Advancing Equity in Research Partnerships: Insights from the Cambridge Global Challenges Workshop
On 31 October 2024, I attended a workshop on Equitable Research Partnerships organized by the Cambridge Global Challenges Interdisciplinary Research Centre to discuss promoting fairness and inclusivity in research collaborations. This event gathered academics, institutional representatives, and research leaders from Cambridge and the Global South, particularly Africa.
You can read the full event report here
When this event took place, I had been in my role at the University of Cambridge for less than a month, coordinating the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund. Before this, I served as the Regional Engagement Coordinator for Africa at the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), where I facilitated collaborations between universities in African countries and their counterparts in other Commonwealth regions.
I was keen to understand Cambridge’s approach to fostering equitable research partnerships, particularly with Africa. As someone passionate about African focused international higher education collaboration, I was pleased by Cambridge’s commitment to addressing power imbalances in research and other forms of collaboration with the global south. The workshop emphasized mutual respect, shared recognition of contributions, and aligning with the aspirations of all parties involved.
Central to the workshop were Cambridge University’s Guidelines on Equity in Research Partnerships, which served as a foundation for the dialogue. Through panel discussions and collaborative sessions, participants examined the guidelines, offering insights and recommendations for refinement. What stood out to me was the deliberate effort to acknowledge and address the power dynamics that often characterize partnerships between institutions in the Global North and South.
The inclusion of voices from Africa was particularly commendable. Researcher from the continent shared experiences that illuminated the challenges and opportunities inherent in collaborative research. They emphasized the importance of frameworks that prioritize local knowledge, foster long-term capacity-building, and ensure that the benefits of research extend equitably to all stakeholders.
A Model for Equitable Collaboration
Cambridge’s dedication to equity in international collaboration in my opinion is further exemplified by the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund, which has supported collaborations between Cambridge and African researchers for over 14 years. This initiative underscores the institution’s recognition of the value of African expertise and the importance of co-creating knowledge that responds to shared global challenges. By emphasizing mutual recognition and placing equal weight on the contributions of all partners, the ALBORADA Fund embodies the principles discussed during the workshop.
Reflections and the Road Ahead...
Workshops like this are vital to advancing equity in international collaborations. They not only create spaces for honest and critical dialogue but also lay the groundwork for systemic change in how research partnerships are conceived and implemented. Cambridge’s efforts in this regard serve as a model for other institutions seeking to build more inclusive research ecosystems. Despite the progress, I believe there are reasonable opportunities for improvement.
As someone who has managed programs that connect African universities with global partners, I am encouraged by this commitment. It is my hope that the conversations from this workshop translate into actionable outcomes that shape a future where research partnerships truly reflect the values of equity and mutual benefit.
Equity in research is not just a goal; it is a responsibility we must collectively embrace if we are to achieve the SDGs and address the most pressing challenges of our time. Cambridge is setting a commendable example, and I look forward to seeing its impact ripple across the global research community.
Adeniyi Emmanuel
Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund Coordinator
Ea668@cam.ac.uk