PROGRAMMES AND CAPACITY BUILDING

 The Government of Tanzania through COSTECH and associated ministries have initiated a number of programmes aimed at improving environment and capacities to undertake quality research. These include the following programmes and initiatives.

Grants

COSTECH offers grants research projects and training, facilitates scientific engagement, and dissemination of results and technologies. The grants can be applied for on competitive basis or offered as commissioned grants. It promotes research through material support of research projects with a training component at Master and PhD research levels tenable within the country, and abroad if needed and recommended by the Commission. There is also grant for post-doctoral fellowships and establishment of research chairs.

Communication Forums and Conferences

COSTECH facilitates national scientists, researchers, innovators and technologists to engage in national, regional and international scientific events which are relevant to socio-economic development of the country. The support may be partial or full depending on the availability of the funds.

 COSTECH facilitates uptake of research results for evidence-based decision and policy making processes at policy level and informs best practices from various sectors of the economy. The commission does this through developing knowledge products such as policy and project briefs and engagement plans. The commission also has the mandate to convene stakeholders at all levels, international partners, and local practitioners to deliberate on research results for evidence-based decision making and best practices on the ground. It also hosts projects that aim to empower through dissemination of technologies, capacities, and sound decision-making for national development.

Infrastructure

The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) supports the development and retention of high-end scientific and technological competencies which are essential for Tanzania to transform into an industrial-based economy. The generation of new knowledge and scientific and technological innovations can bring about economic development, job creation and an improvement in the quality of life of its citizens. State-of-the-art research infrastructure and facilities, linked to the development of highly skilled workers, is a prerequisite for the generation of globally competitive new knowledge, technologies and innovations. Based on availability of funds, COSTECH offers support to build infrastructure such as research laboratory equipment and IT infrastructure, and library equipment.

Internet Connectivity

Through the Higher Education and Research Institutions Network (HERIN), COSTECH offers Internet connectivity services to Higher Education and Research Institutions (HERIs) at an affordable price since 2014. HERIN is a Government network that was developed by the ministries that were responsible for communication and education.  Its main objective is to leverage ICT to support the education sector through connectivity, applications, human resource development and institution building to ensure that the sector collectively benefits from ICT in a sustained manner through improving learning environment. For more information about HERIN, download instructions here.