‘Mazungumzo - African Scholarly Conversations’ is a podcast that highlights the perspectives of various stakeholders in academia and research fields across Africa through open dialogue or ‘Mazungumzo’ on scholarly communication in Africa. We are joined by an expansive list of African policymakers, science communication specialists, innovators, and tertiary institution leads who contribute to this realm of science communication. Join the host, Joy Owango, for candid stories by researchers, po ...
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SN 3 EP 8: Celebrating African Science Communication in Our Own Words
55:19
55:19
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55:19In this episode, host Joy Owango is joined by co-host Anne Chisa for a special Africa Day episode featuring a powerhouse panel of science podcasters reshaping research communication across the continent. This inspiring conversation brings together Wealth Okete (the Immunology in Africa Podcast), Anita Makori (My Science Journey), and Wambui Mbichi …
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SN 3 EP 7: Preserving African Knowledge Through Digital Libraries with Dr. Nkem Osuigwe
47:48
47:48
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47:48In this episode, Dr. Nkem Osuigwe talks about her journey from a child in post-war Nigeria to an award-winning librarian. Dr. Osuigwe shares her work with the African Library and Information Associations and Institutions (AfLIA) and as 2022's Wikimedian of the Year. The conversation explores pressing issues in African librarianship: preserving trad…
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SN 3 EP 6: Advancing Reproducible Research Through Community-Led Initiatives with Emmanuel Boakye (AREN)
24:02
24:02
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24:02In this episode, Emmanuel Boakye, co-founder of the African Reproducibility Network (AREN), discusses the role of open science in Africa and the importance of research reproducibility. He shares how AREN is bridging gaps in research culture through grassroots advocacy, training programs, and policy engagement, while addressing challenges like insti…
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SN 3 EP 5: Leading Higher Education Reforms in Africa with Professor Nelson Ijumba
49:31
49:31
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49:31In this episode ofMazungumzo - African Scholarly Conversations, Professor Nelson Ijumba shares his experience leading the restructuring of the University of Rwanda, merging seven institutions into one research-led university. He discusses the challenges of institutional change, faculty development, and internationalization, offering key insights fo…
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SN 3 EP 4: Exploring the Power of Podcasts and Digital Platforms for African Research Impact with Root of Science’s Anne Chisa
46:47
46:47
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46:47In this special collaboration episode, Joy Owango of Mazungumzo – African Scholarly Conversations and Anne Chisa of The Root of Science Podcast come together for a dynamic and insightful discussion. They explore how their platforms have grown into vital spaces for amplifying African research, highlighting the transformative power of science communi…
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SN 3 EP 3: Advancing African Scholarly Publishing through Diamond Open Access with AJOL's Susan Murray
43:53
43:53
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43:53In this episode, we sit down with Susan Murray, Executive Director of African Journals Online (AJOL), to explore the transformative power of no-fee publishing in reshaping the visibility and accessibility of African research. Susan shares her insights on the challenges and triumphs of building sustainable Diamond Open Access models, the importance …
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SN 3 EP 2: Transforming Research Collaboration in the Arab and North African Regions with ASREN's Yousef Torman
41:29
41:29
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41:29In this episode, we welcome Yousef Torman, Managing Director of the Arab States Research and Education Network (ASREN), to discuss how the organization is transforming research collaboration and advancing open science across the Arab and North African regions. From developing ICT infrastructure to fostering global partnerships, Yousef sheds light o…
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SN 3 EP 1: The Future of Research Assessment and Incentives in Africa with Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze (MakSPH)
44:54
44:54
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44:54In this episode, Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze, Professor and Dean of the School of Public Health at Makerere University, discusses the evolving landscape of research assessment in Africa. The conversation highlights the need to rethink how research outputs are evaluated, focusing on societal impact rather than traditional academic metrics like publications a…
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SN 2 EP 12: Unlocking Research Visibility in the Global South with ORCID’S Lombe Tembo
33:10
33:10
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33:10In this captivating finale of Season 2, the Mazungumzo-African Scholarly Conversations podcast welcomes Lombe Tembo, Grant Program Officer and Engagement Lead at ORCID. This episode delves into the critical intersection of scholarly communication, economic development, and research visibility in Africa. Lombe shares her journey from economics to ch…
