Research Ecosystems
At ISTIC, we believe that a thriving research ecosystem is the foundation for innovation and sustainable development in the Global South.
Our flagship programme is dedicated to strengthening the pillars of this ecosystem– nurturing talent, fostering transdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing institutional capacity, and connecting researchers across borders.
By bringing together policymakers, universities, research institutions, and communities, ISTIC helps to bridge gaps in resources and knowledge, while promoting equitable partnerships that accelerate discovery and application.
This programme not only empowers scientists to generate solutions for local and global challenges, but also ensures that research outcomes are translated into real impact for societies. In building resilient research ecosystems, ISTIC aspires to transform knowledge into shared progress, where the South shapes the global future with purpose and impact.
In Research Ecosystem, ISTIC is leading two major initiative :
1. AFRASIA: Research and Innovation Initiative
2. GSRUA: Global South Research University Alliance
I-AFRASIA
The AFRASIA Initiative is a six-year, multi-country South–South cooperation programme connecting Asia and Africa in science, technology, and innovation (STI).
Founded by South Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Tanzania, it aims to become a leading platform for mission-oriented research, co-funded innovation programmes, knowledge exchange, and evidence-based policy engagement between the two regions.
VISION
To build an enduring Asia–Africa alliance that mobilizes science, technology, and innovation as drivers of inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development across the Global South.
MISSION
To establish a co-funded, co-implemented STI platform that transforms shared challenges into joint opportunities for innovation, capacity building, and policy leadership.
Programme’s Objectives
Facilitate joint research and innovation addressing transboundary challenges in water security, renewable energy, and health.
Strengthen human capital and institutional capacity through mobility, training, and mentorship.
Institutionalize co-funding mechanisms and open-science practices that sustain long-term collaboration.
Translate research into policy and societal impact, ensuring science informs decisions.
Create a Community of Practice linking scientists, practitioners, and policymakers across both continents.
Main Coordinators and Partners
ISTIC under the auspices of UNESCO
The International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation (ISTIC), a center under the auspices of UNESCO, acts as an international platform offering sustainable programmes and services and augmenting sustainable development for South-South Cooperation.
National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF)
NRF South Africa is the country’s primary public agency for funding and advancing research and innovation. It supports excellence in STI by investing in human capacity development, world-class research infrastructure, and strategic knowledge production. NRF plays a central role in strengthening South Africa’s research ecosystem and promoting international scientific collaboration.
The AFRASIA project will also collaborate with regional and international partners from Malaysia, South-Africa, Indonesia and Tanzania, including : -Malaysia Science Endowment (MSE)-The indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MOHEST)
-Tazanian Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH)-Negeri Malang (UM)
-Future Earth Africa Hub
II- GRSUA
The Global South Research Universities Alliance (GSRUA) is an emerging collaborative network that brings together research-intensive universities across what’s commonly referred to as the “Global South”, regions in Latin America, Africa and Asia.
Programme’s Objectives
Enhance Research Collaboration
Foster joint research initiatives addressing climate adaptation, health systems, food security, and digital governance across continents.
Build Institutional Capacity
Support postgraduate training, faculty exchanges, and shared research infrastructure to strengthen member institutions.
Enable Resource Sharing
Create interoperable digital infrastructure and regional centres of excellence for seamless knowledge exchange.
Amplify Global South Voice
Enhance collective visibility and influence of Global South universities in international policy and knowledge governance.
Existing alliances such as the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), ASEAN University Network (AUN), and Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO) have demonstrated the benefits of regional collaboration in advancing research excellence, capacity building, and policy engagement.
However, a comprehensive alliance that unites research institutions across different regions of the Global South is still lacking.
The proposed Global South Research University Alliance (GSRUA) seeks to address this gap by leveraging the philosophy of South-South Cooperation, which emphasizes mutual collaboration, shared resources, and collective problem-solving.
