SWIS Africa Research Training Program (SWIS ART)

Despite increasing participation of women in STEM, many still struggle with limited research knowledge and low confidence in presenting and sharing their academic work. These gaps become even more apparent at the point of transition from academic study to professional careers.

SWIS Africa is excited to offer a research training program by partnering with universities and colleges to build the research communication capacity and confidence of African women in science by equipping them with relevant skills in scientific research presentation, personal branding, and storytelling through digital media.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

To provide foundational training in scientific research and presentation skills to women in STEM.
To build confidence in sharing research through personal branding and vlogging.
To create a platform that amplifies the voices of women in STEM by showcasing their work on the SWIS Africa YouTube channel.
To train student researchers to serve as peer-trainers and content creators, contributing to the sustainability of the initiative.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

1. Capacity-Building Workshop

A one-day virtual session featuring:
Expert Speakers on:
Scientific Research: Methodology, ethics, writing & publication tips.
Presentation Skills and Personal Branding: Effective public speaking, storytelling, LinkedIn optimization, digital confidence.
Panel Session & Q&A: To engage attendees in dynamic, interactive discussions with the speakers.

2. Train-the-Trainer Research Showcase

Following the workshop:

Participants will be selected based on interest and ongoing research projects.
These students will receive focused training on:
- Crafting short, impactful presentations.
- Vlogging techniques for science communication.

3. Content Creation and Public Engagement

Selected trained participants will be interviewed and recorded while presenting their research in an engaging format.
The videos will be edited and uploaded on the SWIS Africa YouTube Channel, amplifying their voices and making research more accessible to younger audiences.

Expected Outcomes

Increased awareness and confidence among participants to share and present their research.
5 high-quality research vlogs publicly available on SWIS Africa’s YouTube channel.
A trained cohort of women ready to mentor others in STEM communication.
Strengthened visibility and engagement for women researchers across Nigeria and Africa.