EBENE, MAURITIUS – A four-day workshop on African Peacebuilding Network (APN) and Next Gen Research Methods opened on Monday at the Hennessy Park Hotel, drawing around 50 scholars from across the continent.
The workshop, hosted in partnership between the University of Mauritius (UOM) and the United States-based Social Science Research Council (SSRC), is focused on improving the quality and impact of social science research across Africa. The event also serves as a space to grow networks among researchers and support faculty development.
Present at the official opening were Mauritius’ Minister of Tertiary Education and Scientific Research, Dr Kaviraj Sharma Sukon; UOM Vice-Chancellor Professor Sanjeev Sobhee; and the APN and Next Generation Programme Director from SSRC.
Dr Sukon told participants that government has set aside Rs 200 million in the 2025-2026 budget to support innovative research projects. He said researchers need to apply rigorous methodologies to help influence policymaking and encouraged greater use of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence for data collection and analysis.
He added that upcoming reforms will make it easier for academics to publish their work, with the intention of raising Mauritius’ international research visibility and boosting the country’s Global Innovation Index ranking.
UOM Vice-Chancellor Prof Sobhee called for more investment in youth-led research and academic training, saying the continent’s future depends on its ability to nurture and retain research talent.
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