African Research Culture -Opinion Research

Abstract

Research culture, which is the environment in which research is carried out, encompasses a combination of the attitudes, values and beliefs of research communities; the structure of the research system and its incentives; and the behaviours and practices of individuals and institutions that are involved in shaping it. The environment in which researchers operate, their attitudes and perceptions, and the governing structures for research determine how researchers engage with and produce research. Wellcome seeks to promote positive, inclusive research cultures in its assessment criteria when reviewing proposals for funding. To assist with this, it commissioned an opinion research to examine the African Research Culture. The overall objective of this study was to understand what constitutes a "positive and inclusive" research culture in Africa. The specific study objectives were to: Provide an overview of the research culture in Africa, provide an outline of the research culture in each country within Africa, determine the drivers of the identified research culture issues and to develop a list of recommendations for funders.