How can the voices of African scientists be heard?
African researchers want more international research collaborations for better representation in the scientific community. As of now, their voices are often not heard, even when it comes to topics of interest to the African continent.
When African researchers collaborate with European or North American colleagues, their contributions remain underrepresented, according to several studies. Intergovernmental Science Organizations (IGSOs) try to put a stop to this. However, "not all IGSOs are suitable for this," say Rüland of Leiden University and co-author Nicolas Rüffin of the University in Bonn.
In their publication, Rüland and Rüffin argue that the current guidelines of IGSOs are too rigid and do not allow for the contributions of new African research organizations.
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