A comparative study on the multiple layers of power imbalances in scientific knowledge production: the case of public health in Ethiopia and South Africa

Dr Eyob Gebremeriam, Perivoli Africa Research Centre, University of Bristol

UCT host: Associate Professor Divine Fuh, Institute for Humanities in Africa, University of Cape Town

Programme dates: Dec 2023 - Dec 2025

 

The Charter Framework we co-developed at PARC identified multiple layers of power imbalances that underpin Africa’s marginal role in knowledge production. This research aims to answer to what extent and in what ways the power imbalances identified in the Charter Framework manifested in the production of scientific knowledge in public health in Ethiopia and South Africa. By generating comparative empirical data from Ethiopia & South Africa, the research will map the key actors and processes of scientific public health research, examine the influence of international collaborations in the entire processes of scientific research, document/analyse the experiences of African research actors involved in international research collaborations, and the acknowledgement and inclusion of non-western knowledge frameworks. The project findings will be disseminated through academic and policy papers, blogs, webinars and seminars/lectures. The research project builds on the strategic partnership of PARC and HUMA and will potentially inform the implementation of the Charter Framework.