Global State of Young Scientists (GloSYS) in Africa: Main Research Report

Young scientists and scholars from all fields of research have been widely acknowledged as particularly relevant to the creation and diffusion of knowledge, both for research and for teaching the next generation of highly qualified human resources. Given the demographic development and the growing demand for advanced higher education training in Africa, African countries depend on the successful development of highly trained academic staff to deliver these needs. Shortages in academic and research staff directly translate to barriers to the expansion of higher education institutions (HEIs) and a loss of quality of education, and therefore impede the transformation of African countries to knowledge economies with sustainable labour markets and research and innovation systems that can deliver on the needs of societies in Africa, including confronting health and environmental challenges. Yet, young scientists and scholars – or early career researchers (ECRs) – in Africa are facing persistent challenges and barriers, often causing them to abandon their research careers or leave their countries to pursue their careers abroad. Even those wishing to return to their home countries often face insufficient infrastructure and regulations, or organisational cultures that make them consider leaving again. Monitoring of ECRs and research on their formation and career development has gained much attention in recent years in many economically strong countries with mature higher education systems – particularly in Europe and North America – with results from the analyses feeding into dedicated programmes for their development. Taking note of the lack or insufficiency of knowledge in other regions of the world, in Africa, Asia and Latin America in particular, the GYA has made it a strategic aim to improve our knowledge on ECRs in these regions, to provide evidence-based recommendations, and to include these regions in ongoing scholarly discussions on changes to the higher education and science systems. The Global State of Young Scientists (GloSYS) projects are strategic flagship projects of the GYA that aim to connect with local researchers, National Young Academies and other regional and international stakeholders to deliver excellent research and evidence-based policy recommendations that connect to international trends, while at the same time paying attention to current regional needs and the history of the science and education systems in the respective countries under examination.