African Research Universities Alliance: Early-Career Research Fellowships 2025 – 2026 (Monthly stipend: US$2,000)
The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), with generous support from the Mastercard Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, is excited to announce its Early-Career Research Fellowship program.
This initiative aims to fund up to forty-two (42) early-career researchers to engage in globally competitive research through collaborations at the thirteen (13) Centres of Excellence (CoEs) associated with ARUA.
Fellowship Duration: Each fellowship will last for six months, commencing between July 2025 and June 2026.
A maximum of four fellows will be designated to each CoE, with all positions expected to be filled by December 2025.
Importantly, at least 70% of the fellowships are reserved for female candidates, and applicants must be no older than 35 years at the time of application.
Key Objectives of the Fellowship
- Enhance the capacity of early-career researchers at African universities.
- Provide dedicated time away from teaching responsibilities, allowing collaboration with distinguished researchers at ARUA’s CoEs.
About ARUA
The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) is a pioneering network of leading universities from various African nations.
Their shared vision aims to elevate African researchers and institutions to be globally competitive, significantly contributing to the continent’s knowledge generation and socio-economic transformation.
Background of Research Centres
ARUA has established thirteen (13) CoEs across various disciplines, including:
- Energy
- Unemployment and Skills Development
- Non-Communicable Diseases
- Inequality Research
- Notion of Identity in Africa
- Migration and Mobility
- Sustainable Food Systems
- Urbanization and Habitable Cities
- Climate and Development
- Good Governance
- Post-Conflict Societies
- Water
- Materials, Energy & Nanotechnology (MEN)
Roles and Responsibilities of the Research Fellow
Fellows are expected to:
- Collaborate with other researchers to conduct relevant studies under the guidance of an assigned mentor.
- Publish at least one (1) academic paper in a high-impact journal and develop an accompanying policy brief or blog post.
- Conduct at least two (2) presentations and participate in workshops.
- Foster partnerships between the CoE and external entities.
- Disseminate research findings effectively.
Selection Criteria
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be African nationals with a PhD in a relevant discipline.
- Be within five years of completing their PhD.
- Have a strong competitive track record and a willingness to develop an international research reputation.
- Be available to commit to six months away from their home institution.
- Be working on research relevant to the CoE’s focus.
- Eligible women are particularly encouraged to apply.
Contract and Remuneration
Successful candidates will receive:
- A monthly stipend of US$2,000.
- Modest accommodation support.
- Travel assistance covering the return ticket to the host institution.
Additional support may be available for women requiring adjustment assistance.
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit a comprehensive application including:
- Cover letter.
- Full CV demonstrating relevant experience.
- A Letter of Support from their home institution.
- Proof of PhD award.
- A detailed research project plan (max. 1,500 words) aligning with the respective CoE’s ambitions.
- Two samples of academic writing.
Selection Process
- Applications will be reviewed by the Director of the CoE and the host’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
- Applications will be accepted until all twenty positions are filled, with a priority on submissions made before May 15, 2025.
- Candidates applying early will be considered for the first set of openings with notifications by June 1, 2025.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit our online submission portal at: ARUA Early-Career Research Fellowships.
Join ARUA in its mission to cultivate a community of innovative researchers dedicated to the advancement of knowledge for Africa’s future. Apply now!
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