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S2 E11: Building Somalia's Scholarly Infrastructure Post- Civil Conflict with Mr. Mohamud Mohamed Siad and Eng. Ahmed Siyad
41:20
41:20
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41:20In this episode, we explore efforts to rebuild Somalia's scholarly landscape post-civil conflict. Eng. Ahmed Dahir Siyad from SomaliREN and Mr. Mohamud Mohamed Siad from the Somali Library Association (SLA) discuss challenges and progress in improving digital infrastructure, research access, and libraries. SomaliREN has connected 50 university camp…
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SN 2 EP 10: Engendering Africa's Research Ecosystem- Dr. Dorothy Ngila's Vision for Inclusive Science
42:32
42:32
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42:32This episode features a powerful narrative of resilience, innovation, and the ongoing quest for inclusive science in Africa. Dr. Dorothy Ngila, drawing from her unique "Afropolitan" experience, presents a roadmap for institutional reform in science and research. She unpacks the critical role of funding agencies in driving inclusivity, the power of …
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SN 2 EP 9: Data Stewardship, AI, and the Future of Health Research in Kenya with KEMRI's James Ngumo Kariuki
37:53
37:53
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37:53In this podcast episode, James Ngumo Kariuki, a senior research scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), shares his perspectives on the critical role of data stewardship, artificial intelligence (AI), and technology in shaping the future of health research in Kenya. Mr. Ngumo emphasizes the need for evidence-informed policies, cou…
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SN 2 EP 8: Navigating South Africa's Open Science Landscape Through the Lens of Ina Smith and Susan Veldsman of ASSAf
40:12
40:12
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40:12This episode takes us through South Africa's journey towards embracing Open Science, a paradigm shift that aims to address societal challenges and promote research integrity. Ms. Ina Smith and Ms. Susan Veldsman, leading advocates at the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAF), share insights into the development of the draft National Open Scien…
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SN 2 EP 7: A Visionary's View: Professor Peter Gatiti on Librarianship's Evolution
33:23
33:23
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33:23In this episode, Professor Gatiti shares profound insights into the essential role of librarians, showcasing their transformative power in managing and organizingdata effectively. As we gear up for the 26th SCESCAL 2024 Conference, hosted by the Kenya Library Association, Professor Gatiti's perspective couldn't be more timely. He advocates for the …
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SN 2 EP 6 : From Manuscripts to Community Empowerment with Nicholas Outa of Dala Integrated Aquaculture Hub
49:12
49:12
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49:12In this episode, we embark on a journey with Nicholas Outa, a driving force behind research mentorship at TCC Africa. Beginning as an early career researcher, Nicholas's trajectory took an unexpected turn as he discovered a passion for mentorship and facilitation. We delve into how his hands-on training experiences shaped his evolution, propelling …
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SN 2 EP 5 : The Journey of Gender Mainstreaming in Higher Education with Prof. Flora Fabian-Mbatia
47:05
47:05
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47:05In this episode, we are honored to be joined by Professor Flora Fabian-Mbatia, the founding Vice Chancellor of Mwanza University in Tanzania. Prof. Fabian is a passionate mentor dedicated to shaping the future of early-career women in science. From her formative years, where her father's support defied societal norms, to her pioneering work in anat…
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SN 2 EP 4 : Pioneering Africa's Information Landscape with insights from Dr. Gracian Chimwaza of Information Training & Outreach Centre for Africa (ITOCA)
26:47
26:47
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26:47In this episode, Dr. Gracian Chimwaza, the founding director of the Information Training & Outreach Centre for Africa (ITOCA), narrates his 24-year journey in leading capacity development and research projects across African countries. He emphasizes the importance of addressing societal challenges through information and knowledge exchange. This ep…
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SN 2 EP 3: A Symphony of Success- Professor Masanja's Unconventional Path from Arts to Academia
49:10
49:10
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49:10In today's episode, we highlight the impact of women in STEM, featuring Professor Grace Verdiana Masanja. She is the first Tanzanian woman with a Ph.D. in mathematics and also holds the distinction of being the first black woman from sub-Saharan Africa enrolled in the Fluid Mechanics course at the Technical University of Berlin. Join Professor Masa…
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SN 2 EP 2 : Celebrating 20 Years of DOAJ! Advancing African Research and Open Access with insights from Prof. Kamel Belhamel, DOAJ Ambassador for North Africa
1:14:24
1:14:24
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1:14:24This episode explores DOAJ's efforts to collaborate with African countries, promoting accessibility, open access policies, and launching digital platforms as it celebrates its 20th year. We are joined by Prof. Kamel Belhamel, the DOAJ Ambassador for North Africa, who shares his insights on the representation of African journals in DOAJ, the complex…
