How to use the Datasphere Observatory: A guide for researchers, policymakers, NGOs, and funders

"The dominant way of understanding the different types of local news and who can produce it is outdated and prevents the field from making the most effective investments to ensure communities’ information needs are being met." 

The SCiP Alliance Annual Conference 2025 will bring together practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and funders to explore a whole person, whole journey approach to supporting Service children. https://lnkd.in/ewsMFkHr #armedforcescommunity

 Shocking but true: a significant amount of data collected for development programs goes unused or wasted. This isn’t just a statistic, it’s lost opportunities, misguided decisions, and resources that could have driven real impact. At Fieldwork Africa, we help organizations turn data into actionable insights, ensuring that every survey, evaluation, or study contributes to meaningful change. Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eSGHRtHi #DataDriven #MonitoringAndEvaluation #SocialResearch #ImpactMeasurement #DataQuality #DevelopmentEffectiveness

Community voices shaped the foundation of this year’s Community Progress Report. 📊 By reviewing and refining more than 450 indicators, the Data Advisory Group ensured that the measures featured are not only accurate but also reflect the priorities and needs of our region today. This collaborative process highlights the power of input in making data meaningful and actionable for our community. Learn more in our full Q&A here: [LINK] https://lnkd.in/gxDNuae6

In a recent publication, we propose a roadmap for promoting a data-sharing culture in African health research. It integrates dynamic consent, benefit- sharing, data custodianship, controlled access infrastructures, and data sovereignty. Full text: https://lnkd.in/dpfxN6B7. #DataScienceEthics.#DataGovernance Nature Portfolio. Emile R. Chimusa. DS-I Africa, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Fogarty International Center at NIH, Catherine Kyobutungi, Kofi Amegah

“In this time of threat, the worst thing that can happen is to become isolated and atomized.” Narrative power doesn’t live in silos. As public health faces mounting attacks on equity, the most strategic response is to build relationships — across sectors, organizations, media, and movements. In our new blog, social scientist Sarah Gollust shares how coalition-building lays the groundwork for long-term narrative — and policy — change. Read the blog: https://lnkd.in/gy2jajaZ  #PublicHealth #NarrativePower #HealthEquity #CommunityOrganizing #PolicyChange

Strong research deserves strong impact. Through Project PARTICIPATE, we’ve identified 5 key insights on research dissemination that every researcher can use — from building NGO partnerships to translating findings into policy. Explore the strategies here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/ddezqudv #ResearchDissemination #ParticipateProject #Impact #ScienceCommunication

How does the next generation of evaluators envision the future of evaluation? The first Future of Evaluation dialogue kicked off by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director Diene Keita on 12 August provided a clear answer: evaluation's new frontier lies at the intersection of youth, innovation, and influence. If you missed the live discussion and are looking for a quick summary, read the new #Eval4Action article. It distills the rich and dynamic conversation into 7⃣ powerful takeaways on evaluation’s future! See the takeaways ➡️https://lnkd.in/dVcma8QA Watch the full recording ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dRdpCQu8 Register for the next dialogue - on 23 September! https://lnkd.in/dGNmrR4Q Ana Erika Lareza, Wawira Nyaga, Cheng Wang, Brenda Bucheli, Rachael Okoronkwo

Avoid the Metric Trap in Research Design In research, it’s easy to fall into the “metric trap” focusing on what’s measurable rather than what truly matters. Effective research prioritizes meaningful insights over sheer numbers. Asking the right questions is more important than collecting more data points. A thoughtful research design considers context, stakeholder perspectives, and the real-world impact of findings. By avoiding the metric trap, organizations can generate actionable insights that drive smarter decisions, improve programs, and create lasting change. FIELDWORK AFRICA, we partner with NGOs, governments, and development organizations to design research that delivers both credible data and practical, high-impact recommendations. Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eSGHRtHi #ResearchDesign #MonitoringAndEvaluation #DataForImpact #SocialResearch #EvidenceBased #DevelopmentResearch #ImpactEvaluation