The project aims principally to investigate the extent to which Africa’s ‘brain drain’ and Diaspora in the United Kingdom and France play a role and could be converted into ‘brain gain’ for the development of the continent of origin in the context of New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) in partnership with the G8 countries. It will provide opportunities for European and African researchers as well as students at CRER to formalise collaboration in research and training on a subject area that is of mutual interest to the African countries of origin and the two European countries of destination. The project will train young researchers in substantive issues on this broad subject, social research methodology and preparation of MA dissertations and PhD theses at CRER. Both research and training will be co-ordinated by the Marie Curie Chair, assisted by the core CRER staff, other staff in the Faculty and the wider University and associates within the CRER network. Research will focus on the theme “Harnessing Africa’s Brian Drain and Diaspora for Its Development in the NEPAD – United Kingdom and French Partnership”. Over a period of three years, different research sub-themes will be tackled by research teams working under the leadership of the Marie Curie Chair. Training will target Europeans and Africans selected from different geographical areas, disciplines, nationalities, cultures and so on, to try and enrich both training and research activities. The research products will be disseminated as CRER “Seminar”, “Working” and “Discussion” papers; journal articles; edited books and chapters therein, and “Policy Dialogue” material as well as special presentations to particular audiences in Europe and Africa. Apart from one expert gathering for CRER/Warwick colleagues and research associates from elsewhere , one international conference will be held to bring together scholars, policy makers and personnel from NGOs and the civil society.

 

Project Contact:  John Oucho