Fostering Researchers in the Geosciences (FoRGe)

FoRGe aims to build research capacity in developing countries by responding to needs identified by researchers in those countries and by working in collaboration with third-level educational institutions. The project aims to provide training in essential skills to recently appointed university staff and in so doing support the vision of UNESCO’s International Geoscience Programme for efficient, safe, sustainable and renewable natural resources exploration and extraction. The principal output of FoRGe will be a 10 to 12 recently appointed early career university faculty members better able to:

• prepare and submit research grant applications for competitive funding;
• build professional research networks;
• write and research papers to peer reviewed journals.

FoRGe survey

Researchers based in Africa were invited to participate in this first FoRGe survey, which aimed to identify the nature of work and challenges faced by African geoscientists, by gathering their views on the skills and knowledge required for effective practice. 

By identifying the challenges and needs of the profession, the survey sought to enable FoRGe and UNESCO to develop tailored interventions to support the work of geoscientists. 

The survey was completed by 355 participants from a diverse range of African countries. The analysis highlighted that the most significant challenges to research success for geoscientists in Africa and identified workshop topics that should be prioritized to enhance researchers’ professional skills. Further analysis is underway to extract additional results and formulate a comprehensive report for dissemination.