Africa Science Leadership Programme (Fully-funded) In Pretoria, South Africa

Call for applications:
Africa Science Leadership Programme


Course(s) Offered: Leadership (all fields)
Course Level: Training
Provider: Robert Bosch Stiftung
Country to Study in: South Africa

Scholarship Description
The University of Pretoria, in conjunction with Global Young Academy, offer the Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) to train fellows in advanced leadership skills and empower them to lead a new paradigm for African science.

The ASLP serves early- to mid-career researchers in basic and applied science, engineering, social sciences, arts and the humanities. The programme aims to grow mid-career African academics in the areas of thought leadership, team development, engagement and collaboration, with the intention of enabling them to solve the complex issues that face both Africa and the global community.

The Africa Science Leadership Programme invites applications from early- to mid-career researchers in all disciplines including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, arts and the humanities.

Eligibility
To be selected, applicants need to display a compelling vision of their future involvement in the development of research projects, programmes, human capacity, specific policies or societal structures.

The selection process will consider individual qualities but also focus on ensuring a diversity of culture, subject background (Natural and Social Sciences, Humanities) and gender among the fellows.

Where possible the programme will also attempt to create small ‘cores’ of leadership; multiple strong applicants from the same centre or country will thus be considered.

Selection Criteria:
The following criteria are used as a guide for the nomination and selection of fellows:
  • A PhD degree or equivalent qualification;
  • A faculty or a continuing research position at a research institution;
  • Active in research and teaching at an African institution of higher education or research;
  • A sustained record of outstanding scientific outputs;
  • Interest in translating and communicating the results of their work for impact in society;
  • Demonstrated leadership ability in research and beyond.
  • Interest in the role of research in addressing complex issues affecting society;
  • Interest in collaborations across disciplines and sectors (e.g. industry, government, etc.);
  • Commitment to participate in all the activities of the fellowship; and
  • Intent to share what is learned in the programme with their broader networks.
Eligible groups
Citizens of African Countries

Participating Institutions
University of Pretoria, Pretoria; South Africa; AND
Global Young Academy

Fields of study
The training will cover:
  • Core elements of collective leadership
  • Creative and systems thinking
  • Development of effective networks
  • Stakeholder engagement for change
  • Maximising the efficiency and impact of collaborative efforts
  • Advanced dialogue and communication skills
  • Effective problem solving and decision making
Following the first training week, fellows will apply their skills to a focus area or project relevant to their context.

The programme will use a highly interactive approach to training, application of skills to a leadership project, peer support, and mentorship.

Number of awards
Not specified

Sponsorship duration
Fellows will attend an initial 5 day, intensive on-site programme in Pretoria, South Africa from 22-27 March 2017 (departing on the 28th). The process will involve an approach that cycles between theory, application and reflection. Participants will be challenged to work collaboratively to design initiatives that advance a new paradigm for African science.

In March 2018, fellows will complete their projects and present them at the second in-person training, which will consist of 3 days.

Scholarship benefits
As described above, projects will aim to contribute to a new paradigm for Africa science. During the year, participants will continue to engage with the group and have access to professional support. The costs incurred during the workshop (training, relevant travel, meals and accommodation) will be covered by the programme.

There will be some costs, which are not covered by the programme, such as visas, vaccinations or local transport expenses, for which you may need to seek support from your local institution or fund personally. You will also be required to provide us with your personal travel insurance details as a condition of participation.

The leadership programme:
  • Identifies early- to mid-career academics who have demonstrated leadership potential and an interest in developing key leadership skills
  • Supports them to apply the acquired skills to projects that are relevant to the academic development on the continent and its impact on society
  • Creates a network of academic leaders on the continent, spanning not only across countries, but also across disciplinary boundaries
  • Advances a curriculum for academic leadership development, which can be utilised in institutions in Africa and beyond
Method of Application
All applicants have to provide two support letters by academic referees (details are provided in the application form). One of the two referees has to commit to be involved in future communications and mentorship in case of selection of the applicant into the programme. This referee will be informed about the progress of the fellow and should be willing to support the fellow if he or she requires it.

You may download the 2017 ASLP Application Form.

All applications will be reviewed and shortlisted by representatives of the University of Pretoria, the Global Young Academy, national young academies, and ASLP Management. The ASLP Management team will make the final selection of candidates.

DEADLINES:
The deadline for applications is 12pm UTC on 16 December 2016

PLEASE NOTE:
The Africa Science Leadership Programme is an initiative of the University of Pretoria in partnership with the Global Young Academy, funded by the Robert Bosch Stiftung.

Application Deadline: 16 December 2016
Open to International Applicants: No (ONLY Africans)

More Scholarship Information and Application

Related: Scholarships in South Africa for International Students

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