2ND CARTA VICE CHANCELLOR'S MEETING CARTA 2ND VICE CHANCELLORS MEETING REPORT | Page 9

© Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) & University of Nairobi (UoN) As part of rethinking the African reality, there is need for African Universities to produce globally competitive scholars and recognize the need to transform their programs delivery. Individually, despite how well-endowed a university was or is; it does not have the capacity to produce quality graduates. This calls for training of the next generation of researchers to become research leaders and adjust the different levels of the training system to suit African needs. It is therefore clear that universities’ transformation can only come from within. Way forward To create change in African Universities, there is need for change of mindsets, attitudes and hierarchies in the instuitions. This calls for building of core research competencies including both soft (negotiation, networking and fundraising skills) and hard skills (ability to analyze research data, interpret and communicate). The standard of excellence should however, be on the level of international standards for the scholars to fit in the global market and compete competitively. The meeting resolved that there is also need for new innovative solutions to confront new challenges that African Universities face. Transforming PhD courses is critical and this transformation should be multi-dimensional; it must involve mentorship and intellectual stimulation. The transformation should focus on having intellectuals that will stimulate the PhD students. Transformation also calls for support such as funding, infrastructure, software, hardware and individual incentives. With respect to the CARTA program, the meeting recommended that there is need for regular communication and constant ongoing dialogue between member Universities and CARTA. Vice Chancellors need to reflect on the differential initiative demonstrated by academics in taking up opportunities globally. There has to be development of joint proposals and academia should also take the initiative to develop joint proposals in research. Universities must however, incentivize the individual academics to participate in activities like joint publications and development of research collaboration. They should also find ways of ensuring that CARTA achievements are shared with the entire university community. Finally, the meeting resolved that African universities must frame a narrative that will create the imperative for governments to realize that it is their role to fund research and development in the African continent. Firstly, the narrative must be right to see inclusive development and addressing of challenges such as unemployment and the economy must be grown in an inclusive way with high quality skills by universities. The training should also be geared towards attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). African Governments must identify which development partners can be approached to support research and development activities in Universities. Perhaps there is need to build on the capacity of African institutions as well for effective management of research funds. CARTA’s 2 nd Vice Chancellor’s Meeting –Report of meeting proceedings – July 10-11, 2017 3