The fundamental study of physics has played a crucial role in helping to understand natural phenomena and biological processes throughout history. However, physics as a discipline has not advanced at an equal pace around the globe. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), physics research faces major challenges including gaps in human capital, infrastructural…

Significant investments have been made in the last five years to further strengthen the relationship between the United Kingdom (UK) and African continent for science and innovation partnerships. This has enabled the enhancement of longstanding relationships for joint research and development activities as well as the establishment of new,…

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is an international organisation dedicated to building a better world through higher education. With over 500 member universities across 50 countries, our international network spans more than 10 million students and over a million academic and professional staff. In May 2020, the ACU undertook a…

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) conducted a digital engagement survey in May 2020, designed to capture the short-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the working habits of staff, students, and university leaders. Results provide a snapshot of individual levels of digital engagement, changing attitudes and behaviours, and the…

The Climate Impacts Research Capacity and Leadership Enhancement (CIRCLE) programme is an initiative of the UK's Department for International Development (DFID). Managed by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), the programme is a response to the shortage of local scientists contributing to knowledge on the impacts of climate change…

This report forms part of the Nairobi Process, a series of discussions and reports aimed at stimulating debate around Africa-UK research collaboration and the provision of researcher support in African higher education. It emphasizes the value and the need to invest in the development of early career researchers. As the research leaders of the…

Higher education is increasingly recognised as being critical to social and economic prosperity. It is also a policy area where the Commonwealth could significantly increase its impact. This could be achieved without major cost, by working through activities already in place, and persuading member governments to make stronger use of these brands…

In 2000, the United Nations announced a new approach to addressing some of the world's most pressing development challenges. The approach was to establish eight specific development goals, around which the world's governments, major development bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and civil society could all coordinate. The logic was…

Good libraries are a critical part of any university's research and teaching, whether in physical or digital form. But, as numerous accounts have documented, many African libraries have struggled to maintain good collections in the face of falling budgets, rising purchasing costs, and expanding student numbers. This paper draws on a literature…

Across Sub-Saharan Africa it is evident that humanities and social sciences research is in urgent need of support. Universities and researchers face many challenges, the results of declining funding in the face of huge increases in enrollments. Infrastructure and facilities are insufficient and incomes have fallen. Many academics have been forced…

Research Ethics has emerged as one of the most well-developed policy areas within the sphere of Research and Innovation Management. As such, for African institutions looking to strengthen their policy frameworks, develop increased collaborations, and increase research outputs, a thorough understanding of global trends in Ethics will be vital.…

This report was commissioned by the British Academy's Africa Panel to examine the challenges facing African universities when undertaking collaborative research with UK and other international partners, particularly in the social sciences and humanities. It draws principally on a consultation undertaken by the Association of Commonwealth…