Mazungumzo - African Scholarly Conversations

This 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 complexities of language diversity and the role of open access in the African scholarly landscape. Professor Kamel holds the position of Full Professor of Chemistry at the University of Bejaia, Algeria. Beyond his teaching role, he has been an Ambassador for North Africa with the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) since 2016 and is the Editor-in-Chief of the DOAJ-indexed Algerian Journal of Natural Products. Connect with Prof. Kamel Belhamel through: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamel-belhamel-41222a121/?originalSubdomain=dz⁠ Read the transcript of this episode through our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Training Centre in Communication(TCC Africa) on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠⁠

Season 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 passion for science led to her undertaking her PhD studies in the United States. Dr. Rana has a strong dedication to fostering a culture of reading in children through her initiative, "We Love Reading," that opens up children to the world of books. Her life's work serves as an inspiration and a motivating factor for individuals to discover their passions, prioritize their goals, and make a lasting impact on their communities. In this episode, we delve into her remarkable journey and her pivotal role in bridging the gap between science and education, driving meaningful change, and advancing women's representation in STEM fields. Dr. Rana Dajani is a prominent scientist and social entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to global innovation and literacy, particularly in the field of genetics and education. She hails from Jordan and has an impressive track record of promoting scientific research, literacy, and innovation, both within her home country and on a global scale. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rana_Dajani Connect with Dr. Rana Dajani through: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rana-dajani/ Read the transcript of this episode through our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Training Centre in Communication(TCC Africa) on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠

