Help Center

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Guidance for developing topics, learning research skills, submitting work, reviewing manuscripts, using support services and managing institutional participation.

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers before you proceed.

Who can use ResearchBridge Africa?

Students, emerging and established researchers, lecturers, reviewers, editorial personnel and approved institutional administrators can use role-appropriate parts of the platform.

Can I begin with only a rough topic?

Yes. Topic Studio accepts a typed, pasted or uploaded topic, checks its structure and suggests clearer alternatives. You can then continue through the guided builder or request lecturer consultation.

Does an upload become publicly visible immediately?

No. Draft topics, manuscripts, reviewer reports and support files remain protected. A research output appears in the public repository only after the applicable editorial and publication process.

Is every repository item peer reviewed?

The publication record should identify its publication type and status. Repository inclusion does not make every item equivalent to a journal article; users should read the record and citation information carefully.

Can ResearchBridge Africa write my assessed work for me?

No. Legitimate support may teach, review, edit, format or guide analysis. It must not misrepresent another person’s work as the student’s own or replace required authorship.

How are reviewer identities protected?

Reviewer access is assignment-based. Confidential reports and identities are not exposed to authors, institutional administrators or the public unless the relevant review model expressly provides otherwise.

How do payments work?

A support request may receive a quotation. Where enabled, payment can be made through the integrated gateway or an approved manual route. A successful verified payment updates the balance and generates a receipt.

How does the Ambassador Programme work?

Eligible members receive a unique link after approval. A referral qualifies only after the invited person signs in, completes a profile and begins a meaningful research activity. Pilot rewards are non-cash research-support benefits.

How do I report an error, privacy concern or copyright problem?

Signed-in users can use Support Services. For a publication-related concern, include the permanent record link, describe the issue clearly and provide evidence where relevant.

Still need help?

Sign in and create a Support Services request, or email support@researchbridgeafrica.com. Include the page, record or workflow involved, what you expected, what happened and any non-sensitive evidence.

Open Support Services

Protect your account: never send a password, Mobile Money PIN, card number or one-time passcode through a support message.