The Union for African Population Studies (UAPS), in partnership with the American Institutes for Research (AIR), hosted a five-day Research Methods and Scientific Writing Workshop from 11–15 August 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. The event brought together early career researchers from across Africa to strengthen their expertise in research design, proposal development, and scientific publishing.
Investing in the next generation of African Scholars
The workshop is part of UAPS’s broader mission to build the capacity of African researchers to generate evidence that informs policy and practice. Over the course of the week, participants engaged in highly interactive sessions led by seasoned facilitators Dr. Marlous de Milliano (Senior Economist, AIR), Dr. Adria Molotsky (Senior Economist, AIR), and Dr David Seidenfeld (Vice president for AIR’s International Development Program)
The agenda covered:
- Impact evaluation methods, including difference-in-difference, experimental and matching designs.
- Practical data analysis with STATA.
- Proposal development, networking, and budgeting.
- Scientific writing and strategies for publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
Participants also had the opportunity to present their research proposals and receive structured feedback from facilitators and peers, which was a highlight of the program.
A collaborative and practical learning experience
Unlike traditional lecture-style trainings, this workshop emphasized hands-on practice, peer learning, and real-world applications. Daily sessions blended conceptual frameworks with applied exercises, ensuring that participants left with practical tools they could immediately apply in their research.
One participant reflected:
“The practical sessions made the concepts much clearer and gave me confidence to apply them in my work.”
Another noted:
“I learned not just from the facilitators, but also from my peers during the group exercises.”
Participant Reflections and Feedback
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive:
- Over 90% rated the workshop “very satisfied.”
- The quality of facilitation was consistently rated excellent.
- Scientific writing, grant proposal development, and STATA practice were cited as the most valuable aspects.
Participants also expressed enthusiasm for the networking opportunities the workshop created, enabling them to connect with colleagues across disciplines and countries.
At the same time, they offered constructive suggestions for future editions, including:
- Allocating more time to hands-on coding and practical sessions.
- Integrating qualitative analysis software and AI tools for research communication.
- Adding modules on policy brief development and research dissemination.
- Improving time management during sessions and proposal presentations.
Outcomes and Way Forward
By the end of the workshop, participants reported feeling better equipped to design and analyse research, prepare competitive proposals, and publish their findings in reputable journals. Importantly, all participants indicated they would recommend the workshop to their colleagues.
The success of this workshop demonstrates the value of targeted capacity-building initiatives for early career researchers in Africa. UAPS and AIR remain committed to scaling such opportunities, ensuring that African scholars are well-prepared to produce rigorous research that addresses pressing population and development challenges.
Conclusion
The 2025 Research Methods and Scientific Writing Workshop was not only a learning opportunity, but also a platform for building lasting collaborations. Through intensive training, peer exchange, and mentorship, participants left Nairobi empowered to advance their careers and contribute to evidence-based solutions for Africa’s development.
As one participant summed it up:
“This workshop really exceeded my expectations. It was practical, relevant, and transformative.”
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