2ND CARTA VICE CHANCELLOR'S MEETING CARTA 2ND VICE CHANCELLORS MEETING REPORT | Page 30

© Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) & University of Nairobi (UoN)
Anne highlighted that the CARTA consortium offered her a platform for professional networking and
support. In addition, the consortium provided research funds and stipend so that fellows could focus
on their research work and not necessarily other consultancy work that would delay their research
work. She was truly grateful for this.
As a CARTA fellow, Anne had an opportunity to facilitate the cohort 4 fourth JAS in Makerere,
Kampala in March 2017. Such opportunities ensure there is continuity and utilisation of skills
generated to support other fellows within the CARTA consortium.
Some of the challenges that Anne indicated she faced included the following. First, methodological
advancements in qualitative research as taught in JASes were often ahead of skill and expertise
available at the school of nursing in the University of Nairobi. Often, she had to negotiate to move
the research forward. Secondly, the speed with which CARTA fellows are required to move meant
that her write up was ready earlier than it could be read. This delayed her timelines for examination
and defense. She thanked CARTA for requiring quarterly reports, which the supervisor also
commented on and signed off. This helped move the process forward.
In conclusion, Anne commended CARTA for the good work it was doing. She indicated that she
would vouch for CARTA any time for any potential PhD student because
the
consortium
encourages home grown research for Africa’s public health and development needs and capacity
building is at the core of what CARTA does, encouraging young scholars to complete their PhD. The
consortium’s contribution to higher education in the continent cannot be over emphasised and its
commitment to strengthen the capacity of partner institutions is to be commended too. With the
skills obtained within her PhD fellowship, Anne is prepared to compete favourably in the global
science arena, in both grant writing, generation of knowledge and dissemination of the same.
REFLECTIONS ON CARTA AND ITS INTERNATIONAL RELEVANCE
By Prof. Göran Bondjers – Representative, University of Gothenburg
Prof. Bondjers began off his remarks by indicating that he had a background in practical philosophy
but Cardiological research was now his major area of focus. He has been a Director of Research
Studies at the University of Gothenburg where he had to resolve controversies between supervisors
and graduate students. He has also held a position as Dean of the Medical School for over 10 years.
Prof. Bondjers indicated that after his retirement, seven years ago, he felt that he could create an
impact in Research through CARTA. He congratulated Africa for being at the forefront in striving to
increase the quality of research training.
THE VALUE OF HOSTING PHD STUDENTS FROM OTHER AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES
By Prof. Adam Mahomed Habib - Vice Chancellor, University of the Witwatersrand
With production of more than 40 CARTA fellows and over 110 publications, Prof, Habib commended
CARTA for the good work it is doing. The whol