DARN looks to boost African research

Published On Thu 27 Apr 2017 by Dominic Younger

Researchers from the University of Dundee will sign the charter for the Dundee Africa Research Network (DARN) this week, marking a major step forward for African-focused research from Scotland.

DARN builds upon longstanding peer to peer collaborations between researchers at the University of Dundee with contributions from Abertay  and St. Andrews staff and postgraduates.

Underpinned by the researchers' belief in the University of Dundee’s mission to transform lives, DARN is one of the first formal networks in Scotland with a vision to become a globally recognised Africa-focused research group.

Studies over time give clear evidence that research on Africa-focused issues is dominated by non-Africans. DARN aims to change this by bringing together African researchers with Scottish and UK multidisciplinary experts and students to investigate crucial African issues, viable solutions and sustainable development.

Eddie Holmes, strategy advisor to DARN, said, “Within five years we aim to consolidate the presence of Africa in Dundee by providing an avenue to promote interdisciplinary research and serious engagement on Africa opening up an increased opportunity for Africans and their host institutions here.

“DARN will knit together multiple disparate threads of current African research and provide a global network benefitting the city of Dundee and region whilst delivering serious impact on policy-making around and with Africa.”

Shona Robison MSP, Dundee City East, said, “I welcome the news that the University of Dundee in collaboration with the University of Abertay and St Andrews will launch the Dundee African Research Network (DARN) this week and congratulate all those involved. The launch places Dundee at the forefront of African-focused research in Scotland, highlighting Dundee’s excellence in academia where we lead the way in numerous and varied fields from Computer Gaming to Biomedical Science to African research.”

For media enquiries contact:
Dominic Glasgow
Media Relations Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 385131
Email: d.w.glasgow@dundee.ac.uk