IRD and TCC Africa Launch East Africa Open Science Ambassadors Programme

PRESS RELEASE

Regional initiative will develop a network of leaders advancing Open Science policy, institutional capacity, responsible data stewardship and cross-country collaboration

Nairobi, Kenya — [15 September] — The French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) and the Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa), in collaboration with regional higher education and government institutions, have announced the launch of the East Africa Open Science Ambassadors Programme.

The programme will establish a regional network of professionals equipped to promote and institutionalise Open Science policies and practices within universities, research institutions and national research systems across East Africa. It responds to the growing recognition of Open Science as essential to improving the accessibility, transparency, integrity, visibility and societal impact of research.

The programme will begin with a regional capacity-building workshop bringing together research funders, librarians, research-support professionals, science and technology policymakers, senior researchers, principal investigators, and representatives of research regulatory and oversight bodies.

Through practical training, peer learning and collaborative planning, participants will develop a shared understanding of Open Science and strengthen their ability to manage, share and disseminate research outputs responsibly. The workshop will cover the FAIR principles, Data Management Plans, research dissemination tools, responsible data governance and approaches for integrating Open Science into institutional and national research systems.

“Building sustainable Open Science systems requires more than awareness. It requires knowledgeable institutional champions who can translate principles into practical action,” said Joy Owango, Executive Director of TCC Africa. “Through this partnership with IRD, we are creating a regional community of ambassadors who can strengthen institutional capacity, contribute to national policy discussions and advance collaboration across East Africa.”

Participants will also examine the ethical, regulatory and infrastructural challenges affecting the implementation of Open Science. Particular attention will be given to ensuring that Open Science practices reflect regional priorities, institutional realities, responsible data stewardship and national policy environments.

A Regional Network of Open Science Leaders

Following the workshop, participants will join the East Africa Open Science Ambassadors Network and serve as Open Science champions within their institutions and countries.

The Network envisions an East Africa where Open Science is embedded in research, policy and practice through a vibrant community of leaders advancing collaboration, institutional capacity, interoperable research infrastructure, responsible data stewardship and evidence-informed policymaking. Its work will help enhance the visibility, accessibility and impact of African research.

As members of the Network, the ambassadors will:

• Champion Open Science within their institutions by supporting the development and implementation of policies, frameworks and sustainable research-management practices. 
• Advance policy and advocacy by contributing to the development, review and implementation of institutional and national Open Science policies and promoting enabling regulatory frameworks aligned with regional and international good practices. 
• Promote responsible research data management and infrastructure by encouraging the adoption of FAIR principles, interoperable repositories, persistent identifiers, metadata standards and other digital research infrastructures that improve the discovery, accessibility and reuse of research outputs. 
• Build capacity and provide mentorship through institutional training, workshops, awareness initiatives and mentorship programmes that strengthen the practical implementation of Open Science. 
• Strengthen collaboration and community building among researchers, universities, governments, libraries, funders and regional organisations through peer learning, knowledge exchange and joint initiatives. 
• Support monitoring, learning and knowledge sharing by documenting progress, sharing lessons, showcasing successful practices and generating evidence to inform continuous improvement. 
• Represent East Africa in regional and international initiatives by contributing to policy dialogue and strengthening the region’s collective voice within the global Open Science movement. 

By the end of the programme, participants will have developed practical ambassador action plans outlining how they will advance Open Science within their institutions and countries. These plans will provide a foundation for coordinated action, accountability and continued collaboration across the region.

“The East Africa Open Science Ambassadors Programme represents an important step towards strengthening the role of East African researchers and institutions in the global Open Science movement,” said Jean-Christophe Desconnets, Director of the Open Science Mission at IRD. “By connecting regional initiatives with international Open Science efforts, the programme will help strengthen collaboration, knowledge exchange and the internationalisation of research from the region.”

Hugo Catherine, Project Officer and ISI Network Coordinator within the Open Science Mission at IRD, added: “Capacity building is at the heart of sustainable Open Science adoption. Through practical training, peer learning and continued mentorship, the programme will equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to translate Open Science principles into concrete practices within their institutions.”

Paul-André Calatayud, IRD Representative for East Africa, noted: “The programme provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among East African institutions and connect local priorities with broader regional and international Open Science efforts. The ambassadors will play an important role in building communities of practice and ensuring that Open Science responds to the needs and realities of the region.”

The partnership between IRD and TCC Africa reflects a shared commitment to building equitable and sustainable research systems, improving the management and visibility of African research, and enabling East African researchers and institutions to participate meaningfully in shaping the global Open Science movement.

About IRD

The French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) is a multidisciplinary research organisation working in partnership with countries in the Global South to advance scientific knowledge and sustainable development. Its work supports equitable research partnerships, capacity strengthening and collaborative responses to major social, environmental and development challenges.

About TCC Africa

The Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) is an award-winning African organisation that strengthens the capacity of researchers and institutions in scholarly communication, research visibility, Open Science, research integrity and digital research infrastructure. Since 2006, TCC Africa has worked with universities, research institutions, governments and development partners across the continent to strengthen Africa’s research ecosystem.

Media Enquiries

Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa)
Gecaga Institute Building, Chiromo Campus
University of Nairobi
P.O. Box 21553-00100
Nairobi, Kenya
Email: info@tcc-africa.org
Tel: +254 (0)20 808 6820 / +254 (0)20 269 7401
Website: https://tcc-africa.org

French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD)

IRD East Africa
Email: kenya@ird.fr
Tel: +254 (20) 722 47 58
Website: https://en.ird.fr/kenya