Why must African scholars participate?

FORCE11 — The Future of Research Communications and e-Scholarship. The FORCE11 Scholarly Communication Institute (FSCI) will this year hold a virtual event from August 3–13, 2020. The focus this year is of key interest to Kenya and Africa: FAIR Data principles. The theme includes courses and plenaries in innovative publishing practices, policy implementation, and other aspects of scholarly communication. For Africa, this is a key topic that should excite all present and upcoming scholars on the continent. But why?

Open global knowledge community

Data is gaining currency in Africa’s progressive development policy agenda. The Africa Data Revolution and Data Consensus is a key reference point. The post-COVID-19 policy and technology issues place a legitimate demand on African scholars to be deeply integrated into the open global knowledge community. Cultivating a culture of digital fluency in communication and sharing research findings is critical here. FSCI is promoting this crucial contemporary agenda.

At IBD (impactborderlessdigital.com), we have a keen interest in scholarly communication. IBD promotes the culture of effective science communication through youth-centric volunteerism and mentorship. FSCI participants will gain from the international exchange of ideas and experiences on FAIR data principles and information management.

How Kenya rates

Kenya typifies Africa’s bottlenecks of digital access, but the country is already ahead in championing the generative discourse shaping a post-COVID-19 Africa using agile digital infrastructure for learning and research. The exposure one receives at FSCI will enhance the delivery and visibility of research and key findings. For universities, the exposure will be passed on to students and staff.

As a representative of the wider community of present and upcoming scholars in your region, your active participation in the event will empower you to promote membership in FORCE11. This will help enhance and sustain the global reach of the community.

Data governance and public good

As Africa embarks on post-COVID-19 policies, the data value chain takes centre stage as a strategic asset for sound decisions. Data governance based on FAIR principles is critical here. The skills you gain from this FSCI event will position you as an informed participant in the various national and international taskforces charged with advisory roles to governments on improving research and communication for public good.

See you there! Virtually.