A recent study published in F1000research sheds light on the positive impact of research consortia on PhD students in Sub-Saharan African countries. The study, titled ‘How research consortia can contribute to improvements in PhD students’ research environment and progress in Sub-Saharan African countries’, involved 35 PhD students funded by the Africa Capacity Building Initiative (ACBI) natural sciences research programme.
The study, conducted by researchers from the Centre for Capacity Research at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in the UK and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, highlighted the benefits of belonging to research consortia. These benefits include improved infrastructure, access to international networks, and professional development opportunities.
The ACBI programme, funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in partnership with the Royal Society, aimed to strengthen research and training capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa through UK-Africa research collaborations. The initiative supported 38 PhD students across 18 Sub-Saharan African countries, providing funding for research expenses, travel, training, and equipment costs.
PhD students involved in the study noted that being part of research consortia provided them with access to resources and expertise that helped them overcome limitations at their own institutions. They also highlighted the positive impact of the ACBI programme on their research infrastructure and learning environments.
The study’s findings underscore the importance of creating a conducive research environment for PhD students in Africa, including providing access to state-of-the-art equipment, mentorship, and training opportunities. The researchers also emphasized the need for ongoing support and collaboration to enhance career prospects and research opportunities for PhD students in the region.
Overall, the study highlights the potential for research consortia to contribute to long-term improvements in research environments for PhD students in Sub-Saharan Africa, ultimately fostering a supportive and conducive atmosphere for academic and professional growth.