The Ugandan National Research Output report, launched on 21 June at a regional meeting of the Science Granting Councils Initiative, says Uganda should reform its science, technology and innovation (STI) systems to speed its move toward middle-income status. The initiative aims to strengthen the institutional capacities of 18 public science funding agencies in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The report highlights gender gaps and weak STI funding. It notes that between 2010 and 2020 less than a quarter (24 per cent) of Ugandan PhD holders were female, and that science, technology, engineering and mathematics education is dominated by men. The report also notes positive steps: in 2019 UNCST and an international network set up the Gender Equity in Research Alliance, which registered as an NGO in 2021 and now has members in 70 per cent of universities in Uganda.
Martin P. Ongol, acting executive secretary of UNCST, said reforms in STI training, gender inclusivity, research funding options and the use of research by the private sector should be fast-tracked. The report warns that public-funded research budgets remain largely foreign-led and recommends exploring new funding models to incentivize private sector investment and strengthen links between research, government and business.
Difficult words
- reform — make changes to a system or law
- initiative — a planned action or new project
- capacity — ability or resources of an organizationcapacities
- inclusivity — policy of including different groups equally
- dominate — to be the largest or controlling groupdominated
- register — to record officially, often with authoritiesregistered
- incentivize — to encourage action by offering rewards
- funding — money provided to support a project or activity
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could private companies use university research in your country? Give one or two examples.
- What changes would help more women study STEM subjects at university?
- Do you think new funding models could attract private-sector investment in research? Why or why not?
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