strengthen research capacity

BackgroundImproved capacity for research is a valuable and sustainable means of advancing health and development in Africa. Local leadership in research capacity strengthening is important for developing contextually appropriate programs that increase locally-driven research, and improve Africas ability to adapt and use scientific knowledge. This study provides an overview of African organisations that aim to strengthen research capacity in Africa, and the major initiatives or approaches being used for this purpose.\n\nMethodsA desk review of grey and published literature on research capacity strengthening in Africa was conducted, in addition to panel discussions on the determinants of research capacity in Africa. Data was analysed through thematic analysis and a framework developed by the Collaboration for Research Excellence in Africa (CORE Africa).\n\nResults11 organisations were identified, spread across South, Central, East and West Africa. The main approaches to improving research capacity were: providing opportunities for academic research and research training. Initiatives to provide research equipment, funding and facilitate research use for policy-making were limited; while strategies to increase research awareness, promote collaboration, and provide guidance and incentives for research were lacking. Most organisations had programs for researchers and academics, with none targeting funders or the general public.\n\nConclusionLocal leadership is essential for improving research capacity in Africa. In addition to providing adequate support to academics and researchers, initiatives that help revitalize the education system in Africa, promote collaboration and engage funders and the general public will be helpful for strengthening research capacity in Africa.

scientific communication and education↗

bioRxiv2018

Research challenges in Africa - an exploratory study on the experiences and opinions of African researchers

BackgroundInsufficient research is a major impediment to growth, development and advancement of health in Africa. Africa produces less than 1% of global research output. Meanwhile, African countries face some of the toughest challenges worldwide, most of which can only be tackled through robust and efficient research. Addressing the barriers to conducting research in Africa is a step towards improving research capacity and output. This study aimed to identify the key challenges affecting research practice and output in Africa; and to highlight priority areas for improvement.\n\nMethodsA cross-sectional survey was administered through an online questionnaire, including participants from six countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Participants included research professionals, research students, research groups and academics.\n\nResultsA total of 424 participants responded to this survey. The ability to conduct and produce high-quality research was seen to be influenced by multiple factors, most of which were related to the research environment in African countries. Priority areas for improvement included providing more training, raising awareness on the importance of research in Africa, encouraging governments to commit to research and increasing collaboration between researchers in Africa.\n\nConclusionThe conditions under which research is done in Africa are severely flawed and do not encourage engagement in research, or continuity of research activity. African governments need to develop initiatives that accelerate and support research and research-based education in Africa, in order to build a solid foundation for research, increase research capacity, and enable institutions to provide valuable training and develop sustainable research opportunities in Africa.

scientific communication and education↗