FOSTER aims to modernise the governance and financing of higher education systems in Kenya and Tanzania to make research practices more inclusive, responsible, and collaborative. It employs Open Science principles to build institutional capacity, develop infrastructure, and embed Open Science into policy and education. The project is implemented through a consortium of universities and research institutions from Africa and Europe.
Open science as an approach to democratising research
Open Science is increasingly recognised as a vital approach to democratising research and enhancing societal engagement. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the digital divide and limited access to research outputs hinder progress. FOSTER addresses these challenges by aligning with European best practices and local needs. The project responds to the EU’s strategy for digital transformation and sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of FAIR data principles, Open Access, and citizen participation. By integrating Open Science into national and institutional frameworks, the project contributes to more transparent, inclusive, and impactful research ecosystems.
Objectives of the FOSTER Consortium
The consortium pursues five specific objectives:
- Promote Open Science culture and build national and university consensus among key actors in Kenya and Tanzania. This includes awareness campaigns, forums, and stakeholder engagement to foster understanding and commitment.
- Enhance university transition to sustainable Open Science practices by embedding Open Science courses into Master’s and PhD curricula. Training modules cover topics such as Open Data, Open Access, reproducible research, and public engagement.
- Advance university Open Science infrastructure by developing interoperable data repositories and digital platforms that meet FAIR principles. This infrastructure supports ethical and high-quality research dissemination.
- Embed Open Science in university policies and advance national regulatory frameworks. The project supports the creation of institutional bylaws and national recommendations to standardise Open Science practices.
- Foster Citizen Science initiatives by establishing Open Science Hubs that engage civil society in research processes. These hubs promote collaborative research and responsible innovation.
Research Approach
FOSTER Open Science adopts a multidisciplinary and participatory approach. It combines policy analysis, capacity building, infrastructure development, and educational reform. The project is structured into five work packages, each addressing a core component of Open Science implementation. Activities include surveys, workshops, study visits, and the development of digital tools and platforms.