This 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 Africa)⁠⁠⁠⁠. Participants raise critical questions pertaining to the role of data ethics in policy research, how AI tools can mitigate cultural biases in policy analysis, and the future of open science in Africa. Episode Highlights (00:01:15) Dr. Situma raises ethical concerns about data collection, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations and vetting data for reliability. He questions the responsibility of data hosts like KIPPRA. (00:04:37) Dr. Nicholas Ozor, Executive Director of ATPS, discusses the effectiveness of established policy analysis models and introduces AI and machine learning for accommodating dynamic changes in socioeconomic and cultural factors. He highlights the importance of historical data in predictive modeling. (00:07:15) Mr. Mike Taylor from Digital Science addresses AI biases, particularly language dominance, and advocates for diverse perspectives in AI-driven African policy analysis. He emphasizes the importance of publishing research in accessible formats. (00:11:32) Ms. Joy Owango from TCC Africa highlights the importance of data accessibility and AI's role in data sharing. She mentions initiatives like Digital Science's collaboration with African governments and the Open Infrastructure Program's efforts to enhance data accessibility through DOIs. Ozor, N., Moyi, E., Taylor, M., & Owango, J. (2023). Using African Policy Data to Monitor trends in Public Policy. TCC Africa. ⁠https://doi.org/10.21428/359fb1d2.ff83ac50⁠ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This 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 Africa)⁠⁠⁠. Episode Highlights (00:02:45) Mr. Michael Taylor, the Head of Data Insights at Digital Science is an expert in research impact and data science. He introduces Altmetrics, a dynamic company, looking to broaden and deepen understanding of the value of research and its influence on people and communities. He offers a computational perspective on the significance of indexing policy documents and an overview of the current state of policy indexing on Altmetric. He mentions the role of open science in promoting research accessibility and concludes by stressing the importance of providing open, easily accessible, and labeled policy documents to ensure their inclusion in models of scientific discourse and research impact assessments. Ozor, N., Moyi, E., Taylor, M., & Owango, J. (2023). Using African Policy Data to Monitor trends in Public Policy. TCC Africa. https://doi.org/10.21428/359fb1d2.ff83ac50 About Altmetric Altmetric is part of the Digital Science portfolio of companies all working together to help researchers make a difference. Our mission is to broaden and deepen our understanding of the value of research and its influence on people and communities. Find out more here: https://www.altmetric.com/about-us/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This 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 Africa)⁠⁠. Episode Highlights (00:01:45) Mr. Eliud Moyi, the Principal Policy Analyst at KIPPRA discusses the institution's role as a national policy think tank. He outlines their mandate, which includes policy research, capacity building, and advisory services for the government. He emphasizes the importance of policy research and analysis in providing rapid policy recommendations to address pressing issues in Kenya. He also detailed KIPPRA's active engagement with government agencies, participation in task forces, and collaboration in technical working groups as key strategies for contributing to evidence-based policymaking. Ozor, N., Moyi, E., Taylor, M., & Owango, J. (2023). Using African Policy Data to Monitor trends in Public Policy. TCC Africa. https://doi.org/10.21428/359fb1d2.ff83ac50 About the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) was established to support the government in strengthening the public policy-making process by developing human and institutional capacity and providing evidence-based policy advice through objective research and analysis. Find out more here: https://kippra.or.ke/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This 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 Africa)⁠. Episode Highlights (00:10:52) Dr. Nicholas Ozor , the executive director of the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) highlights the vital role of policy data and reports in monitoring public policy trends. He introduces ATPS as a promoter of science, technology, and innovation for African development and stress its support for evidence-based decision-making. Dr. Ozor`s presentation covers various techniques for collecting, analyzing, and organizing policy data, best practices, challenges and opportunities for leveraging policy data. Ozor, N., Moyi, E., Taylor, M., & Owango, J. (2023). Using African Policy Data to Monitor trends in Public Policy. TCC Africa. https://doi.org/10.21428/359fb1d2.ff83ac50 About African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) is a trans-disciplinary network of researchers, private sector actors and policy makers promoting the generation, dissemination, use and mastery of science, technology and innovation (ST&I) for African development, environmental sustainability and global inclusion. Find out more here: https://atpsnet.org/ Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This 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 the aim to foster the adoption of Open Science and Open Access principles within the region. Episode Highlights: (00:02:12) An interactive session is introduced, focusing on Open Science's various aspects, including infrastructure, ethics, and integrity. Participants are encouraged to share their views on research integrity, ethics in social and natural sciences, copyrights, data protection, intellectual property rights, and the need for collaboration in building robust infrastructural support systems. The goal is to gather input on how to engage partners and institutions to establish a cohesive Open Science infrastructure that can benefit academic communities. (00:05:17) During the discussion as presented by Nabil, participants shared insights and feedback on Open Science, with a primary focus on increasing awareness and taking action within their institutions. Key points included encouraging participation in platforms like the African Open Access Platform, establishing standard procedures and policies, and recognizing the importance of science communication and journalism in promoting Open Science. Concerns were raised about global systems dominating over local initiatives, and the need for increased African contributions to institutional repositories. (00:08:49) Ms. Roheena Anand presented discussions from the online community. Firstly, there's a strong call for greater awareness and education about open science within institutions, recognizing its educational value. Participants emphasized the need to address contentious issues, particularly intellectual property (IP), and find local solutions to challenges like ranking systems relying on closed databases. A significant concern raised is the resource costs associated with open-source software, emphasizing the need to invest in professionals who can maintain infrastructure knowledge and prevent knowledge loss when individuals leave institutions. The workshop is part of an ongoing series of high-level Open Science dialogue workshops targeting institutional leadership in AAU member regions and universities with the objective of raising knowledge and awareness on the importance and best practice of Open Science and Open Access, and increase the number of Open Science mandates within higher education institutions. The Southern Africa Regional Open Science Dialogue was a collaborative effort by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TCC Africa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Public Library of Science (PLOS)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Association of African Universities (AAU)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Africa Open Science Platform (AOSP)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ University of Pretoria⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠University of Cape Town⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Owango, J., Kupe, T., Mchunu, N., Wanyenze, R., Veldsman, S., Shahungu, M., … Nxomani, C. (2023). Regional Open Science Dialogue in Southern Africa. TCC Africa. Retrieved from ⁠⁠https://tccafrica.pubpub.org/pub/hqzpi08k⁠⁠

