Call for African Scientists to Submit Research Proposals on Sustainable Urban Development for 2018

Are you an African scientist with a research experience and an interest in development in Africa?

As part of the "Leading Integrated Research for Agenda 2030 in Africa", the International Council for Science (ICSU) in partnership with the International Social Science Council (ISSC) is inviting early career African scientists to participate with their projects that explore the theme ‘Pathways towards Sustainable African Urban Development’. These projects are expected to examine the inherent complexity of cities, and explore interconnections, trade-offs and synergies between different dimensions of urban systems. The LIRA 2030 Africa program has a two-phase application process: the first is for pre-proposals that aims to identify researchers in Africa with a project idea on the program’s theme, in which 35 selected applicants will be invited to attend a 5-day training event (location to be determined) on integrated research. The training aims to strengthen scientific capacity to undertake this form of research and help the participants gain science and communication skills. The pre-proposals are to be submitted by May 14, 2018. In the second phase, up to 11 grants will be offered for integrated research projects and each participant will be given about two and half months to develop full proposals and submit them by November 23, 2018.

Eligibility criteria is:

[1] Applicants must be early career scientists who are nationals of an African country, and who are based at organizations in Africa (Scientists from West and North Africa are strongly encouraged to apply).

[2] Applicants must have no more than 10 years of work experience following their PhD or equivalent research experience. If a PhD is not available, evidence proving research experience should be provided.

[3] Each research team must include a minimum of 1 social and 1 natural scientists.

[4] All projects must include a university partner.

[5] All projects must involve two African countries. At least 1 member of the research team should be based in a low income country or the inclusion of collaborators from the poorest parts of middle income nations should be demonstrated.

[6] The institution under which the project will take place should be based in an African country. This institution should provide a letter of support for the project, in addition to another letter of support by a senior scientist from the institution who will supervise the participant.  

Up to 11 research projects across Africa will each be funded with €90,000 over two years. The training program during the first phase will also cover associated travel and subsistence costs.