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SN 2 EP 1 : Beyond the borders: Dr. Rana Dajani`s journey in Global Innovation and Literacy
40:19
40:19
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40:19Season 2 Premiere: We begin the second season of Mazungumzo- African Scholarly Conversations, by taking an explorative journey into Dr. Rana Dajani`s work and life. Driven by a deep commitment to literacy and women empowerment in STEM, she has taken on various key roles that are part of her dedication. Her resilience and strive to go on with her pa…
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Feature Episode: Using African Policy Data to Monitor Trends in Public Policy: Webinar Q and A Session
14:42
14:42
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14:42This episode features recordings from the webinar themed, 'Using African Policy Data to monitor trends in Public Policy', featuring public policy thinktanks Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) , Digital Sciences' Altmetric and Training Centre …
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Feature Episode: Using AI tools in monitoring performance and trends in Public Policy with Mike Taylor from Altmetric
32:54
32:54
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32:54This episode features recordings from the webinar themed, 'Using African Policy Data to monitor trends in Public Policy', featuring public policy thinktanks Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) , Digital Sciences' Altmetric and Training Centre in Comm…
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Feature Episode: Charting the Kenyan Policy Pathways with Insights by Eliud Moyi from KIPPRA
25:48
25:48
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25:48This episode features recordings from the webinar themed, 'Using African Policy Data to monitor trends in Public Policy', featuring public policy thinktanks Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) , Digital Sciences' Altmetric and Training Centre in Communicati…
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Feature Episode: The Role of Policy Data and Reports in Monitoring Public Policy Trends with ATPS's- Dr. Nicholas Ozor
49:12
49:12
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49:12This episode features recordings from the webinar themed, 'Using African Policy Data to monitor trends in Public Policy', featuring public policy thinktanks Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) , Digital Sciences' Altmetric and Training Centre in Communication (TCC…
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Feature Episode: Regional Open Science Dialogue in Southern Africa Day 2 Part 4
15:22
15:22
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15:22This episode features highlights from the two-day Southern Africa Regional Open Science Dialogue held at the University of Pretoria in April 2023. This engagement brought together higher education stakeholders from Southern Africa who explored key themes over the two days, such as rethinking research assessment and incentivization in academia, with…
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Feature Episode: Regional Open Science Dialogue in Southern Africa Day 2 Part 3
39:21
39:21
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39:21This episode features highlights from the two-day Southern Africa Regional Open Science Dialogue held at the University of Pretoria in April 2023. This engagement brought together higher education stakeholders from Southern Africa who explored key themes over the two days, such as rethinking research assessment and incentivization in academia, with…
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Feature Episode: Regional Open Science Dialogue in Southern Africa Day 2 Part 2
20:58
20:58
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20:58This episode features highlights from the two-day Southern Africa Regional Open Science Dialogue held at the University of Pretoria in April 2023. This engagement brought together higher education stakeholders from Southern Africa who explored key themes over the two days, such as rethinking research assessment and incentivization in academia, with…
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Feature Episode: Regional Open Science Dialogue in Southern Africa Day 2 Part 1
42:34
42:34
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42:34This episode features highlights from the two-day Southern Africa Regional Open Science Dialogue held at the University of Pretoria in April 2023. This engagement brought together higher education stakeholders from Southern Africa who explored key themes over the two days, such as rethinking research assessment and incentivization in academia, with…
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Feature Episode: Regional Open Science Dialogue in Southern Africa Day 1 Part 5
17:55
17:55
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17:55This episode culminates in interactive discussions on incentivization and research assessment at the Southern Africa Regional Open Science Dialogue held at the University of Pretoria in April 2023. The participants contributed their thoughts and ideas on practical actions that governments, researchers and academic institutions should take on reward…
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Feature Episode: Regional Open Science Dialogue in Southern Africa Day 1 Part 4
42:42
42:42
