Applications are open for Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) 2021. 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 programme 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.

Programme Structure

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 will have to be fully active to fulfil the fellowship requirements. The process will involve an approach that cycles between theory, application, and reflection. Participants will have the challenge to work collaboratively to design initiatives that advance a new paradigm for African science.

Leadership Programme 

The Africa Science Leadership Programme will

• 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 utilised in institutions in Africa and beyond.

Learning Outcomes

The Africa Science Leadership Programme will cover

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

Criteria

• 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.

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