Project will map researchers’ opinions and perceptions, and suggest ways to improve the culture
United Kingdom-based medical research charity Wellcome is looking for a team to produce a study of African research cultures.
The team could be a consultancy or a research group, Wellcome said, should be based in Africa and the leader or co-leader should “have an African background”.
The study will explore African researchers’ opinions and perceptions about research culture, the drivers of the culture, their vision for improvements and how best to deliver them, and differences between African countries.
“This project could be carried out in a range of ways which should include a large online survey of academic researchers and could include a literature review, interviews and/or virtual focus groups,” wrote Sonya Towers, a research culture and communities specialist at Wellcome, on her LinkedIn profile, where she posted the request for proposals.
The research must include interviews with researchers in Kenya and South Africa, the two biggest recipients of Wellcome funding in Africa.
The deadline for applications is 14 March, and the project is planned to start in early May. The winning team will have 4-5 months to produce the study.