2ND CARTA VICE CHANCELLOR'S MEETING CARTA 2ND VICE CHANCELLORS MEETING REPORT | Page 39

© Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) & University of Nairobi (UoN)
University based research centres – model for promoting research
In conclusion, Dr. Kinyanjui indicated that universities must work with research centres to build a
critical mass of researchers in Kenya and in other African Countries. Such collaborations will offer a
platform for scientists with similar research interests to share scientific ideas, develop joint research
activities, and have a common scientific vision and strategy. It will also promote aacquisition, sharing
and efficient use of infrastructure and research-focused management and operational support.
University-based research centres will also ffacilitate strategy driven collaborations and joint-
supervision and mentoring of students and hence encourage interaction between students from
different research groups.
PLENARY COMMENTS FROM SESSION V DISCUSSIONS
Prof. Charles Larson - National Coordinator, Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research
(CCGHR)
1.
There is need for regular communication, constant ongoing dialogue between Universities and
CARTA.
2. Partners should strive to understand the needs of a university before partnering with them
and this calls for understanding the context and the people. Universities very much need to
become global and promote their careers. Universities therefore need global contacts.
Prof. Sharon Fonn –Co-Director, CARTA
1.
CARTA is striving to deal with communication issues but has faced challenges in
communicating efficiently and effectively.
2. It is up to individual universities to take initiatives to create partnerships and collaborations.
Some universities have taken advantage of this and created immense collaborations with other
universities.
3. VCs need to reflect on the differential initiative demonstrated by academics in taking up
opportunities globally. There has to be development of joint proposals. Academia should take
the initiative and develop joint proposals in research. Universities must however incentivize
the individual academics to participate in activities like joint publications and development of
research collaboration. There has been lack of individual initiative in African academics.
4. The presentation by Dr. Kinyanjui is a representation of the depth and breadth universities
have to offer. Field visits are part of the research programs to get the practicality of the
research projects by PhD students.
5. All research centres generate data and this data can be used by researchers. It is important to
match research projects to the best research sites that meet the needs of the researchers.
6. Peer reviews and journal clubs help to critique researchers’ work and add value to their
research. Relationships built should be of benefit to both parties. Long term collaboration with
research centres is encouraged.
33
CARTA’s 2 nd Vice Chancellor’s Meeting –Report of meeting proceedings – July 10-11, 2017