This policy applies to all users of the Platform, including individual members, institutional accounts, mentors, moderators, partners, and administrators.

By registering for or using the Platform, you acknowledge and accept the practices described in this policy.

We process personal data in accordance with the following principles:

• •Lawfulness, fairness, and transparency
• •Purpose limitation (data used only for defined professional purposes)
• •Data minimisation (only data that is necessary is collected)
• •Accuracy and currency
• •Storage limitation
• •Integrity and confidentiality
• •Accountability and stewardship

These principles reflect both GDPR requirements and AU commitments to responsible, people-centred digital systems.

We may collect the following categories of data:

You may choose how much profile information is visible to others through privacy controls.

We process personal data under one or more of the following lawful bases:

• ✓Consent (e.g. account creation, communications)
• ✓Legitimate professional interest in operating a trusted, secure community
• ✓Performance of programme or platform functions
• ✓Compliance with legal and funder obligations

Users may withdraw consent at any time, without affecting the lawfulness of processing already undertaken.

We use data solely to:

• •Operate and improve the CoP platform
• •Enable professional interaction, collaboration, and mentorship
• •Deliver learning activities, events, and certification
• •Support professional recognition and identity
• •Personalise content, notifications, and recommendations
• •Monitor platform performance and engagement (aggregated and anonymised where possible)
• •Fulfil reporting and accountability obligations to funders and partners

We do not use personal data for commercial advertising.

We do not sell or monetise personal data.

Data may be shared only:

• •with trusted service providers supporting platform operation;
• •with learning or certification partners (where relevant);
• •where required by law or regulatory authority;
• •in anonymised or aggregated form for reporting and ecosystem learning.

Where data is processed or stored across borders, we apply safeguards consistent with GDPR and AU principles, including contractual and technical protections.

Personal data is retained only as long as necessary to:

• •provide platform services,
• •meet legal or funder reporting requirements,
• •protect platform integrity and auditability.

Users may request deletion of their data, subject to legal or operational constraints (e.g. audit logs, safeguarding records).

We implement proportionate technical and organisational measures, including:

• •encrypted storage and secure access controls;
• •role-based permissions;
• •audit trails for sensitive actions;
• •regular review of platform security and governance practices.

In line with GDPR and AU principles, you have the right to:

• •Access your personal data
• •Correct or update inaccurate data
• •Request deletion (“right to be forgotten”), where applicable
• •Restrict or object to certain processing
• •Request data portability
• •Withdraw consent
• •Lodge a complaint where required

Requests can be made using the contact details below.

For privacy or data-protection matters, please contact:

The Platform exists to:

• •professionalise research and innovation management;
• •enable peer learning, collaboration, and mentorship;
• •support strong, ethical, and accountable research systems in Africa.

Use of the Platform must align with these purposes and values.

• •Users must provide accurate and current information
• •Accounts are personal and may not be shared
• •Institutional affiliations are subject to verification
• •The Platform reserves the right to approve, restrict, or suspend accounts

Users agree to:

• •act lawfully, ethically, and professionally;
• •engage respectfully and constructively;
• •contribute in good faith to shared learning and collaboration;
• •respect confidentiality, intellectual property, and data rights.

Users must not:

• •post harmful, misleading, or discriminatory content;
• •misuse data or breach confidentiality;
• •engage in unauthorised commercial activity;
• •undermine platform security, trust, or governance.

• •Users retain ownership of their content
• •By posting, users grant the Platform a non-exclusive licence to host and display it
• •Content may be moderated to uphold standards, safeguard users, and meet funder and legal obligations

The Platform may:

• ✓moderate or remove content;
• ✓suspend or terminate access;
• ✓take necessary action to protect users, partners, and institutional integrity.

Serious or repeated violations may lead to permanent removal.

The Platform is provided on an “as-is” basis.

Participation does not guarantee outcomes, funding, or professional advancement.

These Terms are governed by applicable laws in the platform’s jurisdiction of operation (e.g. Kenya), alongside applicable international data and digital governance frameworks.

Members are expected to:

• •treat others with respect and fairness;
• •support learning across career stages;
• •acknowledge different institutional and national contexts;
• •engage constructively and responsibly.

Members should:

• ✓share practice-based experience and evidence;
• ✓credit sources and collaborators;
• ✓distinguish opinion from fact;
• ✓avoid misinformation or unverified claims.

The Platform does not tolerate:

• •harassment, discrimination, or exclusion;
• •abuse of power or status;
• •behaviour that undermines psychological or professional safety.

• •Moderators guide discussions and enforce standards
• •Decisions are documented and proportionate
• •Due process is applied, consistent with funder and governance expectations

All members share responsibility for:

• •maintaining trust and quality;
• •reporting concerns in good faith;
• •contributing to a professional research management community that strengthens Africa’s research and innovation systems.