As a development researcher interested in the IAPRCP program, I would like to ask if it was considered to include representation of the poor in the form of CSOs at the workshops. I notice from reports that the attendees are primarily academics. Could discussion be opened to this sector given that there are a number of highly skilled NGOs and grassroots organisations that work on policy and research (in Health, Edu etc) and may have constructive input to the discussion. Linkages in this field might be highly fruitful. As such perhaps participation in the 2010 workshop could be broadened.

Also as donors as often a major contributing factor to braindrain from universities could they be included as participants in the 2010 workshop? An initiative from donors in compensating or addressing the resource issue would contribute to research capacity building.

On the foresight report, I have questions on the methodology. Could the causal link underlying the events in various scenarios be explained? In other words, what is the logical framework that enables a particular set of potential futures to form a scenario?  Perhaps there is a more up-to-date document than the one online?

Will recommendations be made only from the foresight method. I am unclear that while research areas might be defined in this way, I am not clear on how current needs in the university sector (Szanton & Manyika, 2002) will be addressed in order to enable these research areas to be pursued. Will that emerge from the following workshop?

Szanton D.L., Manyika S. (2002) "PhD Programs in African Universities: Current Status and Future Prospects" http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/RADW/AfricaPhDReport.pdf 

I am sure these questions and many more are answered. If so, I hope my questions can serve to clarify these issues for other interested readers.

Best

Vanessa Liston