19 November 2025, 11:00 – 13:00 GMT (please note time zone!)

Dear colleagues in the VREF community, 
We hope to see you at the Think Pieces Research Forum for Next Generation scholars across the VREF programs – where we will focus on: Supporting the next generation of transport scholars in sub-Saharan Africa: Insights, Challenges, and Opportunities

Young scholars in Africa are crucial to the future of research and development on the continent, yet they often face multifaceted challenges that constrain their professional growth and research potential. In order to make systematic interventions to strengthen the work and careers of young African scholars, it is important to understand the conditions under which they are trained and work.

The purpose of this Research Forum is to present and discuss the results of four reflective think pieces on the professional conditions, experiences and coping mechanisms of NextGen scholars in transport and mobility in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The think pieces were recently carried out by four NextGen teams from various parts of SSA. The think pieces have then been synthesized into a paper which presents the results of the work, with particular emphasis on ways in which academic actors and institutions can strengthen their support to young scholars.

Institutional host: Karin Henriksson, VREF Communications Officer

Program 

Welcome and background: Jane Summerton, VREF Scientific Advisor; MAC Program Coordinator

Introductions and overview of the program: Robert Ambunda and Pascalin Basil, VREF NextGen facilitators 

Presentation of synthesis paper: “Supporting the next generation of transport scholars in Sub-Saharan Africa: insights, challenges, and opportunities”

Presenter: Gail Jennings, Research Consultant, South Africa

Commentators: 

Dr. Olayemi Funmilayo Dickson, Research Officer, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

Mohammed Musah, Independent Mobility Consultant, Ghana
SLOCAT-VREF Young leader in sustainable transport 2025

Introduction to the co-author teams:

Team 1: Ibraheem Forson Abdul-Azeez, Namatirai Cheure, Frank Edward, Mary Wanyua Mwangi

Team 2: Jethron Ayumbah Akallah, Rasheed Olawale Azeez, Paschalin Basil, Frank Edward, Wofai Ewa, Prince Guma, Clare Adongo Okidi, George Ukam, Elizabeth Kanini Wamuchiru

Reflective interview: Gail Jennings will briefly interview the co-author teams, facilitating a reflective discussion and drawing out key insights from their collaborative work. 

Plenary Discussion: Open discussion with presenters, co-authors, and all participants

Sincerely,

The VREF NextGen Scholars Team

Starting in 2024, VREF initiated its “VREF NextGen Research Forums” to enable exchange of knowledge and perspectives among NextGen scholars within all its programs. The purpose of the Next Gen Research Forum is: to stimulate scientific discussion among the NextGen community on specific issues and themes in the area of sustainable urban mobility and equitable access; to provide an opportunity for young scholars to present and discuss their on-going work with their peers within the community; to provide a meeting place for dialogue and exchange among young scholars and other stakeholders within the community 

The Research Forum on 19 November is the fourth in the special series “VREF NextGen Research Forums” – designed specifically for young scholars and other stakeholders within the community. 

Do you have questions, thoughts or ideas related to the VREF NextGen program? Do not hesitate to contact us: secretariat@vref.se