Professional development and training for enhancement of public policy research Africa.

Popularly known as the Methods Institute, PASGR’s Professional Development and Training (PDT) represents an innovative and experiential professional training that strengthens skills and competencies of researchers and policy actors. This is in line with PASGR’s core mission of advancing research excellence for governance and public policy in Africa.

The Programme focuses on tooling and retooling early and mid-career researchers in various disciplines and sectors including: academia, civil society organizations (CSOs), development partners, research institutions, state and non-state policy actors. To address capacity gaps, short term tailor-made courses are intentionally designed and targeted to serve the needs of diverse audiences (i.e. African academics, think tanks, research institutions, policy actors, graduate students).

Since initiation in 2011, the programme has trained over 3000 individual researchers and policy actors, and delivered tailor-made courses to universities and research think-tanks. Cumulatively, the programme has left foot prints of research methods and policy analysis capacities across 26 countries in Africa. The delivery of the training utilises a pedagogy anchored on interactive learner-centered techniques such as group projects, role plays, fieldwork and guided discussions coupled with peer learning. Technology enhanced learning in form of multi-media materials i.e. electronic case studies, documentaries and animations has been deployed to support interactive learning.  Problem-based delivery approaches equip participants with hands-on experience in applying knowledge and skills acquired during training to address research problems. Participants are encouraged to come to training with specific issues they are dealing with packaged in form of concept notes as they acquire new skills and knowledge. In addition to face-to-face training, the programme customised the courses for online delivery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of supporting development of early-career researchers, PDT manages a Doctoral in Public Policy (DPP) Fellowship programme that is funded by The Carnegie Corporation of New York, now in its second cycle. A total of 52 students enrolled at University of Pretoria, University of Nairobi, and University of Ibadan have received scholarships to cover tuition, research and subsistence costs. Scholarships are offered competitively. Calls for scholarships applications are advertised on PASGR’s website. For upcoming public policy scholarships and professional development opportunities, keep checking our website.

In addition to research capacity strengthening, PDT is implementing Utafiti Sera on Higher Education project that aims at facilitating a research and policy dialogues on strengthening access to higher education during and beyond COVID-19 pandemic by generating evidence and supporting its uptake and use among higher education policy actors in Kenya. The project focuses on three thematic areas including:  resourcing for access, equity and quality education during and post-COVID-19; opportunities for Public Private Partnerships; and, impact of the pandemic on postgraduate training and research and the future of emerging academics. The project will culminate in a regional conference and policy dialogues.