TCC Africa leads training to equip researchers and science commissions with tools for impactful communication and policy influence

The Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) successfully concluded a three-day Knowledge Synthesis & Science Communication Training, held from 1st to 3rd July 2025 at the University of Nairobi. The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of researchers, academic institutions, and national science commissions to improve the visibility, relevance, and policy impact of their research.

This workshop is part of TCC Africa’s core capacity building program, which offers a range of courses in resource mobilization, scientific writing, and science communication, all designed to support researchers in increasing the visibility, accessibility, and impact of their work.

The programme brought together participants from multiple disciplines and institutions, including the University of Nairobi, the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), and the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI). Participants included university lecturers, early-career scientists, and national research officers working in areas such as nutrition, plant pathology, psychology, climate science, and public health.

TCC Africa Trainer, Nicholas Outa, facilitating a session on proposal development, scientific publishing, and research visibility. His session encouraged participants to reflect on how research ideas are born, shaped, and shared effectively in scholarly and public spaces

Science communication expert, Florence Sipalla, leading an interactive session on media preparedness, interview techniques, and public engagement. Participants explored real-world examples of effective and problematic science communication.

Trainer Anne Mucheke guiding a session on writing for media and engaging the public through ethical and impactful science communication. Discussions included building trust, tackling misinformation, and understanding the media landscape.

The workshop also included breakout discussions where participants shared how they plan to apply communication strategies to make their research more accessible and relevant to their communities and institutions.

Participants proudly display their certificates at the close of the Knowledge Synthesis & Science Communication training. 

The program concluded with participants receiving certificates and sharing feedback on the sessions. The cross-border participation from Kenya and Tanzania, along with representation from national science commissions, highlights TCC Africa’s growing regional influence in strengthening research communication capacity.

About the organizations

The University of Nairobi 

The University of Nairobi is a research intensive university with a reputation for excellence and a strong and vibrant research culture. Our research work is recognised for its impact and relevance to the region. Explore more here: https://www.uonbi.ac.ke/ 

The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) 

The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) is a government-affiliated organization established in 1986 to promote and coordinate research and technology development in Tanzania. It serves as the chief advisor to the government on science and technology matters, supporting socio-economic development through various initiatives.

National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI)

The National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation is the public sector agency responsible for fostering research, science, technology and innovation in Kenya. NACOSTI is established by the Science, Technology and Innovation Act, No. 28 of 2013 (Rev. 2014) (STI Act) as a State Corporation. The Commission regulates and assures quality in Science, Technology and Innovation Sector and advises the Government in matters related thereto. The functions of NACOSTI are as outlined under section 6 (1) of the STI Act. NACOSTI is responsible for promotion, regulation, advisory and coordination of research, science, and technology development in the country. https://www.nacosti.go.ke/ 

About the Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa)

The Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa) is an award winning Trust, established as a non-profit entity in 2006 and is registered in Kenya. TCC Africa’s mission is to contribute to the increase in profile, locally and internationally, of African science and its impact on the life of Africans by improving skills in technical communication in all forms at academia and other relevant forums in Africa.

Our objective is to train. support. empower researchers through capacity building in improving their research output and visibility. 

For more information visit: https://www.tcc-africa.org/