Future Africa 2021 Africa Science Leadership Programme

The ASLP is an initiative of the University of Pretoria in partnership with the Global Young Academy, funded by the Robert Bosch Stiftung. 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 African academics 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

• Table of Content
• About Future Africa
• Africa Science Leadership Programme
• Aim and Benefits of Africa Science Leadership Programme
• Requirements for Africa Science Leadership Programme Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Future Africa

The earth as a complex system is undergoing stresses that some have termed wicked challenges (e.g. the disappearance of biodiversity; damage to soils; climate change and growing disparities between those who have access to resources such as food, water and energy and those who do not). To navigate a safe pathway through and around such problems will require changes in institutional design, system innovation and various partnerships. Searching for solutions to todays’ global challenges requires that the scientific community operate in fundamentally new ways. Developing effective soluti... continue reading

Africa Science Leadership Programme

Aim and Benefits of Africa Science Leadership Programme

The programme will use a highly interactive approach to training, application of skills to a leadership project, peer support, and mentorship. The fellowship will kick off with two intensive online workshops – one a 6-day followed by a shorter 4-day workshop a few weeks later, after which fellows will go out and develop their leadership initiatives over a period of about a year. Fellows are expected to be fully active to fulfill the fellowship requirements. The process will involve an approach that cycles between theory, application, and reflection. Participants will be challenged to work collaboratively to design initiatives that advance a new paradigm for African science.

The training will cover:

• Core elements of collective leadership
• Creative and systems thinking
• Development of effective networks
• Stakeholder engagement for change
• Maximising the efficiency and impact of collaborative efforts
• Advanced dialogue and communication skills
• Effective problem solving and decision making

Following the first training week, fellows will apply their skills to a project relevant to their context and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As described above, projects will aim to contribute to a new paradigm for Africa science. During the year, participants will continue to engage with the group and have access to professional support. The costs incurred during the workshop (training, relevant travel, meals and accommodation) will be covered by the programme.

Requirements for Africa Science Leadership Programme Qualification

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.

Selection Criteria: 

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 degree 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.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

All applicants have to provide two support letters by academic referees (details are provided in the application form). 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 ASLP Management team will make the final selection of candidates

For more details, visit Future Africa website.