Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship (FAR-LeaF II)

Call for Applications

The Future Africa platform at the University of Pretoria is excited to announce applications for the Early Career Research Leadership Fellowships (FAR-LeaF II).

Fellowship Overview

The FAR-LeaF II programme, supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, is a two-year research-oriented fellowship aimed at nurturing the next generation of African scientists and academics. The programme emphasizes transformative research methodologies, including trans disciplinarity, systems thinking, and futures literacy, to address Africa’s pressing sustainability challenges.

Successful candidates will join a network of researchers committed to innovative science leadership, creating solutions that enhance sustainability, resilience, and social cohesion across the continent.

Key Focus Areas

Fellows will explore topics in the politics of sustainability, including:

• Governance, public participation, and policy innovation.
• Science-policy-practice interfaces.
• Tensions between stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and local communities.

Benefits of the Fellowship

• Two-year funding: USD 13,500 annually for research, travel, and fellowship-related expenses.
• Leadership training: Access to transdisciplinary research approaches and tools.
• Collaborative opportunities: Partnerships with diverse stakeholders across academia, industry, and civil society.
• Technology integration: Training in cutting-edge digital research methodologies.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• PhD awarded in the last 10 years.
• Employed at a research-active African higher education or research institution.
• Proven research excellence and interest in societal impact.
• Commitment to leadership development and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Age under 45 for men, or 50 for women.

Requirements include:

• A research proposal (template provided in the application).
• Two academic reference letters, including one from the current supervisor.
• Commitment from a home institution supervisor for joint proposal development.

Key Dates

• November 6, 2024: Call for applications released.
• November 11– 13 December, 2024: Application portal open.
• January 27, 2025: Candidate selection.
• February 24, 2025: Announcement of successful fellows.
• May 2025: First annual in-person workshop.

Learn More

For detailed programme values, structure, and benefits, visit:

• Future Africa: https://www.futureafrica.science/
• FAR-LeaF Research Examples: https://www.scienceblog.africa/blog

Queries? Contact Professor Stephanie Burton at farleaf@futureafrica.science.

Download the Full Call for Applications: Click Here

About Future Africa

Future Africa at the University of Pretoria fosters transformative research excellence and science leadership to address Africa’s complex challenges. By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and sustainability, Future Africa envisions thriving futures for the continent.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online between November 11–13 December, 2024 via http://callforapplications.co.za.

Start Your Application Today!