Kampala, Uganda – A staggering 80% of research projects conducted at Makerere University’s College of Health Sciences remain idle, failing to translate into practical solutions or drive development, a new study reveals.
The research, led by Dr. Alison Kinengyere, an Information Scientist at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, found that scientists often struggle to communicate their findings beyond academic journals and conferences.
“This is a worrying trend, especially considering the government’s significant investment in research and innovation,” Dr. Kinengyere told Uganda Radio Network (URN).
Uganda’s government has allocated 30 billion shillings annually to the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) since 2019, aiming to drive the country’s development agenda and achieve middle-income status.
However, Dr. Moses Ocan, a lecturer in the Department of Pharmacology and part of the study team, noted that some researchers conduct projects without intending to share their findings, rendering them useless to science and society.
“The lack of communication and scrutiny means these findings are not subject to critique, which is essential for scientific progress,” Dr. Ocan said.
In response to the study’s findings, Evelyn Nyachwo, speaking on behalf of Mak-RIF’s Executive Director Prof. Masagazi Masaazi, acknowledged the challenges and announced plans to establish a training center for research communication.
The center aims to equip scientists with the skills to translate complex research into practical, usable solutions.
In the meantime, the study team recommends collaborating with media outlets and engaging end-users early on to simplify complex scientific concepts and ensure research is translated into tangible benefits.
“This is a critical step towards harnessing the potential of research to drive Uganda’s development,” Dr. Kinengyere emphasized.
The study’s findings underscore the need for improved research communication and collaboration to bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and real-world impact.
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