CSIR-STEPRI Contributes to International Workshop on Research Funding Flows and Equitable Science Systems

CSIR-STEPRI participated in the Wellcome Trust–IDRC Workshop on Research Funding Flows Data and Equitable Research Systems held on April 23-24, 2026 in the United Kingdom. The workshop convened international research funders, policymakers, analysts, data experts, and science system actors to examine how research funding data can support more transparent, coordinated, equitable, and demand-driven research systems, particularly in the Global South.

CSIR-STEPRI was represented by Dr. (Mrs.) Wilhelmina Quaye and Dr. Gordon Akon-Yamga, who both played prominent roles in the workshop’s plenary discussions, panel engagements, and breakout sessions.

In her contribution during the opening discussions, Dr. (Mrs.) Wilhelmina Quaye reflected on the growing importance of research funding flows data for strengthening science granting councils and research governance systems across Africa. She emphasised that improving access to usable, transparent, and interoperable funding data would enhance evidence-based priority-setting, improve coordination among funders, and support accountability within national and regional research systems. She further highlighted that research funding data should increasingly be treated as a public good that promotes inclusion, transparency, and equitable participation in global science systems.

Dr. Quaye also facilitated discussions within one of the workshop’s breakout engagements focused on improving analytical tools, metadata systems, and research funding transparency mechanisms for the Global South. The discussions examined opportunities for strengthening metadata standards, improving visibility into research investments, enhancing interoperability of funding data systems, and supporting more equitable research governance frameworks across countries and institutions.

Dr. Gordon Akon-Yamga participated in the workshop’s panel discussions on research portfolio alignment, funding coordination, and the role of “research on research” in shaping more responsive and context-sensitive science systems. The discussions explored how improved funding flows data and analytical approaches could help identify funding gaps, align investments with development priorities, and strengthen regional research ecosystems across the Global South.

In addition, Dr. Akon-Yamga served as co-facilitator of the breakout session titled: “How ‘Research on Research’ Can Inform Demand-Driven Interventions, Particularly at a Regional Level.”

The breakout session focused on identifying practical research-on-research initiatives capable of:

• Improving alignment between research investments and societal priorities;
• Strengthening regional and cross-country research collaboration;
• Understanding funding modalities and funding gaps;
• Supporting sustainable research ecosystems; and
• Informing new partnerships and funding frameworks for the Global South.

The workshop additionally showcased emerging tools and platforms for tracking science, technology, and innovation (STI) funding flows into and within Africa. Participants highlighted the importance of combining quantitative funding data with contextual and qualitative analyses to better understand research systems, funding modalities, and development priorities.

CSIR-STEPRI’s participation in the workshop aligns with the Institute’s mandate to provide evidence-based support for STI policy development and implementation in Ghana and Africa, while contributing to international conversations on open science, research financing, research governance, and inclusive innovation systems.