This 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 the aim to foster the adoption of Open Science and Open Access principles within the region. Episode Highlights: (00:02:12) Ms. Joy Owango welcomes Dr. Lucienne Abrahams whose topic agenda will focus on research infrastructure and how it digitally enables open science. (00:02:47) Dr. Lucienne Abrahams , the Director at the LINK Centre in the University of the Witwatersrand, discusses the concept of digital research infrastructure in South Africa, emphasizing its role in advancing open science and open data initiatives. The SA-DRIP platform (subject to potential name change), which aims to facilitate research practice, particularly in six domains: biodiversity and climate change, digital humanities, learning and human development, health surveillance and promotion, energy science and innovation, and mathematical, statistical, computational, and data sciences. Dr. Lucienne highlights the importance of open access to data and the collaborative nature of the platform as they unveil a high-level visual representation of this proposed digital research infrastructure. This discussion underscores the need for mobilizing data, promoting collaboration, and fostering interdisciplinary research across these domains. (00:16:48) Ms. Ellen Tise, the chairperson of the board of Sunlink ,the Consortia of all South African Libraries, begins her discussion with focus shifting from the influence of librarians to the influence of libraries in open science. She highlights libraries' historical significance and their leadership in open science, particularly in open access and open data. She emphasizes that open science isn't a new concept, defining it as accessible and reusable science. Ms. Ellen outlines four criteria for libraries to assess their involvement in open science and suggests actionable steps for libraries to contribute to the open science movement.to assess their engagement in open science and suggests actionable steps to contribute to the movement, underlining libraries' pivotal role in promoting transparency and accessibility. The workshop is part of an ongoing series of high-level Open Science dialogue workshops targeting institutional leadership in AAU member regions and universities with the objective of raising knowledge and awareness on the importance and best practice of Open Science and Open Access, and increase the number of Open Science mandates within higher education institutions. The Southern Africa Regional Open Science Dialogue was a collaborative effort by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TCC Africa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Public Library of Science (PLOS)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Association of African Universities (AAU)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Africa Open Science Platform (AOSP)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ University of Pretoria⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠University of Cape Town⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Owango, J., Kupe, T., Mchunu, N., Wanyenze, R., Veldsman, S., Shahungu, M., … Nxomani, C. (2023). Regional Open Science Dialogue in Southern Africa. TCC Africa. Retrieved from ⁠⁠https://tccafrica.pubpub.org/pub/hqzpi08k⁠⁠

This 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 the aim to foster the adoption of Open Science and Open Access principles within the region. Episode Highlights: (00:02:12) Ms. Joy Owango begins the session highlighting the day's topic as the Infrastructural Aspect of Open science and proceeds to welcome the first speaker of the day. (00:03:06) Professor Madara Ogot is the Chief Executive Officer of the Ubuntu Alliance for Research and Education Networking (UbuntuNet) highlights the critical role of the UbuntuNet in supporting open science and digital transformation in Eastern and Southern Africa. He delves into laying out the Network`s structure and most importantly what infrastructure they have on open science, the Mutinet Open Science Cloud.The Professor`s discussion highlights UbuntuNet's pivotal role in supporting open science, fostering collaboration, and providing vital infrastructure and services to advance research and education across Eastern and Southern Africa. (00:16:52) Dr. Clifford Ntomani, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Research Foundation overseeing National Research Infrastructure Platforms, discusses their efforts to establish research infrastructures that empower scientists and develop human and technological resources in support of their science agenda. He highlights the foundation's strategic expansion of research infrastructure, with two key streams: one for humanities, arts, and social sciences and another for digital research infrastructures spanning all disciplines. Dr. Clifford highlights on Prof. Abraham's upcoming talk that will aim to define the scope of these essential digital research infrastructures. This initiative includes active consultation and collaboration with the research community in South Africa and across the continent, enhancing accessibility and capacity for researchers. The workshop is part of an ongoing series of high-level Open Science dialogue workshops targeting institutional leadership in AAU member regions and universities with the objective of raising knowledge and awareness on the importance and best practice of Open Science and Open Access, and increase the number of Open Science mandates within higher education institutions. The Southern Africa Regional Open Science Dialogue was a collaborative effort by ⁠⁠⁠⁠TCC Africa⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Public Library of Science (PLOS)⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Association of African Universities (AAU)⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Africa Open Science Platform (AOSP)⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ University of Pretoria⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠University of Cape Town⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Owango, J., Kupe, T., Mchunu, N., Wanyenze, R., Veldsman, S., Shahungu, M., … Nxomani, C. (2023). Regional Open Science Dialogue in Southern Africa. TCC Africa. Retrieved from ⁠https://tccafrica.pubpub.org/pub/hqzpi08k⁠

