ACTS has begun implementing a new programme to support Science Granting Councils (SGCs) in managing research and innovation projects in Africa.
The three year programme aims to strengthen the capacities of SGCs to fund and manage research and innovation projects in areas aligned with their national development plans and priorities.
As a lead partner, ACTS is implementing the programme as part of a consortium comprising of the Association of African Universities (AAU) and the University of Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD).
Programme approach
To leverage on available resources and expertise, the Councils will be at the driver’s seat during the implementation of the programme with the consortium playing a supportive role. The consortium will also work closely with other CTAs to build synergies.
Meanwhile, the programme will provide opportunities for the Councils to pilot and deploy some of the tools, templates, and guidelines developed from the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCIs). The consortium will work with the Councils to build synergy including joint calls for proposals, workshops and monitoring/ evaluation where possible.
Taking into consideration that Councils fund and manage several projects from different sources, the consortium will work with the Councils to build synergy including joint calls for proposals, workshops and monitoring and evaluation where possible.
The consortium will also make available the existing database of ACTS reviewers in emerging technologies to those Councils that will require them.
Members of the consortium charged with implementing the programme.
Gender considerations
This new programme puts a lot of emphasis on gender equality and inclusivity by ensuring that at least 30% of projects are led by female researchers. In addition, gender and inclusivity will be embedded in the design of research methods, data collection, data analysis, knowledge production and dissemination, and final beneficiaries of project outputs (processes, technologies and innovations); It will also target disadvantaged sectors (e.g informal sector) and researchers (Early Career Academics).
The Councils are currently developing calls for proposals to guide selection of projects to be funded through the programme. A number of Councils have already advertised the calls.
The ACTS programme team during a meeting with National Research Fund (Kenya).
