From Concept to Community: A Masterclass on Socially Accountable Research
The Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) Accountability working group hosted a masterclass, bringing together academics and community engagement leaders to explore how science can better serve society.
The session was opened by Dr. Mandy Mason, co-chair of the IDM Social Accountability Committee, who set the stage by reflecting on the committee's activities over the past year, framing the day as a critical next step in their ongoing mission.
The masterclass began by grounding attendees in a universal understanding of the topic. Philip Dambisya, an EdTech advisor and programme convenor for curriculum transformation, provided a foundational overview of what social accountability means in higher education, emphasising its role in creating a responsive and responsible institution.
A core theme of the day was the irreplaceable value of authentic community partnership. Ntando Yola, a community engagement lead at the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, delivered a compelling message on this very subject. “It is about empowering communities and relationship building,” he stated. “Be prepared to learn from them, be socially responsible, recognize the community and seek their approval. Let communities inform – let them lead.”
The focus then shifted to the roles of researchers in this space. Limpho Thipane, a director of social responsiveness at the African Research Society, made a powerful case for why young scientists must embrace this ethos. She articulated that engagement is essential to “build trust, encourage ethical and impactful research and develop communication skills.” She reframed the entire concept, declaring, “Accountability isn’t an obligation, it’s an opportunity to make science matter.”
The theory was brought to life with concrete examples from Kelvin Vollenhoven, manager of communications, marketing, and community engagement at the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI), who unveiled transformative efforts to bring STEM opportunities to underrepresented learners. His work fosters mutual learning between scientists and high school learners in preparation for the Stellenbosch Eskom Expo. His key advice for successful engagement was to, “Create a safe space and empower youth ownership by supporting academic freedom and growth.”
The masterclass culminated in a roundtable discussion led by Dr. Anastasia Koch, which fostered open dialogue on integrating social accountability into research frameworks. Attendees grappled with real-world challenges, including the impact of funding cuts on community engagement. The session served as a vital platform for building networks and sharing knowledge and resources. The event concluded on a forward-looking note, with each attendee sharing a key takeaway; a collective commitment to ensuring that their research not only advances knowledge but also serves as a powerful force for social good.
