The workshop focused on co‑designing the evaluation framework and validating the visualisation and dissemination platform so that it can inform programme decisions and strengthen impact tracking among partner stakeholders.

Over the two‑day meeting, partners conducted a practical review of their pages on the platform, identifying what was accurate, what required correction, and what data or contextual information was still missing.

ARUA used the process to verify the completeness of its pilot Early Career Researchers programme information and to consider how the platform can better capture programme scope, history, outcomes, and reporting needs. In turn, these contributions support the evolution of CB‑SITS as a credible and useful resource for partners, funders, policymakers, and other stakeholders tracking the impact of African research and capacity‑building programmes.

The CB-SITS system incorporates metrics such as workshops attended, courses completed, mentoring received, collaborations established, publications, citations, postgraduate milestones, and other indicators of capacity growth and scientific impact.

Background of the Carnegie‑supported CB‑SITS project

The Capacity Building and Scientific Impact Tracking System for Africa (CB‑SITS Africa) is being developed through a Carnegie Corporation of New York‑supported pilot project to create a comprehensive digital system to track and evaluate the research capacity and scientific impact of the Foundation’s diverse programmes and projects in Africa. The project’s core activities include developing a robust longitudinal tracking system, an evaluation framework, and a user‑friendly interface that allows stakeholders to record capacity‑building activities, integrate them with external databases, and visualise progress through dashboards, reports, and interactive data tools. Partners under the consortia include the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), Building a New Generation of Academics in Africa (BANGA‑Africa) led by the University of Ghana, Possible Africa under the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation), and the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

About CB‑SITS

Within CARTA’s wider CARTA Evidence initiative, CB‑SITS functions as a pan‑African digital platform that collates, analyses, and visualises evidence from capacity‑strengthening programmes, particularly in public and population health. By aggregating programme data and research outputs in one place, CB‑SITS seeks to improve visibility, learning, and impact tracking for institutions, funders, and policymakers, complementing the Carnegie‑supported system’s focus on rigorous evaluation and long‑term impact assessment. More information Here.