The Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship (FAR-LeaF II) is a two-year fellowship program hosted by Future Africa at the University of Pretoria and funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The fellowship focuses on cultivating the next generation of African researchers and academics through leadership training and transdisciplinary approaches to science. Its goal is to create a network of emerging African scientists equipped to address sustainability challenges across the continent using innovative research methods, systems thinking, and futures literacy.
This program offers participants opportunities to develop research projects in collaboration with diverse stakeholders, tackle real-world sustainability issues, and contribute to social cohesion and resilience through interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary efforts. Fellows will engage in multiple learning and research activities, benefiting from mentorship and collaborative opportunities across African institutions.
Building on the foundation of the first FAR-LeaF program, which addressed sustainability and well-being, FAR-LeaF II places additional emphasis on the politics of sustainability. Participants will also receive extensive training on co-designing research with relevant partners and translating findings into impactful societal solutions.
Benefits of the Fellowship
The fellowship provides:
- Annual research funding of USD 13,500 for two years to cover research-related expenses, travel to local and regional communities, meetings, and fellowship visits to Future Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must:
- Hold a PhD degree obtained within the past 10 years.
- Be employed in a research or faculty position at a research-active institution in Africa.
- Be actively engaged in research at a higher education or research institution in Africa.
- Have a strong track record of academic or scientific excellence.
- Demonstrate interest in using their research to positively impact society.
- Be committed to developing their leadership skills in research and beyond.
Additional Criteria:
- A clear interest in addressing sustainability, resilience, and social cohesion through transdisciplinary research.
- Willingness to collaborate with diverse stakeholders across disciplines and sectors such as industry, civil society, and government.
- A commitment to fully participate in all fellowship activities and share knowledge gained with their networks.
- Applicants must be under 45 years old (men) or under 50 years old (women).
Selection Process
- Candidates will be selected based on the quality and relevance of their research proposals, as well as their commitment to advancing solutions for sustainability, resilience, and social cohesion.
- Fellows must be employed by or have institutional support from an African university or research institution.
- Supervisors and mentors will play an active role in the fellowship through co-designed research submissions and collaborations with mentors from the University of Pretoria.
- The program allows fellows to remain at their home institutions, ensuring minimal disruption to their current academic responsibilities.
Timeline and Key Dates
- November 6, 2024: Call for proposals released.
- November 11-30, 2024: Online application period.
- November 30, 2024: Application deadline.
- January 27, 2025: Candidate selection finalized.
- February 2025: Virtual orientation session for fellows, supervisors, and mentors.
- February 24, 2025: Announcement of successful fellows.
- March 2025: Contractual agreements finalized.
- April 2025: Visa applications for South Africa submitted.
- May 2025: In-person workshop on transdisciplinary science.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by November 30, 2024.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to University of Pretoria on callforapplications.co.za to apply
- Applications must be submitted using the online application form. The application form will be live from 11-30 November 2024: http://callforapplications.co.za/
- The application will include a research proposal as outlined in the template included in the online application form.
- All applicants must provide two support letters from academic referees. One letter should be from the applicant’s line manager or current supervisor and should include confirmation that the applicant will be released from responsibilities – where applicable – to allow them to fulfil the requirements of the fellowship.
- All applicants must have a supervisor in their home institution who is prepared to work with the applicant in developing the application jointly, between fellow and supervisor, with a research proposal, budget and publication plan.
- The supervisor will be a co-applicant with the fellow in the application and the proposal for the research project. The supervisor is requested to complete the relevant section on the Online Application Form
For more details,visit University of Pretoria webpage
