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
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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?
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