Turning Research into Real-World Solutions
AFFiT is committed to ensuring that research does not end on paper or remain in academic journals. Our Industry, commercialization, and Research Ethics Programs are designed to move research from ideas to action, supporting educators and researchers to turn knowledge into practical solutions that benefit schools, industries, communities, and society.
These programs help researchers protect their work, apply it in real-world settings, and operate within strong ethical and legal standards.
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Research Intellectual Property & Patenting Program
Protecting Ideas and Creating Value
AFFiT supports researchers to protect innovative ideas and research outcomes through structured intellectual property (IP) and patenting processes. This program ensures that valuable research is not lost, misused, or exploited without recognition.
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Through this program, researchers receive:
- Guidance on identifying research with commercial or practical value
- Support in patenting and protecting intellectual property
- Clear agreements that recognize researchers’ ownership and contributions
- Pathways to commercialize research for societal and economic benefit
This program helps researchers move from discovery to impact while ensuring they receive credit, protection, and long-term value from their work.
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Researcher Industry Internship & Residency Program
Applying Research Where It Matters Most
AFFiT places researchers in relevant industries, organizations, and institutions where their research can be tested, refined, and implemented. This program bridges the gap between research and practice by allowing researchers to work directly with practitioners and industry experts.
Participants benefit from:
- Hands-on experience applying research in real-world settings
- Collaboration with industry professionals and implementation teams
- Practical understanding of market and industry needs
- Opportunities to scale solutions beyond the classroom or institution
- Potential long-term benefits such as royalties or sustained partnerships
This program ensures research leads to practical solutions, innovation, and measurable impact.
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Research Ethics, Integrity & Legal Framework (REILF)
Upholding Trust, Integrity, and Responsibility
AFFiT places strong emphasis on ethical conduct, transparency, and legal protection in all research activities. The Research Ethics, Integrity & Legal Framework (REILF) provides guidance, oversight, and training to ensure research meets high ethical and legal standards.
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REILF supports researchers by:
- Promoting responsible research conduct and integrity
- Protecting researchers’ rights and intellectual property
- Providing guidance on ethical approval and compliance
- Offering legal awareness and protection for research activities
- Preventing misconduct, exploitation, and data misuse
Through REILF, AFFiT builds trust in research outcomes and protects both researchers and the communities they serve.
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Why These Programs Matter
Together, these programs ensure that:
- Research leads to real solutions and measurable change
- Researchers are protected, recognized, and empowered
- Industries and institutions benefit from evidence-based innovation
- Ethical standards guide all research and implementation activities
They form a complete pathway from idea → protection → application → impact.
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Who Can Participate?
These programs are open to:
- AFFiT Research Fellows and affiliated researchers
- Lecturers and academics in tertiary institutions
- Education innovators and applied researchers
- Industry and institutional partners collaborating with AFFiT
Our Commitment
AFFiT is committed to building a research ecosystem where innovation is encouraged, protected, and responsibly applied. By connecting research with industry and strong ethical systems, we help ensure that knowledge drives sustainable development across Africa.
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Take the Next Step
If you are a researcher with ideas that can make a difference, AFFiT provides the structure, support, and protection to help you succeed.
Protect your research. Apply your knowledge. Create lasting impact.
