The Master in Science Diplomacy & Innovation for Sustainable Development is a high-impact academic initiative designed to empower the next generation of African researchers, lecturers, and science policy leaders. This Specializing Master is organised and coordinated by the IHEA (Italian Higher Education with Africa) Foundation, consisting of the University of Bologna, the University of Florence, the Politecnico di Milano, the University of Naples Federico II, the University of Padua and Sapienza University of Rome.
Anchored in the global push for sustainable development, this programme enhances the value of science, research, and higher education as instruments of leadership and international cooperation. It supports early-career African academics in deepening their expertise, advancing quality research and teaching, and fostering institutional partnerships across continents. Moreover, as scientific capacity-building is a core component of the AU-EU Innovation Agenda, the initiative acts as a catalyst for realizing the AU Agenda 2063 and the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The programme focuses on three core objectives:
- Deepening understanding of sustainable development challenges specific to the African context
- Equipping participants with advanced research and teaching tools to create local impact
- Strengthening partnerships between African and Italian universities through long-term academic cooperation
Participants will benefit from a cutting-edge curriculum, international academic exposure, and training aligned with the urgent needs of Africa’s science and innovation landscape.
Programme Benefits
- Fully funded scholarship: Covers tuition and programme-related costs for 25 selected African participants
- Hands-on academic training: Focused on research excellence and practical knowledge transfer
- Global learning community: Engage with peers and experts from Italy, Africa, and beyond
- Institutional support: Strong ties between home and host universities through joint initiatives
- Recognition and growth: Become part of a growing movement of science diplomats shaping African and global policy
Eligibility
This programme is open to early-career academic professionals and select public sector officials from across North and Sub-Saharan Africa, with preference given to candidates from countries under Italy’s Mattei Plan: Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Republic of Congo, Senegal, Tanzania, Tunisia.
Eligible profiles include:
- Junior lecturers, early-stage researchers, or young professors in African universities or research centers
- Young officials from national ministries or local energy authorities
Application Requirements
Candidates must submit the following:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant fields (with translated transcripts)
- Valid passport
- Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages, in English)
- Motivational letter (max 1 page, in English)
- Support letter from home institution or government agency (max 1 page, on official letterhead)
Other requirements to take note of are:
- English proficiency: Good command of written and spoken English is required. A language certificate is optional but recommended
- Financial readiness: Ability to possess a credit or prepaid card (e.g., Wise, Revolut) for international banking compliance under Italian law
Scholarship Details
A total of 25 fully funded spots are available for African candidates. Additionally, up to 10 non-African candidates (postdocs or junior faculty) may apply on a self-funded basis.
Deadline to Apply: July 20th, 2025
If you are a young African researcher, lecturer, or science professional with a passion for sustainable development and cross-continental collaboration, this is your moment. Seize the opportunity to shape the future of African innovation and diplomacy.