The ASLP is an initiative of the University of Pretoria in partnership with the Global Young Academy and is funded by Robert Bosch Stiftung. It serves early- to mid-career researchers in basic and applied science, engineering, social sciences, arts, and the humanities. The program aims to grow mid-career African academics in the areas of collective 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 program
- 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/initiatives 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 utilized in institutions in Africa and beyond.
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
The program 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.
Benefits
The training will cover :
- Core elements of collective leadership.
- Creative and systems thinking.
- Development of effective networks.
- Stakeholder engagement for change.
- Maximizing the impact of collaborative efforts.
- Advanced dialogue and communication skills.
- Effective problem solving and decision-making.
- The programme will also offer support towards the costs of data for the virtual workshops for those that require it.
Eligibilities
- 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.
- Intent to share what is learned in the programme with their broader networks.
Application Process
- All applicants have to provide two support letters by academic referees.
- One of the two referees has to commit to being involved in future communications and mentorship in case of selection of the applicant into the programme.
- His or her referee will be informed about the progress of the fellow and should be willing to support the fellow if he or she requires it.
- You have to provide your personal information and letter of support.
- You also have to submit your research profile and CV.
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2021
Application ClosedOfficial link
