The Pilot Phase
The pilot phase (2017 – 2019) was managed by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) with support from the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) of South Africa through the National Research Foundation (NRF), the International Science Council (ISC) and its Committee on Data for Science and Technology (CODATA). The pilot phase aimed to provide necessary background analysis and knowledge and to build the pan- African relationships and awareness essential for the Platform launch
Some of the key outcomes from the pilot phase included:
- An African landscape map of relevant policies, projects, institutions and individuals;
- Creation of a community of practice and expertise;
- Frameworks for policy, incentives, research data management in institutions, training and skills, technical requirements and FAIR issues.
- Stakeholder mobilisation
As of 2020, the AOSP is hosted by the NRF for a 5-year period. It is supported by start-up funding from the South African DSI, the ISC, the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) and other key stakeholders.