This 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 the aim to foster the adoption of Open Science and Open Access principles within the region. Episode Highlights: (00:02:12) Participants were greeted by Ms. Joy Owango, the executive director of the Training Center in Communication, as they convened to discuss Open Science infrastructure and Open Data. The session focused on regional and national perspectives regarding the support of higher education through Open Science Infrastructure. (00:04:14) Dr. Peggy Boateng from the African Academy of Sciences initiates the discussion by outlining the Academy's mission and programs designed to advance Science, Technology, and Innovation for sustainable development in Africa. She underscores the Academy's commitment to promoting UNESCO's open science principles and highlights the positive impact they anticipate it will have on the region and continent. Dr. Peggy passionately advocates for the adoption of UNESCO's open science framework to establish an African Open Science Platform, benefiting researchers, particularly women, and fostering innovation and progress. (00: 22:18) Professor Ramos Ismael discusses open science and university rankings. He explores how open science practices contribute to a university's competitiveness and visibility, ultimately affecting its performance compared to other universities. He argues and explains that research assessment has been traditionally conducted and that the competitive ranking of universities is working against open science. The workshop is part of an ongoing series of high-level Open Science dialogue workshops targeting institutional leadership in AAU member regions and universities with the objective of raising knowledge and awareness on the importance and best practice of Open Science and Open Access, and increase the number of Open Science mandates within higher education institutions. The Southern Africa Regional Open Science Dialogue was a collaborative effort by ⁠⁠⁠TCC Africa⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Public Library of Science (PLOS)⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Association of African Universities (AAU)⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Africa Open Science Platform (AOSP)⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠ University of Pretoria⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠University of Cape Town⁠⁠⁠. Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Owango, J., Kupe, T., Mchunu, N., Wanyenze, R., Veldsman, S., Shahungu, M., … Nxomani, C. (2023). Regional Open Science Dialogue in Southern Africa. TCC Africa. Retrieved from https://tccafrica.pubpub.org/pub/hqzpi08k

This 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 rewards and incentives, answering the following questions: Episode Highlights: (00:02:12) Ms. Joy Owango, the executive director of the Training Centre in Communication invites the participants to dive into dynamic discussions on policy incentivization. Online and in-person attendees collaboratively articulate expectations, sharing views on rewards, leadership actions, and academic benefits. After group discussions, she invites Mr. Lazarus, Director of Scholarly Communication to present group one`s lively discussion on the topic (00:05:47) Mr. Lazarus Matizirofa‬, the Director of Scholarly Communication at the University of Pretoria discusses in response to the questions on a need for governments to have a structure in rewarding researchers. He emphasizes the need for government support in structuring open science and access initiatives, especially in universities, as they currently lack robust backing. Establishing standardized open repositories and tools is seen as crucial for achieving Open Science goals in Africa and ensuring the visibility and accessibility of research outputs. (00:10:31) Mr. Nabil Ksibi, the Engagement Lead at ORCID emphasizes rewarding researchers by urging governments to subsidize Article Processing Charges (APCs) alongside researchers' library contributions. Additionally, he stresses revitalizing trust in local journals through equity-focused editorial boards. Rather than redefining incentives, the focus is on boosting community engagement at a national level, elevating local journals' prominence in scholarly discussions and the broader research landscape. Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Owango, J., Kupe, T., Mchunu, N., Wanyenze, R., Veldsman, S., Shahungu, M., … Nxomani, C. (2023). Regional Open Science Dialogue in Southern Africa. TCC Africa. Retrieved from https://tccafrica.pubpub.org/pub/hqzpi08k

This 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 the aim to foster the adoption of Open Science and Open Access principles within the region. The workshop is part of an ongoing series of high-level Open Science dialogue workshops targeting institutional leadership in AAU member regions and universities with the objective of raising knowledge and awareness on the importance and best practice of Open Science and Open Access, and increase the number of Open Science mandates within higher education institutions. The Southern Africa Regional Open Science Dialogue was a collaborative effort by ⁠⁠TCC Africa⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Public Library of Science (PLOS)⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Association of African Universities (AAU)⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Africa Open Science Platform (AOSP)⁠⁠,⁠⁠ University of Pretoria⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠University of Cape Town⁠⁠. Episode Highlights: (00:03:25) Roheena Anand, the Executive Director of Global Publishing Development at PLOS shares how the organization is increasing equitable participation in Open Science by ensuring fair representation and inclusion of local research communities (00:24:35) Dr. Rakeshnie Ramoutar-Prieschl the Acting Deputy Director-General Technology Innovation at the Department of Science and Technology South Africa, discusses the establishment of structural equity and inclusion in Open Scholarship and the potential of Open Science in democratizing the scientific process in Africa. Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Owango, J., Kupe, T., Mchunu, N., Wanyenze, R., Veldsman, S., Shahungu, M., … Nxomani, C. (2023). Regional Open Science Dialogue in Southern Africa. TCC Africa. Retrieved from https://tccafrica.pubpub.org/pub/hqzpi08k

