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Higher Education Policy

, Volume 27, Issue 2, pp 195–217 | Cite as

Doctoral Education and Institutional Research Capacity Strengthening: An Example at Makerere University in Uganda (2000–2013)

  • Hannah Akuffo
  • Phyllis Freeman
  • Eva Johansson
  • Celestino Obua
  • Jasper Ogwal-Okeng
  • Paul Waako
Article
First Online:

Abstract

Bilateral research cooperation between Sweden (Sida/SAREC) and Uganda has supported major advances in institutional research capacity strengthening at Makerere University (2000–2013). This case study illustrates how a department within Makerere’s Faculty of Medicine (Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics) has contributed to transforming the post-graduate educational process with formation of a productive research team comprised of faculty and students to advance a research agenda targeting strategic priorities of national significance. We explain the evolution of research as an element of national development and development assistance plus the evolution of doctoral studies and strategic research worldwide, in Africa, and at Uganda’s oldest national university, Makerere, where Sweden has contributed the largest amount of external funding 2000–2012. We conclude with lessons and recommendations about Ph.D. programme start up, recruitment, supervision, international collaboration, and research infrastructure and environment for building institutional research capacity.

Keywords

research focused university doctoral training institutional research capacity joint/double degrees Makerere university research and development cooperation 
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Copyright information

© International Association of Universities 2014

Authors and Affiliations

  • Hannah Akuffo
    • 1
  • Phyllis Freeman
    • 2
  • Eva Johansson
    • 3
  • Celestino Obua
    • 4
  • Jasper Ogwal-Okeng
    • 5
  • Paul Waako
    • 4
    • 6
  1. 1.Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)StockholmSweden
  2. 2.John W McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, Center for Social Policy, University of MassachusettsBostonUSA
  3. 3.Horticulture and Crop Production Sciences, The Swedish University of Agricultural SciencesAlnarpSweden
  4. 4.College of Health Sciences, Makerere UniversityKampalaUganda
  5. 5.Faculty of Health Sciences, Gulu University Constituent CollegeLiraUganda
  6. 6.Busitema University Faculty of Health SciencesMbaleUganda

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