Egon Zehnder and the Medical Research Council (MRC) are delighted to announce a partnership to support the growth and development of African scientists.
World leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder and MRC believe that senior African scientists based abroad could play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of African leaders.
They can do this by acting as inspirational role models and sharing their expertise and international experience.
To better understand any barriers to African diaspora biomedical scientists increasing their research links to the continent, we will explore the following initial questions:
- what are potential barriers to African biomedical scientists based abroad increasing their involvement with African research institutes and local African scientific talent?
- what are potential solutions to overcome these barriers?
- what role can MRC and other funders play in removing these barriers (for example, university and research institution partnerships, facilitating dual appointments, supporting satellite labs)?
Future African leaders
Egon Zehnder will carry out – pro bono – in-depth interviews with 15 top African biomedical scientists from around the world.
The interviews will be complemented by an online survey that will be open to all. The results of the project will inform the direction of further activities by MRC.
The results will also indicate whether partnerships with other institutions will be required to address the gap.
The intent is not only to increase the opportunities of African scientists on the continent but also to provide opportunities to those based abroad to contribute further to Africa.
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