New African Scientific Progress Award Launched
The AXA Research Fund (AXA RF), the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Future Earth Africa Hub are proud to collaboratively announce the launch of the African Scientific Progress Award (ASPA).
The 440K€ endowed initiative will support and empower 5 early career researchers on the African continent.
ASPA seeks to strengthen sustainability research and innovation in Africa by fostering young scientific excellence and empowering networks of early career researchers. The award particularly aims to support sustainability research activities related to the intersection of climate change and health. The initiative will provide actionable insights for practitioners to effectively address the challenges through strategies on mitigation, adaptation, governance, all within a local context and preferably looking at intersecting risks.
We are thrilled to launch this one-of-a-kind initiative, that aims to catalyze the potential of the best emerging scientists in Africa to address pressing sustainability challenges. We are proud to expand our experience as a global science philanthropist with this focus on African research, thanks to our prestigious partners The National Research Foundation and Future Earth
Julia d'Astorg Head of the AXA Research Fund
The ASPA targets groups of five early career researchers from across the African continent, aiming for an equitable geographical spread in North/South/East/West and Central African regions. Candidates are required to have a PhD plus 3-5 years, with a minimum of three years of active research, and must be of African nationality. Careers breaks up to 3 years are considered. Applicants demonstrate that they have started to build a track record in their selected field and show potential as a future research leader.
The NRF is delighted to partner up with AXA for yet another initiative aiming to support our early career researchers by, among a range of things, providing opportunities for fellowship, training, mentoring as well as networking and collaboration. The initiative will avail resources to early career researchers from our continent for their research. This will be instrumental to increasing scientific output across the continent, and also grow the pool of academics for our institutions. It is significant to the NRF that this partnership will be implemented through the Future Earth Africa Hub, which is another significant international partnership in which we’re involved.
Dr. Fulufhelo Nelwamondo NRF, Chief Executive Officer
Perspective researchers should also exhibit an interest in developing a strong international standing and in fostering cross-continental scientific connections. The award will include a component of capacity development allowing fellows to enhance their leadership and communications skills. Grantees will have to commit to sharing their research openly and communicating it to a broad audience.
We are excited to be part of this groundbreaking initiative that will not only advance sustainability research in Africa but also empower a new generation of researchers to tackle the continent’s most pressing challenges. By fostering collaboration and providing essential resources, ASPA will help build a resilient and innovative scientific community across Africa, capable of driving transformative chang
Professor Heila Lotz-Sisitka The Future Earth Africa Hub Leadership Centre
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The deadline of the call has been set for November 22nd, 2024 23:59 SAST. The final projects will be selected by an independent Expert Panel.
Applications must be submitted electronically to the NRF via the NRF Connect system.