African Academy Of Sciences
Project Title
As a one-time grant to strengthen staff capacity in the social sciences and humanities
Date
Mar. 05, 2020
Duration
38 months
Description
African research leadership in the social sciences and humanities (SSH) is critical for informing the global knowledge base and for providing African policymakers with contextually relevant data and advice. While African research in some fields, such as health and agricultural sciences, is on the increase, SSH research continues to lag. The African Academy of Sciences (AAS), which aims to mobilize researchers to contribute to solving Africa’sdevelopmental challenges, has been successful in supporting development of research leaders in some scientific disciplines but recognizes that it lacks capacity to provide the same services for SSH researchers. This grant enables AAS to start the process of developing programs that will strengthen research leadership in these critical disciplines.
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Project Title
For a postdoctoral program in support of rising research leaders in science and engineering
Date
Mar. 02, 2017
Duration
108 months
Description
The period immediately following completion of the doctoral degree is a critical time for an African academic. Little postdoctoral research support is available, while the pressures of teaching and university administration often distract the scholar from conducting and publishing additional research. The result, for some, is professional stagnation, while others depart for more conducive research environments. Since its inception in 2008, eighty-three doctoral students have received support through the networks comprising the Regional Initiative in Science and Education (RISE). RISE doctoral graduates will form the pool of eligible applicants for postdoctoral support, which will be offered by the African Academy of Sciences’ Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa (AESA). Through a competitive process, AESA will select up to ten RISE postdoctoral fellows, who will receive research funding and a small stipend to replace foregone income from consultancies and administrative posts. Fellows will be assigned a senior African mentor and will be able to spend up to three months conducting research at a partner institution, such as Cambridge and Oxford Universities.