Africa’s young researchers have been ‘abandoned’, webinar hears

Policymakers and inept institutional leaders criticised

Poor policies and sub-par research environment force many young African scientists to seek better fortunes abroad, a webinar to commemorate the launch of a news platform showcasing African science heard this week.

Connie Nshemereirwe, a Ugandan science and policy facilitator, told the webinar that young African researchers struggle with high teaching loads, scarce funding opportunities and pressure to publish, while having to complete their doctorates in the face of crippling job insecurity because of contract appointments. “An under-supported young researcher is then expected to lead change in Africa,” she said.