This informs the public about the Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) 2023. Details about the Program are given below.
About Africa Science Leadership Programme 2023
The speed and quality of the development of science capacity in Africa and the rest of the developing world depends not only on infrastructure and the technical training of people, but is intimately linked to the quality of leadership to lead change. It is widely accepted that the future of scientific development lies in enabling interdisciplinary, interconnected and often large, international teams.
Training structures are, however, often not set up to prepare a next generation of scientists for the complexities that an interconnected, interdisciplinary approach to science entails. There is an internationally emerging paradigm that recognizes that the focus on individual leadership is often inadequate to address complex challenges, which require skills across many sectors and collaborative processes.
This was very evident during COVID-19 where collective leadership was critical to navigate through the crises posed by the pandemic. The African Science Leadership Programme(ASLP) will therefore focus on developing collective leadership skills that will help fellows contribute to the “Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want”. The ASLP will therefore focus on developing collective leadership skills.
Program Details
The ASLP is an initiative of the University of Pretoria in partnership with the Global Young Academy, funded by the Robert Bosch Stiftung Foundation. It 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 academics in Africa 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 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.
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.
The following criteria are used as a guide for the nomination and selection of fellows:
- A PhD 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.
All applicants have to provide two support letters from academic referees (details are provided in the application form). Please ensure that the support letters are sent from an accredited institutional email address. 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.
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 final selection of candidates will be made by the ASLP Management team.
Africa Science Leadership Programme 2023 Application
For those interested in Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2023. Open this link to start the application process.
Application Deadline
- The deadline for receipt of applications is 15 July 2023.
Open this link for more details about the Africa Science Leadership Programme 2023.
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