From September 28-29, IPA Kenya, in partnership with the University of Nairobi, hosted a physical matchmaking event on driving locally-grounded research through strong partnerships and networks. This was aligned with the broad objective of IPA's Researcher Diversification Strategy, which is to advance locally-grounded research and support scholars conducting development research in the countries where we work. The sessions covered a number of issues relevant to increasing researcher engagement from low- and middle-income countries, from network building and mentorship to strengthening the pipeline of researchers and accessing research funding.

Presenters

• Peter Lefrancois, Acting Country Director, IPA Kenya
• Suleiman Asman, Regional Director of East Africa, IPA
• Nathan Fiala, Associate Professor, University of Connecticut
• Berber Kramer, Senior Research Fellow, International Food Policy Research Institute
• Caroline Nyuguto, Associate Research Engagement Manager, IPA Kenya
• Eric Ochieng, Associate Research Manager, IPA Kenya
• John Ochieng Otieno, Policy Manager, IPA Kenya
• Jane Kabubo-Mariara, Executive Director, Partnership for Economic Policy
• Gituro Wainaina, Senior Lecturer, University of Nairobi 
• Hellen Inyega, Associate Professor, University of Nairobi

For more information, see the agenda here and a visual explainer on IPA's Researcher Diversification Strategy here.