This 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 the aim to foster the adoption of Open Science and Open Access principles within the region. The workshop is part of an ongoing series of high-level Open Science dialogue workshops targeting institutional leadership in AAU member regions and universities with the objective of raising knowledge and awareness on the importance and best practice of Open Science and Open Access, and increase the number of Open Science mandates within higher education institutions. The Southern Africa Regional Open Science Dialogue was a collaborative effort by ⁠⁠TCC Africa⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Public Library of Science (PLOS)⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Association of African Universities (AAU)⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Africa Open Science Platform (AOSP)⁠⁠,⁠⁠ University of Pretoria⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠University of Cape Town⁠⁠. Episode Highlights: (00:02:51) Mrs. Susan Veldsman of the Director Scholarly Publishing, Academy of Science of South Africa ASSAf) shares the African Perspective on Innovative Incentivization Systems for Open Science and the complexities of incentivization in the continent. (00:32:29) Mrs. Mweneni Shahungu of the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), Namibia shares on the Current status, Opportunities and Next Steps in the Implementation of Open Science in Namibia. Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Owango, J., Kupe, T., Mchunu, N., Wanyenze, R., Veldsman, S., Shahungu, M., … Nxomani, C. (2023). Regional Open Science Dialogue in Southern Africa. TCC Africa. Retrieved from https://tccafrica.pubpub.org/pub/hqzpi08k

This 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 the aim to foster the adoption of Open Science and Open Access principles within the region. The workshop is part of an ongoing series of high-level Open Science dialogue workshops targeting institutional leadership in AAU member regions and universities with the objective of raising knowledge and awareness on the importance and best practice of Open Science and Open Access, and increase the number of Open Science mandates within higher education institutions. The Southern Africa Regional Open Science Dialogue was a collaborative effort by ⁠TCC Africa⁠, ⁠Public Library of Science (PLOS)⁠, ⁠Association of African Universities (AAU)⁠, ⁠Africa Open Science Platform (AOSP)⁠,⁠ University of Pretoria⁠, and ⁠University of Cape Town⁠. Episode Highlights: (00:03:56) The Deputy Director African Open Science Platform (AOSP), Dr. Nokuthula Mchunu shares the initiatives that AOSP is undertaking towards a continental Open Science vision. (00:21:59) Prof Rhoda Wanyenze the Executive Board Member of the Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) leads the conversation on Normative Incentivization Initiatives that can be adopted by funders and Higher Education Institutions citing case studies from the European Union Universities. Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Owango, J., Kupe, T., Mchunu, N., Wanyenze, R., Veldsman, S., Shahungu, M., … Nxomani, C. (2023). Regional Open Science Dialogue in Southern Africa. TCC Africa. Retrieved from https://tccafrica.pubpub.org/pub/hqzpi08k

This 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 the aim to foster the adoption of Open Science and Open Access principles within the region. The workshop is part of an ongoing series of high-level Open Science dialogue workshops targeting institutional leadership in AAU member regions and universities with the objective of raising knowledge and awareness on the importance and best practice of Open Science and Open Access, and increase the number of Open Science mandates within higher education institutions. The Southern Africa Regional Open Science Dialogue was a collaborative effort by TCC Africa, Public Library of Science (PLOS), Association of African Universities (AAU), Africa Open Science Platform (AOSP), University of Pretoria, and University of Cape Town. Episode Highlights: (00:02:12) Introduction to the Southern Africa Open Science Policy Dialogue and its stakeholders by Joy Owango of TCC Africa (00:09:50) In his inauguration speech Prof. Tawana Kupe from the University of Pretoria introduces the objectives of the dialogue noting the universities shared commitment towards advancing Open Access and Open Science (00:15:51) Nodumo Dhlamini, the Director ICT Services & Knowledge Management for Association of African Universities (AAU)⁠ shares lessons learned from previous regional dialogues. She also highlights the key areas of focus and initiatives that AAU will concentrate on to ensure that Open Science (OS) yields advantages for higher education institutions across Africa. Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Owango, J., Kupe, T., Mchunu, N., Wanyenze, R., Veldsman, S., Shahungu, M., … Nxomani, C. (2023). Regional Open Science Dialogue in Southern Africa. TCC Africa. Retrieved from https://tccafrica.pubpub.org/pub/hqzpi08k

