SomaliREN Showcases the Somali Research and Education Repository (SORER) at UbuntuNet Connect 2024 Conference
The Somali Research and Education Network (SomaliREN) proudly participated in the UbuntuNet Connect 2024 Conference held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from October 31st to November 1st. Themed “Maximizing Technological Advancements in Research and Education,” the conference brought together key players from the research and education communities across Africa to discuss innovative solutions and strategies for advancing the sector.
A standout moment at the conference was the presentation by Eng. Hussein Sabrie, SomaliREN’s Chief Communications Officer, entitled “Maximizing Technological Advancements in Open Science: The Case of Somali Research and Education Repository (SORER).” His talk illuminated the significant strides SomaliREN has made in integrating open science practices into the Somali academic and research landscape.
Eng. Sabrie detailed the functionality and impact of SORER, a leading-edge digital repository designed to address critical gaps in the visibility and accessibility of research outputs from Somalia. Launched by SomaliREN, which connects 30 institutions and serves over 150,000 students, SORER exemplifies the network’s commitment to enhancing the quality and reach of Somali academic contributions through advanced technological tools.
The presentation addressed the primary challenges faced by the Somali academic community, including limited global awareness of Somali research and restricted access to scholarly resources. SORER’s strategic response involves providing a centralized, secure platform for research storage and dissemination, which not only increases the integrity and accessibility of research but also fosters global academic collaborations.
Eng. Sabrie highlighted SORER’s advanced features, such as support for self-archiving and integration with global standards like DOI and ORCID. These features ensure that publications from Somali institutions are uniquely identifiable and researchers receive proper attribution for their work. Furthermore, SORER adheres to the FAIR principles and Plan S requirements, making it a model for open access repositories globally.
The tangible impacts of SORER include enhanced visibility of Somali research, with around 1,000 publications now available on the platform. The repository’s growth is facilitated by ongoing training programs and community engagement efforts, which encourage more researchers to contribute their work.
Looking ahead, SomaliREN plans to expand the use of SORER in academic processes, including thesis submissions and conference proceedings, and to continue advocating for the development of a National Open Access Policy for Somalia. These initiatives will support the institutionalization of open science practices, further positioning Somali research on the global stage.
The presentation concluded with a call to action, urging conference participants to advocate for open access practices and engage in collaborative efforts to build capacity for managing open access repositories within their institutions and regions. This advocacy is crucial for advancing the role of open science in Africa and beyond.
SomaliREN’s participation in the UbuntuNet Connect 2024 Conference underscores its leadership in promoting technological advancements and open science in Somalia. Through initiatives like SORER, SomaliREN is setting a benchmark for how digital tools can transform research and education in emerging regions.
