OPEN SCIENCE AND HARDWARE AND DIY BIOLOGY, MODELS BEYOND FUNDING TO ENCOURAGE BASIC SCIENCE RESEARCH IN AFRICA

"The question of how African PhD students, scientists and researchers be encouraged to conduct basic science research had several feedbacks and many of which can be tied to funding. Many argued that funding for basic science research is a prerequisite to getting major scientific equipment and reagents.  Inasmuch as I agree with that school of thought, I hold some reservations to that. Again, very strong arguments can be made to support how important funding is in carrying out research. In evaluating funding mechanisms for research on the African continent, it will surprise us to know that little support comes from African governments with majority coming from external funding institutions. The priorities of most governments in Africa is most often polarized towards social programs to the neglect of basic science research hence their investment into the field is just a little over zero per cent. Therefore, in a continent where little attention is paid to basic science research means that the over reliance on funding as the only way to propel the agenda of basic science research will invariably cripple how research in the field is carried out."