Data Science for Health Discovery and Innovation in Africa Coordinating Centre (DS-I Africa CC)

The Data Science for Health Discovery and Innovation in Africa Coordinating Centre (DS-I Africa CC) will serve as a strategic hub which will use efficient communication, coordination and administration to develop a cohesive and productive interdisciplinary network. The DS-I Africa CC will strive to support the DS-I Africa Steering Committee with the necessary information and tools required to lead the Consortium, guided by the overarching goals and navigating by evidenced based decision making. Working in a pan-continental interdisciplinary network will be challenging, however its diversity will offer many opportunities for data scientists and communities to learn from each other and develop innovative health solutions. The coordinating centre principal investigator (PI) will communicate directly with DS-I Africa PI’s and their affiliates and facilitate cross project engagements. The DS-I Africa CC team and NIH Program Staff will communicate directly with the working group chairs and consortium members in a coordinated manner and will be trained in standard operating procedures and provided with the tools and resources they need to perform their tasks. The CC will provide training and support to WG members including leadership skills training for WG chairs and steer them towards accomplishing their objectives. In addition, the CC in collaboration with the ODSP will provide training support to the greater consortium using multiple instruction methods to maximize reach. The DS-I Africa CC based at the University of Cape Town will leverage institutional and network resources, experience in coordinating large networks across several continents, human resources, digital and network tools, existing stakeholder networks, knowledge of policies, guidelines, research agreements and its experience in working in over eleven African countries, often under challenging conditions. The CC will use strategic outreach, community engagement and communication plans to raise awareness, encourage community participatory research and promote the DS-I Africa vision and mission.