Africa's Research Output Dominated By Three Nations, According to Thomson
Reuters Study

    


    
</pre>
<p><span class="xn-location">PHILADELPHIA</span> and <span class="xn-location">LONDON</span>, <span class="xn-chron">April 12</span> /CNW/ -- A study from Thomson Reuters released today shows <span class="xn-location">South Africa</span> is the outstanding research leader on the African continent. It has by far the greatest research output of any country, well ahead of <span class="xn-location">Egypt</span> in second place and <span class="xn-location">Nigeria</span> in third.</p>
<p/>
<p>The study, Global Research Report: <span class="xn-location">Africa</span>, found a relatively high representation of African research -- as a share of world publications -- in fields that are relevant to natural resources. South Africa's 1.55 percent share of research in Plant & Animal Science is the continent's biggest share in any field. This output surpasses Russia's 1.17 percent but is well behind China's 5.42 percent share in the same field.</p>
<p/>
<p>"Africa's overall volume of activity remains small, much smaller than is desirable if the potential contribution of its researchers is to be realized for the benefit of its populations," said <span class="xn-person">Jonathan Adams</span>, director, research evaluation at Thomson Reuters. "The resources available in some African countries are substantial, but they are not being invested in the research base."</p>
<pre>
    

    Other key findings include:
    --  Despite Nigeria's high-volume output, it is not producing as much
        research as would be expected given the size of its economy.
    --  There is a marked interaction between researchers in the countries in
        North Africa which share both language and culture.
    --  Nigeria's global reach is marked by its research collaboration with
        China. It also is well-positioned to extend its links westward and
        partner with the emerging Brazilian research base.
    --  The African continent's historical ties to France, Germany, Italy,
        Spain and the United Kingdom, ensure a high level of external input
and
        links to European research programs. At the same time, new links to
        Saudi Arabia and Japan provide the opportunity for participation in
        emerging networks in those countries.

    
</pre>
<p>The study is part of the Global Research Report series from Thomson Reuters that illustrates the changing landscape and dynamics of scientific research around the world. These studies draw on data found in Web of Science, available on the Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge(SM) platform -- the world's largest citation environment of the highest quality scholarly literature.</p>
<p/>
<p>For more information, please visit <a href="http://researchanalytics.thomsonreuters.com/grr/">http://researchanalytics.thomsonreuters.com/grr/</a>.</p>
<p/>
<p>Thomson Reuters will exhibit at the INORMS Conference in <span class="xn-location">Cape Town</span>, <span class="xn-location">South Africa</span>, <span class="xn-chron">April 11</span> - 15, 2010.</p>
<pre>
    

    Thomson Reuters
    
</pre>
<p>Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals.  We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, healthcare and science and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization.  With headquarters in New York and major operations in <span class="xn-location">London</span> and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs more than 50,000 people and operates in over 100 countries. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the <span class="xn-location">Toronto</span> Stock Exchange (TSX: TRI) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TRI). For more information, go to <a href="http://www.thomsonreuters.com">www.thomsonreuters.com</a>.</p>
<pre>
    





    

For further information: Susan Besaw, Healthcare & Science, [phone], [email protected] Web Site: http://www.thomsonreuters.com