Grants for African scientists

This programme is for scientists who want to develop collaborative research consortia between scientists in sub-Saharan Africa and a research institution in the UK.

The objectives are to:

1. facilitate sustainable multidisciplinary partnerships between research groups in sub-Saharan Africa and the UK.
2. strengthen research and training capacity in sub-Saharan African Institutions of Higher Education through the skill transfer between partner organisations of the research consortia.
3. produce a cadre of young, talented researchers through integrated PhD scholarships and shared supervision of post-graduate students between the UK-based and African consortia members.
4. evaluate the contributions of the Africa Initiative to supporting universities and institutions in Africa to develop sustainable research and research training capacity.

The scheme provides funding towards research expenses, travel and subsistence costs, (PhD) training, and limited funds for equipment.

The scheme is funded by the UK’s Department for International Development.

Basic eligibility requirements

Applicants must be based in one of the eligible sub-Saharan African countries (PDF) or the UK. In order to act as a principal investigator (PI), applicants must:

• have a PhD or have extensive research experience at an equivalent level
• have a proven track record of training students at Master’s and Doctoral level
• have a proven track record of publishing in both national and international journals
• be based in the respective countries at the time of the application

Applications will be accepted in three research priority areas:

• Water & sanitation
• Renewable energy
• Soil-related research

Value and tenure

The programme consists of two awards and will be delivered in two stages, as follows.

Stage 1: Scientific Network Awards

Scientific Network Awards are small start-up grants, of up to £25,000 to assist the formation of research consortia and the preparation of applications for the subsequent Programme Grants. The Society will organise a workshop for successful applicants to facilitate development of applications for the second phase of the programme. The Scientific Network awards programme will open for applications on 1 November 2012.

Stage 2: Programme Grants

Programme Grants will provide support for Research Consortia, consisting of three African groups and one UK-based laboratory.

Applicants do not need to have held a Scientific Networking award to apply for a Programme Grant.

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