The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), with generous backing from the Mastercard Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, is proud to announce the 2025 Early-Career Research Fellowships—a prestigious initiative crafted to empower a new generation of African researchers. This program aims to support up to 42 early-career academics from across the continent to undertake high-quality, internationally competitive research at one of ARUA’s thirteen Centres of Excellence (CoEs).
This fellowship opportunity is more than just a research grant; it’s a bold step toward transforming African higher education and solving some of the continent’s most pressing challenges. The ARUA CoEs are at the forefront of tackling issues ranging from food security and climate change to artificial intelligence and urbanization. By placing talented researchers in environments rich with mentorship, resources, and international collaboration, the fellowship equips them to drive impact both within their local institutions and on the global stage.
Notably, this initiative also reflects a strong commitment to inclusivity and gender equity, reserving at least 70% of the fellowships for women researchers. In doing so, ARUA affirms its mission to ensure that Africa’s academic future is diverse, inclusive, and empowered to meet the demands of the 21st century.
Name of Organizer
Requirement/Eligibility
To qualify for the 2025 ARUA Early-Career Research Fellowship, applicants must meet a set of specific criteria:
1. Early-Career Status: Applicants should be early-career researchers, typically individuals who have completed a doctoral degree (PhD) within the last five years and who are actively engaged in academic or policy-relevant research.
2. Age Limit: Applicants must be 35 years of age or younger at the time of application.
3. Institutional Affiliation: Applicants must be currently employed at a recognized African university, excluding institutions in the country of the host Centre of Excellence. This cross-border approach aims to promote continental mobility and collaboration.
4. Gender Equity Commitment: To foster greater gender balance in African research institutions, 70% of the fellowships will be awarded to female applicants. Women researchers are strongly encouraged to apply.
5. Research Alignment: Applicants must propose a project that aligns with the themes of one of ARUA’s 13 Centres of Excellence. These themes include:
– Climate and Development
– Energy
– Food Security
– Water Resources Management
– Migration and Mobility
– Good Governance
– Post-Conflict Societies
– Urbanization and Habitable Cities
– Notions of Identity in Africa
– Artificial Intelligence
– Inequalities Research
– Materials, Energy and Nanotechnology
– Non-Communicable Diseases
6. Documentation: A complete application must include:
– A cover letter explaining the applicant’s motivation and research interest.
– A Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting academic achievements and publications.
– A 1,000-word research proposal outlining the intended project and its relevance to the selected CoE.
– Two academic referees’ contact information.
– A letter of support from the applicant’s home institution confirming institutional backing.
7. Language of Submission: All application materials must be written in English.
Duration/Stipend
The fellowship spans a six-month research residency at one of ARUA’s Centres of Excellence, which are hosted by leading universities in countries such as South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria.
– Timeline: Fellowships are to be completed between July 2025 and June 2026, depending on arrangements with the hosting institution.
– Stipend and Support: The fellowship provides comprehensive financial support, including:
– A monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
– Travel allowance to and from the host institution.
– Accommodation support.
– Coverage of research-related costs, as needed.
This support package ensures that fellows can focus on their research without financial strain and have access to the resources needed to complete impactful work.
– Number of Awards: Up to 42 fellowships will be awarded. Each Centre of Excellence will host no more than four fellows, fostering focused mentorship and collaboration.
Deadline
Not Specified
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