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42:42This episode features highlights from the two-day Southern Africa Regional Open Science Dialogue held at the University of Pretoria in April 2023. This engagement brought together higher education stakeholders from Southern Africa who explored key themes over the two days, such as rethinking research assessment and incentivization in academia with …
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Feature Episode: Regional Open Science Dialogue in Southern Africa Day 1 Part 3
52:23
52:23
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52:23This episode features highlights from the two-day Southern Africa Regional Open Science Dialogue held at the University of Pretoria in April 2023. This engagement brought together higher education stakeholders from Southern Africa who explored key themes over the two days, such as rethinking research assessment and incentivization in academia with …
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Feature Episode: Regional Open Science Dialogue in Southern Africa Day 1 Part 2
40:38
40:38
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40:38This episode features highlights from the two-day Southern Africa Regional Open Science Dialogue held at the University of Pretoria in April 2023. This engagement brought together higher education stakeholders from Southern Africa who explored key themes over the two days, such as rethinking research assessment and incentivization in academia with …
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Feature Episode: Regional Open Science Dialogue in Southern Africa Day 1 Part 1
30:59
30:59
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30:59This episode features highlights from the two-day Southern Africa Regional Open Science Dialogue held at the University of Pretoria in April 2023. This engagement brought together higher education stakeholders from Southern Africa who explored key themes over the two days, such as rethinking research assessment and incentivization in academia with …
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Feature Episode: High Level Multi- Sectoral National Open Science Dialogue for Academic and Research Institutes in Tanzania Part 4
32:14
32:14
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32:14Part 4 is the conclusive session of the National Open Science dialogue in Tanzania which culminated with a "Statement of Intent" by the representatives of policy actors from Tanzania. The High Level Multi-Sectoral National Open Science Dialogue in Tanzania was the first of a series of national-level conversations on Open Science after the in…
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Feature Episode: High Level Multi- Sectoral National Open Science Dialogue for Academic and Research Institutes in Tanzania Part 3
43:06
43:06
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43:06This is a continuation of the National Open Science dialogue in Tanzania, which was the first of a series of national-level conversations on Open Science after the initial regional meeting with East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) where it was made clear that national conversations on Open Science are imperative as the messa…
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Feature Episode: High Level Multi-Sectoral National Open Science Dialogue for Academic and Research Institutes in Tanzania Part 2
30:55
30:55
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30:55This is a continuation of the National Open Science dialogue in Tanzania, which was the first of a series of national-level conversations on Open Science after the initial regional meeting with East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) where it was made clear that national conversations on Open Science are imperative as the messagi…
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Feature Episode: High Level Multi- Sectoral National Open Science Dialogue for Academic and Research Institutes in Tanzania Part 1
42:24
42:24
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42:24Earlier in February 2023, Higher Education stakeholders in Tanzania gathered for the National Open Science dialogue. This was the first of a series of national-level conversations on Open Science after the initial regional meeting with East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) where it was made clear that national conversations on Op…
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SN 1 EP 11 : The convergence of science and communication as a catalyst in empowering change in vulnerable communities with Jhpiego's- Verah Vashti Okeyo
1:00:38
1:00:38
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1:00:38In this episode, we delve into a world where science and journalism intersect, uncovering the profound impact that they have in shaping a more informed society. Spearheading this mission is Verah Okeyo, a renowned science journalist, teacher, and communicator who has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between scientific advancements and publi…
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SN 1 EP 10 : Exploring the transformative power of scholarships in African Academia with RSIF’S-Bonface Nyagah
44:52
44:52
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44:52Postgraduate research is a journey of discovery and knowledge creation. It goes beyond simply learning how to think and delves into the realm of producing new knowledge. To embark on this journey, one must build upon existing knowledge, using it as a solid foundation. However, it is crucial to recognize that the pursuit of new knowledge requires su…
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SN 1 EP 9 : Sustaining Scholarly Communications for Future Generations: Approaches for African Libraries with AFLIA’s Dr. Mac-Anthony Cobblah.
