At Rongo University, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of research and academic excellence, and this month was no different! A dynamic team from Rongo University recently participated in a series of key workshops at the Kenya School of Government, Nairobi, from September 30 to October 4, 2024. Hosted by the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) as part of their Catalyze Impact Initiative, these workshops addressed critical challenges facing Africa’s research landscape and attracted over 140 participants from 25+ Kenyan universities.
Powering Up African Research: Our Commitment to Global Impact
The workshops aimed at enhancing the global visibility of African research and equipping scholars with the essential skills to secure research funding. Rongo University was proudly represented by members of the Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Outreach, Communications, and ICT departments, including:
- Dr. Evans Ouma – Director, Research, Innovation, and Outreach
- Dr. John Justo Ambuchi – Editor-in-Chief, International Research Journal
- Dr. James Abila – Head of ICT
- Mr. Joel Nakitare – Librarian/Technical Editor
- Mr. Wanyama Barasa – Research Assistant, OVC
These esteemed scholars dove deep into transformative discussions and interactive sessions designed to amplify the visibility and impact of African research on the global stage.
Key Focus Areas:
✅ Boosting African Research Visibility
✅ Website Optimization for Research Impact
✅ Grant Writing and Management Skills
Elevating African Research to the World Stage
One of the highlights was the African Journals Visibility and Discoverability Workshop, which provided practical strategies for increasing the discoverability of African journals. From website optimization and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques to advanced content management strategies, the workshop was packed with actionable insights to help African universities, like Rongo, elevate the reach and visibility of their research.
Our team, led by Dr. John Ambuchi, Dr. Evans Ouma, and Dr. James Abila, actively engaged in optimizing Rongo University’s website, making our research outputs more accessible to a global audience. This is a crucial step as we continue to strive for research excellence and digital visibility on an international scale.
Sharpening Our Grant-Writing Edge
The Grant Proposal Writing Workshop was another game-changer! It offered hands-on training on how to craft competitive grant proposals—from identifying the right funders and crafting compelling problem statements to preparing detailed budgets and managing project risks. These skills are vital for securing much-needed research funding and ensuring that Rongo University continues to lead the charge in impactful research.
What’s Next for Rongo University?
Armed with new skills and innovative strategies, our team is more ready than ever to take Rongo University’s research initiatives to new heights! The insights gained from these workshops will not only enhance the visibility of our work but also empower us to attract critical research funding and partnerships.
Stay tuned as we continue our journey to academic excellence and global research leadership!