The Next Generation of Scientists in Africa

Abstract

Young scientists are a powerful resource for change and sustainable development, as they drive innovation and knowledge creation. However, comparable findings on young scientists in various countries, especially in Africa and developing regions, are generally sparse. Therefore, empirical knowledge on the state of early-career scientists is critical in order to address current challenges faced by those scientists in Africa. This book reports on the main findings of a three-and-a-half-year international project in order to assist its readers in better understanding the African research system in general, and more specifically its young scientists. The first part of the book provides background on the state of science in Africa, and bibliometric findings concerning Africa's scientific production and networks, for the period 2005 to 2015. The second part of the book combines the findings of a large-scale, quantitative survey and more than 200 qualitative interviews to provide a detailed profile of young scientists and the barriers they face in terms of five aspects of their careers: research output; funding; mobility; collaboration; and mentoring. In each case, field and gender differences are also taken into account. The last part of the book comprises conclusions and recommendations to relevant policy- and decision-makers on desirable changes to current research systems in Africa.

Librarians’ Perceptions of the Challenges for Researchers in Rwanda and the Potential of Open Scholarship

“…As a result, Africa's contribution to research output has grown slightly (Fonn et al, 2018). Yet the level of government investment in research remains low, compared to Western countries, typically at below 0.5% of GDP (Beaudry et al, 2018). Research policies tend to mimic those of the Global North, ignoring local conditions (Boshoff, 2009).…”

“…Research policies tend to mimic those of the Global North, ignoring local conditions (Boshoff, 2009). Universities neglect research: rather their strategy is massification, so there has been a growth of student numbers, with accompanying pressures on academics' workload reducing the time to do research (Beaudry et al 2018).…”

“…With universities' focus on teaching, there is a lack of inspiration for research as a career (Ngongalah et al, 2019). Lack of funding, of equipment and of support and mentoring is a key barrier for young scholars (Beaudry et al, 2018). Teaching in research methods is missing (Ngongalah et al, 2019).…”

“…The low rewards for research and absence of a research environment has led to a brain drain, with many talented individuals being drawn to migrate (Ondari-Okemwa, 2007). The proportion of scholars moving away from Africa could have been as much as 30% in the 1980s and 90s (Beaudry et al, 2018).…”

Ethics approval fees constrain early career researchers in Africa: a call for alternative financing for ethics committees

“…Although the research outputs of African scholars have increased over the years, the continent contributes less than 5% of global scientific publications. 1 , 2 Early career researchers (ECRs) are key in undertaking research that will shape the future of clinical care and public health in Africa, where the burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases is converging. 3 An ERC is one within their first 5 years of academic or research-related employment following completion of postgraduate research training.…”