Research Capacity Strengthening

APHRC has supported the best and most promising researchers working on African development issues. Through its pre-doctoral, doctoral and postdoctoral fellowship programs, the Center has supported and mentored hundreds of young Africa scholars. Under the African Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship, more than 200 fellows from across the continent have received support to complete their doctoral dissertation.The Center has mentored more than 100 postdoctoral fellows, many of whom are now leading institutions and major multi-country research programs.

The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) has been our signature program in strengthening doctoral training in Africa. In partnership with 19 universities and research institutes, the program has supported over 160 junior faculty members and staff at African universities for their PhD training, developing their critical thinking and transferable research skills. It has also focused on strengthening university-wide systems to support research excellence and productivity.

Higher education is critical to Africa’s development yet African universities and scholars contribute very little to the global knowledge economy. The Center’s approach is to conduct research that broadens understanding of the impact, the value of existing research capacity initiatives and to identify what works to make higher education systems relevant and sustainable in Africa.

APHRC has designed and piloted a number of training programs to meet the growing demand from individuals and institutions for stronger research capacity. APHRC is currently developing its Research Leadership and Training Center to meet its growing need for training facilities.