Elevating Research Management Capacity in DELTAS Africa II Programme

A Transformative Workshop Supporting Good Research Management, Security, and Equity

The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is a pan-African, non-profit, public charitable organisation dedicated to supporting, strengthening, and promoting science and innovation across Africa. SFA Foundation funds and implements major science and innovation programmes using well-established grant making schemes, advocacy, and capacity building.

SFA Foundation recognised that African research institutions continue to face significant challenges in governance, research security, and equitable partnerships. Despite their critical role, these institutions are often underrepresented in the development of research management policies and solutions in these areas.

There was a clear need to empower research managers from across Africa with tailored support, best practices, and tools, enabling them to drive excellence in research management, strengthen security, and foster mutually beneficial collaborations.

Our Approach

Formation, in partnership with the Science for Africa (SFA) Foundation and REMACS Programme Africa, delivered a comprehensive workshop on research security for DELTAS Africa II Programme Managers in Zimbabwe. This was complemented by workshops by Scientia Scripta on Equitable Partnerships and REMACS on the Good Research Management Practice.

Programme Managers were supported to develop their understanding of dual-use and emerging technologies and global approaches to managing risk around sensitive research. They also developed a practical understanding of the sensitivities within their own research portfolios and strategies for mitigating risk within their local context.

The programme featured interactive presentations, experiential workshops, and peer learning sessions, providing both foundational knowledge and practical tools for immediate application.

The Impact

The workshop introduced participants to a new field for capacity building in African research management. Post-event surveys revealed participants developed significant new knowledge in all focus areas, with particular appreciation for the interactive, practical teaching approach.

Notably:

• Participants highlighted the immediate value of learning how to implement the GRMP standard, manage research security, and advocate for equity in partnerships.

• Feedback underscored a strong appetite for ongoing, Africa-led engagement on these topics, with calls for further online and in-person sessions as well as resource-sharing.

• The initiative directly supports the development of Africa-driven research management responses, strengthening the continent's ability to build secure, equitable, and internationally competitive research ecosystems.

This collaborative workshop has not only advanced the skills and confidence of leading programme managers but also laid the groundwork for long-term, systemic improvements in African research management practice.

DELTAS Africa is an initiative of the SFA Foundation supported  by Wellcome and the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.