AfOx Catalyst Grants 2024 For African & University Of Oxford Researchers

AfOx Catalyst Grants provide seed funding to support the development of collaborative research between researchers based in African research institutions and at the University of Oxford. Catalyst Grants are open to all disciplines. Over the last 5 years, we have awarded over 200 Catalyst Grants that have initiated new collaborations between researchers from more than 100 African institutions with over 50 Oxford Departments.

AfOx Catalyst Grants have enabled the developed of long-term collaboration between researchers in Africa and Oxford. These collaborations have led to significant research outcomes, policy impacts and substantial further funding. 

There are two routes through which applications for a Catalyst Grant can be made: AfOx Travel Grants and AfOx Starter Grants.

AfOx Travel Grants

• AfOx Travel Grant supports the establishment of new collaborations through travel by applicants in either direction from an African institution to Oxford or vice versa. Travel Grants?enable?researchers to meet in either an African institution or Oxford and work together on an area of mutual interest. 
• The AfOx Travel Grants fund activities including but not limited to,?workshops and conferences, co-supervision, curriculum co-development, joint lectures and seminars, co-authoring publications, joint grant-applications and conducting of primary research.
• The duration of the travel grant can be between 1 to 8 weeks, and grants can be applied for a maximum of £5000.
• Applications for a travel grant must be made jointly between academics or researchers based in Africa at either an academic and non-academic institution and academics or researchers at the University of Oxford.

AfOx Starter Grants

• The AfOx Starter Grants fund activities including but not limited to, the early-phase development of ideas, feasibility studies, public engagement, and conducting of primary research.
• AfOx Starter Grants provide seed funding for activities which aim to develop sustainable partnerships and strengthening applications for longer-term fellowships and funding.
• AfOx Starter Grants?can be up to 12 weeks.

• AfOx Starter Grants can be applied for a maximum of £5,000.
• Applications for a starter grant must be made jointly between academics or researchers based in Africa at either an academic and non-academic institution and academics or researchers at the University of Oxford.
• AfOx asks all applicants for the Starter Grants scheme to carefully consider the necessity for travel prior to submitting an application.

• Table of Content
• About Africa Oxford Initiative
• AfOx Catalyst Grants
• Aim and Benefits of AfOx Catalyst Grants
• Requirements for AfOx Catalyst Grants Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Africa Oxford Initiative

Formed after extensive consultations among Oxford academics and African colleagues, the Africa Oxford Initiative fosters the establishment of equitable and sustainable collaborations between African Academics and the University of Oxford. At a time when the African continent is poised for decades of strong economic and demographic growth we see huge potential both for African universities and for The University of Oxford in increased partnership. The African Union’s vision 2063 envisages that all African countries will move to middle income status powered by knowledge-based economies.... continue reading

AfOx Catalyst Grants

Aim and Benefits of AfOx Catalyst Grants

The Travel Grant can be used to cover costs of travel (in either direction i.e. University of Oxford, UK to an institution in Africa or vice versa), accommodation and incidental expenses to a maximum of £5000.

The Starter Grant can be used to cover the costs of developing new collaboration including expenses arising from a defined research project, feasibility studies or public engagement activities to a maximum of £5000. Applications must clearly address at least one Sustainable Development Goal and demonstrate how the proposed activities will bring benefits to the chosen area of study, and generate societal benefits beyond providing knowledge and understanding in the area of focus.

Requirements for AfOx Catalyst Grants Qualification

• Catalyst Grant support the development of sustainable and equitable partnership between researchers in Africa and the University of Oxford. Applications should indicate the value of the proposed activities to both collaborators.
• If applicable, please indicate how your project addresses a particular challenge linked to the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Awards for both the Catalyst Grants are made up to a maximum of £5,000 and must be made jointly between researchers based in Africa at either an academic and non-academic institution and researchers at the University of Oxford.
• The Catalyst Grant may cover more than two people and?additional?individuals should be named under ‘Purpose of the Grant’.

• The overarching aim of the scheme is to foster the development of new collaborations and the scheme is not intended to be used as alternative support for already established collaborations.
• Applications from doctoral students should be accompanied by a letter from the supervisor or head of department indication how the proposed activities will contribute to the development of sustainable, long term partnership between researchers in Africa and the University of Oxford

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Applicants will be required to submit a brief report within one year of the award. Reports should outline:

• The activities undertaken,
• The outputs arising from the collaboration
• The next steps to be taken, including any long-term collaborative projects?arising?from the award.

For more details, visit the website.