Olupona Foundation
Project Title
For support for African academic diaspora engagement and mentorship training
Date
Sep. 11, 2025
Duration
24 months
Description
The Ife Institute of Advanced Studies (IIAS), an African academic diaspora-led initiative fiscally sponsored by the Michael and Henrietta Olupona Foundation, supports early-career scholars in Africa through training, mentorship, and international research collaboration. Founded in 2017 and hosted at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, the IIAS works to enhance the transdisciplinary and research skills ofAfrican early-career academics. Its core programs include a two-week summer institute, a virtual STEM institute, fellowships, and a network of eight research hubs in five countries across Africa. Corporation funding will support increased participation in the summer institute and workshops, expand access to its training and mentorship programs, provide research fellowships, develop courses, and host webinars.