On behalf of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and our esteemed partners, we are delighted to welcome you to the 5th Annual Emerging and Established African Researchers Training Academy.
This initiative represents a collaborative effort between the HSRC, University of Pretoria, University of Zululand, Sol Plaatje University, and Midlands State University (Zimbabwe), bringing together a wealth of expertise to support your growth as a researcher.
Registration for the Academy is now closed. However, if you wish to attend, please view the Academy Programme below, which includes details on the sessions, speakers, topics, and links to all three tracks. This will enable you to join the session of your choice.
Eventee is your all-in-one guide for the academy. Need a crucial document? It’s in the repository. Want to brainstorm with fellow participants? Join the networking space. Have questions? Ask in our Q&A forum. Eventee is your compass, library, social club, and help desk, bringing your academy journey to life.
Fifth Annual Emerging and Established African Researchers Training Academy
Dates: Monday 22 July to Friday 26 July 2024
Time: 09h00 – 16h00
Platform: ONLINE via Zoom
Why You Should Attend The Academy
Through participation in the academy, you will acquire invaluable skills in key areas such as research design, data analysis, and academic writing. Moreover, you’ll have the opportunity to network with peers and learn from experienced mentors, fostering collaborations that may shape future research in Africa.
The virtual academy will be held over 5 days, with the 1st day being comprised of modules which all participants are expected to attend. Days 2 to 5 will have parallel tracks to allow participants to select specific modules for which they would like more in-depth training.
Academy Sessions will commence at 09h00 daily and terminate at 16h00. There will be a lunch break for 1 hour daily and two stretch tea breaks of around 30 minutes daily.
Themes to be covered include:
Research Design and Conceptual Frameworks
Introduction to Quantitative data collection and analysis including use of data analysis software – STATA and SPSS
Introduction to Cross-Sectional Data Analysis
Introduction to Qualitative data collection & Analysis including the use of Atlas it/NVivo
Ethics of social research
Conducting literature reviews, searching for literature and use of reference tools
Scientific communication: Academic writing for publications
Geographic Information Systems: Visualize, understand, and interpret data
Innovations in science communication – Using Infographics
Innovations in qualitative research
We encourage you to approach this academy with enthusiasm and dedication. Make full use of the resources provided, including our comprehensive online repository. Engage actively in discussions, challenge yourself with new ideas, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Remember, your growth during this program will have ripple effects far beyond your individual career.
As you embark on this journey, envision the researcher you aspire to become and the change you wish to see in your field. This academy is a stepping stone towards realising that vision. Together, we are building a stronger, more dynamic research community that can address the unique challenges and opportunities of our continent.
The Academy Prospectus provides essential details on what to expect, covered topics, session leaders, and additional content. Access it to gain a complete understanding of the program and prepare for the academy.
The Academy programme provides essential details, including Zoom links for each track. Download it to view the schedule, familiarize yourself with the presenters and topics, and access your chosen sessions.
The Academy repository is your go-to resource hub for all module materials. Access lesson plans, presentations, trainer bio-sketches, background reading, and assistance with any required software. Review materials ahead of time to enhance your experience and revisit them anytime to reinforce key concepts.
How do I register for the academy?
Register through this link. Fill out the form and submit it. You will receive a confirmation email.
Who is eligible to attend the academy?
Emerging African scholars, including master’s and PhD trainees, Post Doc Fellows, and Lecturers from higher education institutions, science councils, and other public and private institutions.
What are the IT requirements?
You need a laptop or desktop computer, a stable internet connection, and sufficient data for the online sessions. The academy will be conducted on Zoom and links to the meeting will be provided prior to the session.
Do I need a Zoom license to participate?
You do not need a Zoom license to attend a Zoom call. Participation in meetings is free, and a license is only required for hosting with advanced features.
When is the registration deadline?
Please register by 19 July 2024.
Event Details
What are the dates and times for the academy?
The academy will take place from July 22 to July 26, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.
