Open AIR

Between 2017 and 2025, Open AIR supported 39 advanced scholars through two cycles of the Queen Elizabeth Scholars programme delivered at the University of Ottawa. The scholars come from Canada and 11 African countries, including both English- and French-speaking contexts. They were doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, and early career researchers working on questions of innovation, intellectual property, and sustainable development.

The programme was implemented through Open AIR’s existing research network from it’s Canadian hub at the University of Ottawa. Scholars were embedded within ongoing collaborations across universities, research institutes, and policy institutions in Canada and across the African continent. The first cycle focused on strengthening Canada–Africa research relationships broadly. The second placed particular emphasis on West Africa.

Research Focus

The scholars’ work addresses intellectual property governance, digital regulation, inclusive innovation systems, entrepreneurship, and regulatory reform. Much of this research engages directly with Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality and Sustainable Development Goal 9 on innovation and infrastructure, while intersecting with health, education, food systems, and climate-related policy questions.

The awards supported research mobility, mentorship, and collaboration at critical career stages. Senior faculty mentored postdoctoral and doctoral scholars, who in turn supervised and collaborated with graduate students. The intention was not short-term exchange, but continuity within an existing cross-continental research platform.

Outcomes

Alumni have since taken up positions in academia, intergovernmental organisations, national public agencies, innovation ecosystems, and civil society organisations. Several now hold academic appointments at universities in Canada, South Africa, and other African countries. Others work in ministries, regulatory bodies, and international institutions where they contribute to policy development and institutional reform.

The most durable outcome of the programme is the network it reinforced. The scholars became part of an existing community of researchers working across Canada and multiple African regions. Those relationships continue to generate collaboration, publications, policy engagement, and new initiatives beyond the award period.