British Academy: The UK's National Academy for the Humanities and Social Sciences
Contents
Foreword by Dr Thandika Mkandawire, Director of the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD)
Foreword by Baroness Amos, Chair of the Royal African Society
Institutional foundations – improving structures, systems and governance
Communities and networks – forging collaboration within Africa
Investing in individuals – the early research career
Institutional foundations – improving structures, systems and governance
Communities and networks – forging collaboration within Africa
Investing in individuals – the early research career
The humanities and social sciences are critical – and are in a critical condition
A serious and extended discussion
A complex set of issues requires joined-up thinking
The challenges should not be underestimated – serious support will take time and action at many levels
Being realistic about what donors can and cannot do
2. Institutional foundations – improving structures, systems and governance
The problem of weak institutions
Forging better relationships – making the connections within institutions
Challenging consultancy cultures but recognising the positive potential
Making research attractive – the need for incentives
Monitoring research to enable future planning
Setting national agendas
3. Communities and networks – forging collaboration within Africa
Linking researchers within Africa
Developing research networks
Inter-institutional collaboration: creating communities of excellence
Making collaboration work
A networked approach to revitalising African publishing
4. Investing in individuals – the early research career
Laying the foundations for research
Increasing doctorates but protecting quality
Split-site PhDs – a collaborative approach to doctoral training
New modes of PhD training in African universities
Mentoring researchers through their early careers
Supporting local research training
Re-integrating returning scholars
Developing proper career structures for emerging researchers
Appendix 1. Report contributors
Appendix 2.The product of experience: contributions to the debate