TWO local companies have announced a strategic partnership to address the critical need for effective research communication in the country.

The partnership will be launched through a platform called UTAFITI FORUM, which is licensed by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) and is set to kick off in January 2025.

 The initiative aims to bridge the gap between researchers and journalists, fostering a more informed and engaged public discourse on scientific research in Tanzania and the wider East African region.

The two companies—ResearchCOM, a specialist in science communication, and BSM Washauri, a knowledge-based business company—signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a ceremony in Dar es Salaam.

The collaboration seeks to leverage their combined expertise to lead initiatives in media training, writing for global and policy impact, data communication, and the dissemination of research beyond academic circles.

By expanding the reach of research findings, the partnership aims to make a significant impact on communities and policymaking. Through UTAFITI FORUM, a unique three-stage model will be introduced, designed to empower researchers to communicate their findings more effectively.

“We have been working on a structured approach to inspire the mindset transition of researchers—from solely focusing on traditional academic publishing to engaging a broader public,” said Dr. Syriacus Buguzi, CEO of Research COM who is also science communication specialist.

Bakari Machumu, CEO of BSM Washauri and a media leadership expert with nearly three decades of experience in the media industry, emphasized the need to bridge the gap between research and society.

He noted that many research findings remain confined to academic journals, and researchers often lack the skills to effectively communicate with the public. He stressed the importance of the partnership to address this gap.

"Experts say that for any business to succeed, it must aim to solve a significant problem in society or the market," said  Machumu.

In recent years, a growing number of researchers and journalists have expressed keen interest in research communication and enrolled on the UTAFITI FORUM platform.