Equity in science

Invited by the Science Philanthropy Alliance, RoRI’s Similo Ngwenya participated in a high-level convention co-hosted by the Klaus Tschira Foundation and the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation in Heidelberg, Germany, from 18–19 June 2026. Under the theme “Securing the Future of Science,” the gathering brought together global funding leaders to reflect on current institutional pressures, share successful national responses, and explore how diverse approaches can be adapted across borders to strengthen the research ecosystem.

Similo, whose current work at RoRI explores the changing landscape, impacts, and interdependencies of social science, humanities, and arts (SHAPE) research in Southern Africa, contributed to a discussion on equity in science.

Drawing on her recent Substack essay, ‘Equity in Science: A Beautiful Lie?’, Similo explained that inequities are deeply ingrained within the structures governing global research. During the discussion, she framed this through a systems approach, likening structural inequality to the impostor phenomenon, an experience that sits directly at the high-pressure intersection of individuals, institutional systems, and their environments.

A core focus of Similo’s intervention was the need to decouple “merit” from “relevance” in research assessment. To truly broaden the definition of academic excellence, she emphasised that institutions must invite a wider matrix of stakeholders to the table, including researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and the specific communities directly impacted by the research.

The conversation also explored the role of philanthropy in strengthening research systems. Similo noted that philanthropy has a distinct opportunity to champion more equitable systems by:

• Funding civic and public engagement to bridge the gap between science and society.
• Creating dedicated spaces for non-traditional researchers and alternative knowledge holders.
• Broadening participation in crucial research decision-making processes.

She also noted that philanthropic organisations can influence whose knowledge is recognised, whose voices are heard, and ultimately who benefits from research by considering who is involved when funding calls are designed and definitions of excellence are established.

These reflections closely aligned with broader metascience debates about how research systems can become more equitable, inclusive and responsive to societal needs.