Application Deadline: : 12 August 2018
The University of Pretoria’s Future Africa Institute invites applications for Postdoctoral Research Fellowships, from among the doctoral graduates and early-career postdoctoral fellows linked to networks and initiatives supported by Carnegie Corporation New York (CCNY).
Researchers working within an inter- and transdisciplinary approach to developing a deeper understanding of the African bioeconomy are encouraged to apply. The program will select fellows from the following eligible CCNY supported programs:
- African Humanities Program
- Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA)
- University of Cape Town (Corporation-supported postdoctoral fellows)
- University of Ghana (Corporation-supported postdoctoral fellows)
- Makerere University (Corporation-supported postdoctoral fellows & MISR doctoral graduates)
- Next Generation Social Sciences in Africa Fellowship Program
- Networks comprising the Regional Initiative in Science and Education (RISE):
- AFNNET
- AMSEN
- SABINA
- SSAWRN
- WIO-RISE
- Regional Universities Forum for Capacity-Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Corporation-supported postdoctoral fellows)
Research projects will be considered and developed on the broad topic of inclusive growth and development through the bio-resource economy, which has been selected for its relevance to development in Africa.
Agriculture and indigenous bio-resources are in need of urgent development and protection and represent some of the most significant untapped sources of sustainable socioeconomic development. Perspectives from the arts and humanities relevant to these concerns are encouraged both as complements to initiatives in the natural and social sciences and as proponents of research questions that might lead to a broad interdisciplinary investigation.
Research might be conducted in either or both countries, but the fellows will retain their position or base at their home institutions. The model will be flexible to allow for minimal disruption of the academic responsibilities at the fellows’ home institutions. Ideally, fellows should have a position at a home institution, or have a commitment from a home institution to support or consider a future position.
To be selected, applicants need to display a compelling vision of their future involvement in the development of research projects, programs, 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.
Selection criteria
The following criteria will be used for the nomination and selection of fellows:
- A PhD degree or an 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 or scholarly outputs;
- Interest in translating and communicating the results of their work for impact in society;
- Demonstrated leadership ability in research and beyond.
Other criteria which will guide selection include:
- An interest in the role of research in addressing complex issues affecting society;
- An interest in collaborations across disciplines and sectors (e.g. industry, civil society, government, etc.);
- A commitment to participate in all the activities of the fellowship; and
- The intent to share what is learned in the program with their broader networks.
All applicants have to provide two support letters by academic referees (details are provided in the application form). One of the referees has to commit to remain involved in future communications and mentorship in case of selection of the applicant into the program. 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.
African bioeconomy
For purposes of this call, “bioeconomy” is defined activities that make use of bio-innovations, and are based on biological sources, materials and processes to generate sustainable economic, social and environmental development.
Applications are welcome for such topic areas as:
- Technological and non-technological exploitation of natural resources such as animals, plant biodiversity, micro-organisms and minerals to improve human health, address food security, and subsequently to contribute to economic growth and improved quality of life.
- Ecological issues and climate change as influencers, promoters, and inhibitors of bioeconomic advancement.
- The politics of the bioeconomy, including tensions around land and food security, biodiversity and indigenous knowledge, and economic growth and growing income insecurity and inequality.
- Cultural perspectives and practices that influence, assist, or impair human interactions with the natural environment.
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