The initiative, launched at the Ministry’s conference room in Kanifing, is titled: “Institutional and Human Capabilities Building in Basic Sciences, Technology, Research, Innovation and Engineering to Enhance Knowledge for Sustainable Development.”
The project is supported by the Gambia National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM) and aims to professionalise research within the country’s higher education and research institutions. It also seeks to cultivate a lasting culture of research to foster sustainable development.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Anthony G. Mendy, Director of Tertiary and Higher Education at the Ministry, stated that the project was initiated by MoHERST with the support of UNESCO NATCOM.
He noted that the launch comes at a critical time, as MoHERST prepares for the implementation of the Gambia Research Regulation (GRR), and the broader global evolution of research practices.
Director Mendy highlighted that the changing role of research contributors has significantly transformed the landscape. He explained that research today is increasingly collaborative, interdisciplinary, and global in nature, rendering the traditional concept of the “lone researcher” obsolete.
He added: “Whether in science, engineering, medicine, or the social sciences, the complexity of today’s challenges demands teamwork, diversity of thought, shared expertise, and strong research management capabilities.”
Director Mendy added that MoHERST has placed strategic emphasis on building a robust and supportive research infrastructure, saying: “One of the Ministry’s key policy priorities is the establishment of Research Management Offices (RMOs) within higher education and research institutions.”
“These RMOs are expected to serve as the administrative backbone of research activity, facilitating the processes required to manage externally funded research programmes efficiently and transparently.
He maintained that a well-functioning RMO should: Disseminate timely and accurate information about funding opportunities, Interpret and communicate funding organisations’ policies, procedures, and compliance requirements, Support researchers in proposal writing and electronic grant portal navigation, Provide guidance through the entire lifecycle of research projects, from pre-award to post-award management, and Ensure adherence to grant conditions and oversee research compliance, ethics, and financial accountability.
Omar Jallow, Programme Officer at the Gambia National Commission for UNESCO, said the project is intended to enhance the research capabilities of Gambian higher education institutions.
“It will expose young academics to the dynamics of research management, improve fundraising skills among research managers, build grant management competencies, and provide training on grant application processes for research administrators.”
Dembo Konteh, President of the West Africa Research Innovation Management Association (WARIMA), and Professor Assan Jaye also delivered strong commendations on the importance of advancing research and its effective management.
