In March, the Science for Africa (SFA) Foundation invited CASCADE’s Academic Research Coordinator, Romyne Karan, and Communications Lead, Alacia Armstrong, to attend the DELTAS Africa II Research Management and Communications Workshop in Harare, Zimbabwe. They joined representatives from across the 14 DELTAS consortia operating throughout Africa.

Communications and Impact Storytelling

The 4-day workshop focused on sharpening our communication of the value and impact of our DELTAS II programmes. Our discussions prompted reflection on the importance of telling more complete, nuanced stories about research in Africa. Relying on a single narrative risks overlooking the complexity and dignity of people’s lived experiences.

It was refreshing to connect with other communications professionals from across the continent. There’s something valuable about sharing experiences with peers who understand the specific challenges of communicating research in our contexts.

We found the discussions about language particularly powerful. As communications professionals telling stories about African research, the words we choose carry weight. We explored how thoughtful language can present a more accurate picture of the innovative work happening across the continent, rather than reinforcing outdated narratives.

“As communicators working in the context of Africa’s research landscape, we have both the responsibility and opportunity to reshape narratives about research on the continent. By choosing our words carefully and centering local voices, we can showcase the innovation and excellence happening here while honouring the communities that shape our work.”
– Alacia Armstrong

During the workshop, we also explored how to showcase the complete picture of our research impact. We discussed sharing stories encompassing successes and challenges and how various communities may perceive our work differently.

We were particularly interested in the discussions about collaboration. Rather than each consortium working separately, we considered how sharing resources and coordinating efforts could enhance our collective impact on communications.

Research Management Insights

For project managers like Romyne, the workshop offered approaches to better showcase research outcomes. Attending the recent workshop was enriching and affirming, as it provided a meaningful exchange with project communication leads, coordinators, and managers across the DELTAS Africa network. This was a space to reflect on shared challenges, differences, and the distinct approaches we bring to our roles and projects.

“The workshop was a valuable space to co-learn, reflect and grow in my role. It provides practical tools and insights to show up with greater clarity and purpose.”
– Romyne Karan

Many participants reflected on the dual nature of our roles—balancing responsibilities as project coordinators and managers while engaging deeply in academic research, sometimes leading our own studies.

The sessions offered by the SFA team were insightful and guided, strengthening our capacity in research management. This is crucial for how we think about our contributions to reinforcing research systems within our institutions and collaboratively enhancing the vibrant research environment across the DELTAS Africa community.

The ongoing sense of community among project coordinators, managers, and communication leads was encouraging. Many of us have remained in touch and look forward to supporting one another’s work and growth. One method is through the SFA-initiated Twinning programme, which brings together coordinators and project managers to combine diverse approaches to research management in a shared space. Romyne reflected that this diversity binds us to a more human-centred approach to project management.

Meeting the CASCADE CUT Team in Harare

A day after our workshop ended, as we waited for our flights, we had a meaningful exchange of meeting CASCADE’s partner team in Harare, led by Prof Chipo Mubaya from Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) and supported by Dr. Mzime Murisa from START International.

We were excited to hear about their amazing activities and ongoing work as part of the CASCADE network—researchers working in government departments, contributing to policy discussions, engaging with communities, and collaborating with local NGOs. These face-to-face meetings offered valuable perspectives, and we are excited to return to Harare in May to attend the second CASCADE City Learning Lab. 

Our experience in Harare reminded us of the collective strength within the DELTAS network. The diverse leadership we witnessed and the meaningful connections we formed across consortia have equipped us with new approaches to telling African research stories with authenticity and respect. With new tools, deeper partnerships, and shared purpose, we return ready to amplify the stories and successes of African research with renewed conviction.

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CASCADE is one of 14 consortia under the DELTAS Africa II initiative (2023-2026), implemented by the Science for Africa Foundation with support from Wellcome and the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office.

Co-authored by Alacia Armstrong, Communications Lead, and Romyne Karan, Academic Coordinator, CASCADE.