How to elevate Tanzania journals for global impact
Dar es Salaam. Experts, through the University of Dar es Salaam’s College of Social Sciences (CoSS), are spearheading an initiative to bridge the gap between local and international research publications, a conference heard on Wednesday.
A seminar series showcased a significant research titled The Strain on Scientific Publishing, conducted by international researchers Mark A Hanson, Pablo Gómez Barreiro, Paolo Crosetto and Dan Brockington.
The study sheds light on the challenges researchers face when attempting to publish in prestigious international journals.
Prof Dan Brockington from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona highlighted the importance of recognising local journals as vehicles for internationalisation.
“Research that performs exceptionally well and yields positive results is often international in nature,” he said.
“It involves collaboration across borders to advance knowledge and understanding. However, many internationally published research papers lack the representation of voices from countries like Tanzania, making it crucial for researchers here to contribute through local journals.”
The CoSS Principal, Prof Christine Noe, affirmed the significance of the research, saying, “While striving to internationalise our research is essential, improving our publications in local journals is equally crucial. Local journals serve as the roots from which internationally acclaimed research originates.”
The study identified leadership challenges, particularly in the roles of editors and editorial boards, suggesting the need for strengthening in those areas. Prof Noe acknowledged this, saying, “To attain international standards, we must enhance our local journals.
“The roots of internationally acclaimed research often lie in national publications. We need to ask ourselves if our local journals meet international standards to ensure sustainable progress in our research.”
Efforts to encourage local researchers have received a significant boost from the government, the Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda, announced a substantial award of Sh1 billion for researchers in higher learning institutions who excel in publishing articles in natural science, mathematics, medicine, health, and allied sciences with a unique perspective.
The award launched last year, aimed to recognise and motivate researchers to publish in international high-impact factor journals.
Prof Mkenda emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening research and innovation, stating, “We are implementing measures such as injecting more financial resources, improving research and innovation infrastructures, and ensuring a sufficient number of skilled and professional human resources.”
A lecturer from CoSS, Dr Egidius Kamanyi, expressed his appreciation for the research findings, saying, “The study has provided valuable insights into the current state of international publishing. It has helped us understand where efforts should be directed to showcase the work of local and international researchers.”
The University of Dar es Salaam, with its 20 existing journals, is poised to lead the charge in promoting and elevating these journals to an international standard. Dr Kamanyi stressed the need to give these journals status and international recognition, stating, “UDSM has 20 journals, and we need to continue promoting them to give them international visibility.”
The university’s strategy involves a dual approach – not only continuing to publish in reputable international journals but also enhancing the quality and visibility of local journals, experts say.
This approach aligns with the Ministry of Education’s overarching agenda of internationalising research in Tanzanian universities, according to Prof Noe.
Prof Noe said, “While we encourage publishing in existing international journals, we must not underestimate the potential of our local journals.”
