University of Pretoria/ ASLP Tuks Young Research Leadership Programme 2024

The Tuks Young Research Leadership Programme (TYRLP) is an initiative of the University of Pretoria in partnership with the Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP), Inclusive Innovation, and the Robert Bosch Stiftung. It serves early career researchers in basic and applied sciences, engineering, social sciences, arts and the humanities.

The programme aims to grow early career academics at UP in the areas of thought leadership, team development, engagement, and collaboration, to enable them to solve the complex issues that face society. A further aim is to form a community within the University of like‐minded young researchers who possess qualities that will contribute to UP becoming a leading research-intensive University, in line with the projected UP 2025 vision.

Programme structure

The programme follows a highly interactive approach to training, including the application of skills to a leadership project, peer support, and mentorship. Fellows will attend a two-day intensive on‐site programme at Future Africa Campus. The process involves 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 their science.

The training will cover elements of:

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

Following the initial training, the ASLP team will engage with fellows for a year, sharing information on resources and stimulating further interaction.

Check: Eureka Fellowship for Youth Changemakers in Canada 2024 (Fully Funded)

Eligibility for Tuks Young Research Leadership Programme

• Applicant should have a research fellowship with one year of experience or a faculty position at UP
• Demonstrate Outstanding scientific potential and outputs
• A desire to nurture a culture of research excellence
• Internationally influential, but South Africa and Africa focused
• A desire to work collaboratively on inter‐ and transdisciplinary problems
• An appetite for multiple stakeholder engagement and research communication
• Commitment to participate in all the activities of the fellowship.

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Expected commitment

• The TYRLP is seeking candidates who are committed to developing science leadership at UP. The training itself requires the time commitment of a two-day training session. Furthermore, fellows will be expected to develop their leadership skills and engage with other fellows and the ASLP team for peer support following the training.

Check: Kokoro Scholarship to Attend One Young World Summit 2024 { Fully Funded Montréal/Tiohtià:ke, Canada }

Application of Tuks Young Research Leadership Programme

All applicants should provide a support letter from an academic referee (details are provided in the application form). Please ensure that the support letter is sent from an accredited institutional email address. The referee should be available for future communications and mentorship in case of selection of the applicant into the programme. The referee will be informed about the progress of the fellow and should be willing to support him/her if required.

All applications will be reviewed and shortlisted by representatives of the University of Pretoria and ASLP management. The final selection of candidates will be made by the ASLP management team.