African universities need a stronger emphasis on research in the humanities and social sciences, in order to deal with the continent’s most pressing problems, according to a report to be released today by the British Academy and the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

While experts on African higher education have lobbied extensively in recent years for the advancement of research in science and technology at the continent’s universities, the humanities and social sciences have been overlooked, the report says.

The report, entitled “Frameworks for Africa-UK Research Collaboration in the Social Sciences and Humanities,” is the culmination of two years of discussions between British and African academics, and lays out a series of recommendations for improving the management of research offices, developing staff members, and encouraging collaboration and networks between researchers in order to foster a better climate for research.

“The humanities and social sciences are critical and much needed fields of scholarship,” the report says. “The perspectives and knowledge which they offer on history, culture, social interaction, political systems, economics, and much more are vital to development and well being.” —Megan Lindow