A national report was launched on 21 June at a regional meeting of the Science Granting Councils Initiative. The initiative works to strengthen the capacities of 18 public science funding agencies in Sub-Saharan Africa. The report says Uganda must reform its science, technology and innovation systems to speed its move toward middle-income status.
The report highlights gender gaps and weak support for research funding. It notes that between 2010 and 2020 less than a quarter (24 per cent) of Ugandan PhD holders were female. The minister for science called for systems that link research to development and said research must benefit nations and help tackle poverty.
Difficult words
- initiative — a new project or plan to help something
- capacity — ability or power to do somethingcapacities
- reform — to make changes to improve something
- innovation — a new idea, method, or invention
- gender gap — difference in opportunities between men and womengender gaps
- funding — money given to support a project
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why is it important to link research to development?
- What can help more women get PhDs in your country?
- How can research help reduce poverty?
Related articles
Why Many Moroccan Students Are Studying in China
Many Moroccan students choose to study in China because economic and social pressures at home make staying difficult. High youth unemployment, low graduate pay, social media and agencies drive the trend, but visas and scams create risks.
Citizen archivists record South Asian oral traditions
Citizen archivists in South Asia record folk songs, oral histories, riddles and traditional medicinal knowledge. They upload videos and transcriptions to Wikimedia Commons, Wikisource and Wikipedia to preserve fading cultural knowledge.
How relationships shape memories of childhood adversity
A study of nearly 1,000 emerging adults found that memories of adverse childhood experiences change with the quality of current relationships, especially with parents. The researchers suggest asking about these experiences more than once.