43:20
43:20
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43:20On this episode of the podcast, we had the privilege of catching up with Dr. Mac-Anthony Cobblah, an accomplished leader in academic librarianship, as he shares his insights on librarianship and leadership, especially when it comes to promoting open science within the realm of scholarly communication in African universities. He holds the position o…
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SN 1 EP 8 : Demystifying Open Science in Africa: Understanding its Importance and Implementation with AAU's- Abednego Corletey
41:38
41:38
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41:38While there has been a shift in how Open Science is perceived in Africa, ‘Open’ is still being misconstrued to mean that it is a loose and unstructured approach to scientific research, without restrictions or regulations. This is not the case. What people have failed to understand is that Open Science not only promotes research credibility by promo…
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SN 1 EP 7 : Why Open Science Matters: Perspectives from an African Scholarly Communication Expert
31:03
31:03
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31:03For many years, African libraries have been struggling to keep up with the rest of the world in terms of access to scientific information and resources. This has led to a situation where valuable research findings are often shelved and not shared with the wider scientific community, and libraries are forced to operate with limited resources, hinder…
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SN 1 EP 6 : The Journey of a Resilient African Mother in Science and Leadership
41:04
41:04
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41:04Today’s episode features the inspiring story of Professor Chioma Blaise Chikere, a visionary leader and scientist, who is breaking barriers and defying stereotypes in research. As a mother and African woman, she's on a mission to show the world the potential of women and the importance of giving them a voice. Hear her story of overcoming academic b…
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SN 1 EP 5 : Promoting innovative and sustainable research opportunities for women scientists in Nigeria
33:59
33:59
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33:59Kickstarting our podcast series this year is self-proclaimed ‘woman in science’, widely published soil scientist and the National Chairperson, the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Nigeria Chapter, Professor Olayinka Nwachukwu. She talks about how her work with the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing…
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SN 1 EP 4 : Why Research Mentorship Matters while Navigating Academia: Insights from Eider Africa’s founder, Aurelia Munene
29:46
29:46
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29:46If you are a researcher, you are probably familiar with the research lifecycle and all the challenges and opportunities that come with it. With this in mind, Eider Africa- a women-led social enterprise, has been working towards supporting researchers by providing a safe space for mentorship throughout the research life cycle and amplifying the voic…
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Feature Episode: Advocacy and Capacity Building in Open Access & Open Science to top management staff in African Higher Education Institutions
2:23:44
2:23:44
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2:23:44This episode features the genesis of a four-part regional blended workshop addressing the pushback and advocating for the Adoption and Implementation of Open Science and Open Access practices in member institutions of the AAU. It features various higher education stakeholders including Presidents, Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors,…
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Feature Episode: State of Open Access in Africa and its Implication on Researchers
1:02:44
1:02:44
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1:02:44Do African Researchers understand what open access entails? What Open-Access Academic Publishing infrastructure is available in Africa to support researchers? We are joined by Elizabeth Marincola, from Africa Academy of Sciences Open Research, Matt Hodgkinson from Africa’s oldest Open Access publishing Hindawi and Osman Aldirdiri from AfricArxiv, A…
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Feature Episode: Open Science & Open Access Principles and Practices in East African Community Partner States
1:56:31
1:56:31
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1:56:31Today’s episode features an engaging session on ‘Open Science & Open Access Principles and Practices in East African Community Partner States’ by Dr. Sylvance Okoth the Executive Secretary of The East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), Joy Owango of TCC Africa, Ana Persic of UNESCO, Nokuthula Mchunu of the African Open Science Pla…
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