Case Study

The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH)

Adapted from a previous GRC Responsible Research Assessment case study   Compare case studies

The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) is the principal advisory body to the Government of Tanzania on all matters related to science, technology, and innovation (STI). Established in 1986, COSTECH coordinates, regulates, and promotes research and innovation to support national development.

This case study describes COSTECH’s initiative to strengthen the capacity of female researchers to manage research and to promote research integrity in line with DORA principles.

Who: Organization profile
Country Tanzania
Category Research Funding Organizations
Profile of institution public/government national agencies
Type of Research Supported Applied Research
Disciplinary Focus Food Security
Organization of research evaluation Project/Grant level

What: What changed and the key elements of change

COSTECH introduced structured initiatives to strengthen the capacity of female researchers, particularly in the area of food security research.

The initiatives included the creation of women-targeted grants, mandatory ethical clearance requirements, plagiarism checks, and enhanced proposal review mechanisms. Key elements for the change were to deliver fairness, transparency, accountability through the grant process, and the promotion of research integrity while mainstreaming gender equity.

Why: Motivation for change

Female researchers in Tanzania remain underrepresented in research, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Between 2020 and 2024, women’s participation in research activities ranged from 29% to 36%.

COSTECH aimed to increase this participation rate by providing targeted grants, training, and monitoring frameworks. This change was motivated by the need to promote gender equity, uphold research integrity, and ensure alignment with national priorities and the SDGs.

How: Processes and dynamics for developing, implementing and managing change

The process involved structured steps:

  1. Alignment with COSTECH’s 2021–2026 Strategic Plan, which targets increased female participation in research
  2. Call preparation and promotion through COSTECH website and media outlets.
  3. Assessment of applications through eligibility checks, external peer review, and panel harmonization.
  4. Training of successful applicants on ethics, milestones, auditing, and risk management.
  5. Due diligence of host institutions before disbursement of funds.
  6. Continuous monitoring and evaluation, including progress reports, field visits, audits, and dissemination workshops.

When: Timeline for development and implementation

2020–2021: Identification of low female researcher participation as a challenge.
 2021–2022: Integration of gender mainstreaming into COSTECH’s Strategic Plan.
2022–2024: Launch of female-focused grants and implementation of stricter ethical frameworks.
2024–2025: Partnership with African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) to implement food security-focused calls.
From 2025 onward: Ongoing monitoring, capacity building, and institutionalization of gender equity in research management.

References

  1. COSTECH (2021). National Research Priorities 2021/22–2025/26. https://www.scribd.com/document/855297097/1684597511
  2. COSTECH Strategic Plan 2021–2026. https://www.scribd.com/document/982883078/Costech-Strategic-Plan-for-2021-2025
  3. UNESCO (2022). Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Review: Tanzania.
  4. African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) – Funding Scheme. https://acts-net.org/wp-content/uploads/ACTS-Brochure-2023_compressed.pdf