Royal Society-FCDO Africa Capacity Building Initiative (ACBI): Research laboratory capacity: case study
This case study showcases an inspiring story of a laboratory technician involved in the ACBI programme
Abstract
Strengthening research capacity in low-and-middle-income countries is recognised by international research funders and development agencies as a major contributor to a country’s socioeconomic development and to achieving Sustainable Development Goals
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Royal Society (RS) have funded the Africa Capacity Building Initiative (ACBI) which aims to “strengthen the research and training capacity of higher education institutions and support the development of individual scientists in sub-Saharan Africa through UK-Africa research collaborations. ACBI funds 10 research consortia; each consortium comprises one UK and three African institutions. Consortia research focuses on 3 areas — water and sanitation; renewable energy; and soil-related science. The Centre for Capacity Research (CCR) at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, leading the monitoring, evaluation and learning component of the ACBI programme, explored factors influencing the capacity of research laboratories to support consortia projects during and beyond the lifetime of the programme.
This case study highlights some of the challenges hindering the advancement and sustainability of laboratory capacity in African research institutions and it showcases an inspiring story of a laboratory technician involved in the ACBI programme. His story demonstrates the importance of programmes such as ACBI, in strengthening the human resources and infrastructure of laboratories, which are often overlooked in research capacity strengthening programmes.
Citation
El Hajj T., Bates I. (2021) Royal Society-FCDO Africa Capacity Building Initiative (ACBI): Research laboratory capacity: case study. Royal Society and Centre for Capacity Research at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine