The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), with support from UNESCO participation programme 2024/2025, ended a three-day High-Level Researcher Development Training and Proposal writing aimed at equipping Gambian researchers with skills in grant writing, scientific communication, and collaborative research. The initiative, held at MRCG Conference Hall in Fajara from September 8th to 10th September 2025, is part of the government’s wider drive to strengthen the country’s research and innovation ecosystem.
The training brought together academics, young researchers, and policymakers for intensive sessions on strengthening competencies in research methodology, winning proposal writing and grant acquisition, scientific communication, collaborative research, mentorship and attributes to research leader, Strategic thinking, goal setting research development planning and political leadership. The initiative forms part of MoHERST’s broader capacity-building efforts to position The Gambia as a hub for impactful and sustainable research.
In a closing statement delivered on behalf of the Honourable Minister Professor Pierre Gomez, MoHERST’s technical Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr. Mukhtar M. Y. Darboe described the training as a “powerful beginning” for Gambian research and innovation. He called on participants to apply their newly acquired skills with urgency, stressing, “If you train a researcher, you strengthen an individual’s career. But if you build a community of empowered research leaders, you transform a nation.”
He further highlighted the recent establishment of the National Research and Innovation Fund, approved by the National Assembly, which will provide long-term financial support for research activities nationwide. The upcoming Research Proposal Competition linked to this training is expected to offer Gambian researchers the chance to showcase innovative ideas aligned with the country’s development priorities.
The training placed particular emphasis on grant writing and scientific leadership, skills considered vital for Gambian researchers to secure funding and strengthen their contributions to national development. “Research is expensive,” noted Director of Research of MoHERST, the lead facilitator. “To secure funding, researchers must master proposal development, mentorship, and stakeholder engagement.” He emphasised.
Representing the Gambia National Commission for UNESCO, Mr. Omar Jallow reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing open science, ethical research practices, and international collaboration. He underscored that The Gambia’s National Research Policy seeks to align research with socio-economic priorities through inclusivity, gender equity, and stronger governance frameworks. The project he said was supported under UNESCO’s Participation Programme, which aims to build capacity in tertiary and higher education institutions across member states.
Researchers and administrators from various institutions praised Professor Assan Jaye- The Lead Trainer for enhancing their skills in research governance, proposal writing, and academic leadership. Many noted its timeliness as universities and tertiary institutions undergo major transformations.
The event concluded with a strong call for sustained investment in research infrastructure, mentorship, and continuous professional development, ensuring that Gambian researchers remain competitive on the global stage while contributing directly to the nation’s progress.
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