NOTES:
This paper was presented at the 1st International Conference on "Re-shaping Education for Sustainable Development" hosted by the University of Rwanda in Kigali, Rwanda, in March 2023.
This paper is currently under peer review to be published in an international journal. This document is embargoed until published.
Abstract
Over the past two decades, International Research Collaboration (IRC) has significantly increased, especially within the Global South. This study investigates the determinants of IRC in Uganda, examining the propensity of researchers to engage in cross-border collaboration and the characteristics of research teams that participate in such endeavors. Eleven explanatory variables were considered, including gender (Kwiek, 2018), region where the principal investigator (PI) obtained their highest research qualification (Confraria et al., 2020), and field of science (Vabø et al., 2014). A binary logistic regression model was employed to identify key determinants of IRC, while a beta regression model assessed the extent of collaboration propensity. Findings reveal that gender, region of qualification, type of research sponsor, research field, research type, and budget significantly influence IRC participation. Researchers in health sciences were found to be twice as likely to engage in IRC, whereas projects funded by the Ugandan government were less likely to involve international partners. These results underscore the need for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to establish resilient national research ecosystems in order to participate more equitably in the global research landscape. Furthermore, targeted policies that promote inclusivity—particularly enhancing women’s involvement in IRC—are essential. Although IRC is shaped by contextual and institutional dynamics, its effective advancement must be strategically aligned with national priorities and deliberately embedded within university research systems.
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PHOTO: Students of the University of Technology and Arts of Byumba (UTAB) doing their research at the computer laboratory.
PHOTO: One of the seminars conducted by Professor Sinining on "Conducting collaborative research with industries and other institutions."
