Research Management and Leadership for Enhanced Quality and Efficiency in African Research Institutions

Cooperating countries: Nigeria, Morocco, Gabon and Austria

Coordinating institution: Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Aminu Bayawa Muhammad, muhammad.aminu@udusok.edu.ng

Partner institutions: University for Continuing Education Krems, Cadi Ayyad University, Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné

Project duration: 1 September 2024 - 31 August 2026

Abstract: 

There is a growing demand for increased investment in research and development within Africa to catalyze innovation and create business opportunities, ultimately enhancing the continent's quality of life. This underscores the importance of equipping researchers with the necessary skills to effectively manage the limited research resources available to them. Thus, this collaborative initiative aims to establish a professional training program designed to impart best practices in research management. Over the proposed two-year project duration, the first year will focus on modules development and train-the-trainer activities, while the second year will emphasize two session of intensive online trainings. This approach prioritizes the cultivation of self-learning capabilities and capacities, ensuring that project objectives are not only met but sustained beyond its duration. The curriculum will encompass topics such as research and innovation management, research ethics and governance, intellectual property rights, technology transfer, and grant management. The program will be delivered through a comprehensive and flexible modular-based online platform, allowing for both synchronous and asynchronous learning. The project aims to train a minimum of eighty researchers. Ultimately, the project seeks to create a professional program that will be made available as an open educational resource, encouraging its adoption and implementation across African research institutions and universities.