Where do I find the link to my session?
Session links will be emailed to registered participants and also available on the Eventee App.
Where can I find the programme?
The programme is available on the Academy webpage and via the registration link.
How do I access the repository?
The repository has been shared with participants via email and is also accessible on the Academy webpage as well as the Eventee app.
Will I receive a certificate of attendance?
Yes, participants who attend at least 75% of the module sessions will receive a certificate.
Preparation before the Training Module
How should I prepare for the sessions?
Some modules may have pre-training activities such as reading a document or doing a small exercise. Review session plans and background materials will be provided by presenters for each module. If a training programme requires you to use specific software, please ensure that you have downloaded the free version of the software, like STATA or SPSS, prior to the sessions.
Will there be any pre-session reading materials?
For some modules yes, pre-session reading materials and exercises will be shared with registered participants in the repository.
During the Academy
Date and time for each module
Refer to the Academy programme for the details. Don’t log in at the time given, ensure that you log in at least 5 minutes before the session.
Where do I find the link to my session?
Session links are available in the confirmation email sent to you upon registration and on the Eventee app. Ensure you are logged into the app for easy access.
How do I join a breakout room on Zoom?
During the session, the host will assign you to a breakout room. You will receive a prompt on your screen to join the breakout room. Click “Join” to enter the room, and you will join automatically.
I can’t hear the presenter. What should I do?
Check your audio settings in Zoom. Ensure your speakers are on and the volume is up. If the issue persists, try leaving the meeting and rejoining. If you still have issues, contact our technical support team at academyqueries@hsrc.ac.za
How do I ask questions during the sessions?
You can use the chat feature on Zoom to type your questions or raise your hand virtually to ask questions directly during Q&A sessions. The Chairperson and the Presenter will indicate at the start of the session how they wish to deal with questions during the session. Some may want to allocate designated times for questions, while others may allow questions during the session. Try and use the chat function to avoid too much disruption of the session.
What should I do if the Zoom session is at full capacity?
If the Zoom session is at capacity, there will be live-streams available for Track A on the HSRC YouTube Page and Track B on the HSRC Facebook Page. Should you encounter any issues, please reach out to our technical support team at academyqueries@hsrc.ac.za
Where do I find the link to my session?
Session links will be emailed to registered participants and also available on the Academy Programme, which can be downloaded from the Academy Webpage, above.
What if my connectivity is poor and I keep getting logged of a session?
Please attempt to re-join the session using the same Zoom link. If this doesn’t not work, there will be a live-stream available from Track A on the HSRC YouTube Channel. Track B will be live-streamed on the HSRC Facebook Page. You can also watch the recording after the session is complete, which you will find in the Academy repository.
Can I get a recording of the session?
Yes, session recordings will be made available after the event. Links to the recordings will be found in the repository in the folder relevant to the specific module.
How do I provide feedback for a session?
After each session, an evaluation feedback form will be shared as a link in the chat and via email. Please complete it to help us improve future events.
Will there be any networking opportunities?
Yes, the Eventee app has networking features that allow you to connect with other attendees, presenters, and organizers. You can also participate in discussion forums and virtual meetups.
What should I do if I miss a session?
If you miss a session, you can watch the recording, which will be available in the repository
What if my connectivity is poor and I keep getting logged of a session?
Watch the recording which you will find in the repository.
How do I get a copy of the presentation?
All presentations will be uploaded to the Repository within a day of the training being held.
Technical Support
What should I do if I experience technical difficulties with Zoom during a session?
Contact our technical support team via the chat feature on Zoom or email academyqueries@hsrc.ac.za
How do I download and use the Eventee app?
Download the Eventee app from the website, App Store or Google Play (depending on the device you are using). Sign in using your registered email to access event information and engage with organisers and other attendees.
Access is provided to research outputs generated by HSRC researchers since 2000. All research outputs are provided free of charge to the public, with the exception of confidential reports.
