Building Bridges in Research Culture: African and UK Reproducibility Networks Come Together with the University of Liverpool
The African Reproducibility Network (AREN) joined forces with the UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN) and the University of Liverpool’s ReproducibiliTea club for a unique cross-continental event dedicated to strengthening research culture on 11 July 2025. Hosted at the University of Liverpool and supported by the Institute of Population Health research culture fund, the event created space for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and amplifying diverse perspectives in open science advocacy.
The hybrid programme brought together local network leads, researchers, and practitioners from Africa and the UK to explore shared challenges and opportunities in making research more rigorous, transparent, and trustworthy. From discussions on psychometrics and replication to case studies on biosensor development, clinical trials, and the use of preprints, the event highlighted how open science connects disciplines, institutions, and continents.
Emmanuel Boakye, Founder and Executive Director of AREN, captured the spirit of the gathering: “The African Reproducibility Network has grown rapidly and we now have 28 Local Network Leads across 16 countries, representing a wide range of research disciplines. This event is a great opportunity for UK and Africa-based Local Network Leads to meet and explore the common challenges we face in promoting and embedding best research practices within our research institutions.”
The programme featured important contributions from three AREN Local Network Leads, each offering insights into how reproducibility and open science are being embedded within their institutions and research communities across Africa. Prof Musa Mohammed of Hawassa University, Ethiopia, reflected on the past, present, and future of research culture at his institution, illustrating both the progress being made and the systemic challenges that remain in advancing open and reproducible research practices. Dr Macdickson Celt of the University of Nigeria discussed the usage of reproducibility in biosensor development, showing how reproducible methods can accelerate innovation in applied sciences and strengthen the reliability of research outputs with real-world impact. Dr Paul Ilegbusi of Ondo State College of Health and Technology, Nigeria, explored the role of preprints in research careers, emphasizing how early sharing of research results can democratize knowledge access, support career progression, and foster a more open scholarly ecosystem in Africa.
Professor Bill Greenhalf, UKRN Institutional Lead at the University of Liverpool, noted the importance of this exchange: “We’re delighted to welcome researchers from the African Reproducibility Network to share their experience and knowledge across many different aspects of research culture. This event creates space for joint understanding and for new partnerships and initiatives to emerge.”
The broader programme reflected a truly international agenda—from tackling replication challenges in psychology and statistics to exploring the role of trust, transparency, and data integrity in clinical trials. By blending UK and African perspectives, the event showcased how collaboration across borders strengthens the global movement for open, reproducible, and equitable research.
As AREN continues to expand its network across the continent, events like this underscore our commitment to ensuring that African voices are not only included but actively shaping the future of research culture worldwide. Together, we are building bridges—across disciplines, across institutions, and across continents—to make science work better for everyone.