As part of its international engagement, the Royal Society has been involved in capacity-building in sub-Saharan Africa since 1996. In 2005 the Society decided to extend its support for capacity-building to Ghana and Tanzania and a new funding scheme was established following extensive consultation with stakeholders in the UK, Ghana and Tanzania. The scheme, funded by the Leverhulme Trust, aims to develop and maintain excellence in science in both countries and to strengthen the research and training capacity of the African institution.
Eligibility
All areas of basic natural science covered by the Royal Society's remit, but applicants are particularly encouraged to apply in five priority areas:
- Agriculture (including animal health)
- Water and sanitation
- Basic human health research (including medicinal chemistry)
- Biodiversity (including medicinal plants and green chemistry)
- Energy (including renewable)
As the projects are of a bilateral nature, one applicant must be based in the UK and the other either in Ghana or Tanzania. The project leaders must be of at least postdoctoral status or equivalent and their teams must be recognised and supported by a Ghanaian/Tanzanian or UK higher education institution. See scheme notes on website for further eligibility requirements.
The applications will be assessed on the basis of their scientific merit, the potential for long-term research collaboration and the level of training opportunities.
Amount Awarded
Awards will offer a maximum of £50,000 per annum for three years to cover research expenses and costs for mobility. Up to £10,000 per year of the award may be used to purchase or maintain equipment. The total maximum amount of award is £150,000.
Application Process
There are only six grants offered per year. You can apply for this grant via the
Grant Application and Processing System.
Deadline
The next call will open in October 2010. If you would like your details added to the Royal Society's mailing list, please email
capacitybuilding@royalsociety.org For Further Information
For further information about the Royal Society Africa Awards please fill out the Grants Contact Form.
Or visit the Leverhulme Royal Society Africa Awards website.
