Transforming Research Collaboration: Stories of Change
This collection of stories, reflections and interviews form part of Southern Voice’s Equity in Research for Development initiative. They highlight the ongoing journey toward more equitable research collaboration, in which Southern leadership is not only celebrated but actively pursued.
These narratives reveal both achievements and challenges faced by organisations and individuals as they strive to change entrenched power dynamics. From reimagining funding mechanisms to advocating for Southern institutions and researchers to take the lead in defining research agendas, the stories showcase how change unfolds in practice. Together, they provide valuable insights into the possibilities and complexities of redistributing power in research partnerships.
Explore these stories and engage with ideas envisioning a more equitable future for research.
STORIES OF CHANGE
Equity in Action: Insights from Wellcome’s Centres for Exchange Initiative
The Centres for Exchange project is changing how health research is done by putting Global South voices first. Wellcome Trust and Pivot Collective share lessons on building fair partnerships, overcoming power imbalances, and focusing on real community needs instead of just meeting project deadlines. Their goal is better, more inclusive research.
Empowering Southern Leadership: Transforming Global Research Partnerships through the IRMSDP
The International Research Management Staff Development Programme (IRMSDP) advances equity in global research partnerships by promoting Southern leadership and shifting power dynamics. Spearheaded by the Science for Africa Foundation and ARMA UK, it fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and co-creation of research management tools to strengthen African research institutions and support inclusive, impactful research.
Re-Thinking Recruitment Approaches Is Crucial to Developing Doctoral Research Capacity in Africa
There is growing interest in expanding the number of PhD graduates in Africa to strengthen research capacity and innovation. However, recruitment challenges highlight structural barriers, including donor expectations, diversity goals, and institutional constraints within African higher education.
Advancing Social Research: Tales from Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste
I want to share two stories from my work in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Timor-Leste. The first story from PNG highlights development work supported by the local government in New Ireland Province. The second example is from Timor-Leste and focuses on the country’s adoption of the ‘Principles of Human Fraternity’, led by President Jose Ramos Horta in 2021-2022
Value of Local Knowledge Production: Lessons from Sri Lanka
Local researchers play a vital role in ensuring that globally sponsored research aligns with national realities. However, achieving real impact requires equitable partnerships. International donors and researchers must recognize local experts as equal partners, ensuring their involvement from project design to policy influence.
Evolving Partnership Models to Align with Africa’s Goals
This story reflects on Results for Development's (R4D) role as a learning and engagement coordinator, collaborating with African partner organisations to co-create governance structures, promote inclusive decision-making, and ensure that leadership rests with local experts.
This programme was made possible by the support of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). If you want to learn more about the initiative, or share any feedback, please email secretariat@southernvoice.org.
