Southern conceptions of research excellence

Despite markedly different contexts in which ‘Northern’ and ‘Southern’ researchers carry out use-inspired research, the same quality dimensions are applied to research in the two settings. This paper draws on empirical work at Amaltas to present the perspectives in the Global South on notions of research excellence. What sets these Southern views on research excellence apart? The answer to this question falls into three brackets: (i) Southern value systems; (ii) dissonance in measurement applied to use-inspired, real world research in the South; and (iii) disadvantage of research in ‘other’ institutions/ ‘other’ languages. These perspectives have important implications for science granting councils seeking to level the playing field and promote excellent research in countries of the Global South.