ACHER | About

Prof. Dr. Patrício V. Langa

Secretary-General

WELCOME MESSAGE

Dear Esteemed Colleagues,

I am pleased to extend a warm welcome to you on behalf of the Africa Consortium of Higher Education Researchers (ACHER). It is a great honour to have you with us as we embark on this exciting journey together.

Our goal is to foster collaboration and innovation, and we believe that together we can address the challenges and opportunities within higher education across Africa.

We are living in a transformative era where the need for effective research and communication in higher education has never been more critical. The landscape of higher education is continuously evolving, and your expertise will be invaluable in navigating these changes. By joining forces, we can create an engaging platform that encourages dialogue, sharing of best practices, and the development of strategies that can enhance our research impact.

Throughout our time together, we hope to explore pivotal topics, share diverse methodologies, and develop actionable plans that can elevate the standards of higher education research on the continent.

Let us embrace this opportunity to learn from one another and to identify ways that we can support each other as we work toward common goals. Thank you for being here, and for your commitment to this important cause. We look forward to a fruitful exchange of ideas and to building lasting connections within our community.

Background

Spearheaded by Prof. Patrício V. Langa and established in 2017 in Cape Town as part of a strategy to strengthen the research mission and capabilities in African higher education institutions and systems, it promotes high-profile basic research and strengthens scholarly engagement.

The initiative supports disciplinary and interdisciplinary research by higher education researchers across institutions. It aims to build sustainable research ecosystems capable of addressing complex societal and institutional challenges.

Designed as a consortium of researchers, ACHER remains open to various disciplines and emerging topics. It provides opportunities for innovation, interdisciplinary dialogue, and meaningful international collaboration within African higher education systems.

Our Mission, Vision, and Core Values

Our Mission

Our focus is on advancing higher education research in Africa and supporting the research mission of higher education institutions through innovation, collaboration, and the promotion of excellence among researchers and institutions.

Our Vision

Our vision is to ignite a transformative journey in higher education research, empowering African institutions and researchers to lead with influence and impact on the global stage.

Our Core Values

Integrity — We foster a culture of honesty and transparency in all our endeavors.
Collaboration — We believe that shared efforts lead to greater breakthroughs.
Excellence — We strive for the highest standards in research and innovation.
Inclusivity — We value diverse perspectives that enrich our work and strengthen our impact.
Sustainability — We commit to ensuring our initiatives contribute positively to the environment and society for generations to come.
Accountability — We hold ourselves accountable for our actions and outcomes, recognizing that trust is built through responsible stewardship.

Governance

International Governance Advisory Board

The ACHER International Advisory Board is a distinguished assembly of specialists representing various fields of expertise. Its primary mission is to provide strategic guidance, insights, and recommendations that support the advancement of the organisation’s goals.

This board is essential in leveraging specialised knowledge to enhance decision-making processes and promote initiatives that align with the organisation’s overarching mission.

Board of Governors

Prof. Dr. Mamadou Diawara FBA

Goethe University of Frankfurt; Germany

Board Chair

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Prof. Jorge Luis M. A. Ferrao

Pedagogical University of Maputo, Mozambique

Board Member

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Dr. Kathrin Knodel

German Research Foundation (DFG)

Board Member

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Dr. Lavern Samuels

Durban University of Technology, South Africa

Board Member

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Prof. Dr. Patrício V. Langa

ACHER

Secretary-General, ACHER

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International Scientific Advisory Board of ACHER

The International Scientific Board (ISB) of ACHER is a distinguished assembly of experts dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and research within the organisation. Comprised of accomplished scholars and professionals from diverse fields, the Board's primary purpose is to provide strategic guidance, expert insights, and recommendations that align with ACHER's mission and objectives.

This Board plays a pivotal role in evaluating ongoing research initiatives, fostering innovation, and promoting best practices. By leveraging specialised knowledge, the ISB enhances the decision-making processes integral to the ACHER’s success.

Through its collaborative efforts, the Board aims to drive initiatives that support ACHER's overarching goals and contribute to significant advancements in the scientific community.

Members of the ISB are committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence and integrity, ensuring that ACHER remains at the forefront of scientific research and innovation.