Part 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 ⁠⁠⁠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 messaging will be included in the regional STI policy. Timestamps: 15:50 - 32:00 Highlights of the policymakers' inputs on Challenges Impeding the Implementation of National Open Science Initiatives and on Actionable Steps towards Implementation. Resources Challenges impeding the implementation of a National Open Science initiative-Tanzania National Dialogue Actionable steps to implement Open Science Mandates_ Tanzania Dialogue Okoth, S., Luhunga, P., Anand, R., Owango, J., Msonde, S., & Persic, A. (2023). High Level Multi- Sectoral National Open Science Dialogue for Academic and Research Institutes in Tanzania. TCC Africa. Retrieved from https://tccafrica.pubpub.org/pub/ibkcq1oy Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠⁠⁠

This 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 messaging will be included in the regional STI policy. This session revolved around discussions on the challenges hindering the successful implementation of the National Open Science initiative in Tanzania. The dialogue culminated with a "Statement of Intent" by the representatives of policy actors from Tanzania. Timestamps: 06:05 - 18:20 Dr. Sydney Msonde, the Chairperson for the Consortium of Tanzania University and Research Libraries (COTUL) outlines the institutions' next step in promoting Open Science in academic and research institutions. 21:00 - 18:20 The participants engage in two key dialogues: "Challenges Impeding the Implementation of a National Open Science Initiative" and "Actionable Steps to Implement Open Science Mandates", with the aim to address the barriers faced in realizing an effective Open Science framework and to outline practical steps to overcome these obstacles. Follow Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠⁠

This 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 messaging will be included in the regional STI policy. Timestamps: 02:05 - 13:30 Ana Persic the acting Chief of section for Science Policy and Partnerships at the Division of Science Policy and Capacity, UNESCO, gives an overview of the UNESCO Recommendations on Open Science and what it means for its member states. 15:10 - 30:10 Dr. Philbert Luhunga, the Chief Research Officer at the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) highlights the current state of Open Science in Tanzania and COSTECH's contribution to its national Implementation. Follow Training Centre in Communication(TCC Africa) on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠

Earlier 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 Open Science are imperative as the messaging will be included in the regional STI policy. Timestamps: 01:10 - 09:42 Introduction to the objectives of the multi-sectoral meeting by TCC Africa's Executive Director, Joy Owango 9:43 - 22:05 Dr. Sylvance Okoth of EASTECO, gives the opening remarks and highlights the significance of recognizing challenges and defining actionable steps towards Tanzania's national open science initiative. 23:40 - 42:00 How PLOS is increasing equitable participation in the African region by Roheena Anand, the Executive Director for Global Publishing Development at PLOS Follow Training Centre in Communication(TCC Africa) on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠⁠

In 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 public understanding specifically in healthcare. She recognizes the responsibility of science journalists in promoting scientific literacy and believes that science journalism has the potential to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators, igniting a passion for discovery and problem-solving. Discover the power of storytelling, community engagement, and collaboration in shaping a world where science thrives and everyone has access to life-changing knowledge. Verah Okeyo is a communications specialist, a teacher, and an award-winning science reporter. She has been a journalist for nine years, at Nation Media Group, one of the largest private media houses in East and Central Africa. Her reporting mostly focused on global health, humanitarian, gender, and environmental issues in the company's print and digital departments. Connect with Ms. Verah Vashti Okeyo through: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamverahokeyo/?originalSubdomain=ke Read the transcript of this episode through our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tcc-africa.org/category/mazungumzo-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Training Centre in Communication(TCC Africa) on: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/tccafrica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-centre-in-communication/⁠