The overall aim of the scheme is to strengthen the research capacity of universities and research institution in sub-Saharan Africa by supporting the development of sustainable research networks.
The objectives are to:
- facilitate sustainable multidisciplinary partnerships between research groups in sub-Saharan Africa and the UK.
- strengthen research and training capacity in sub-Saharan African Institutions of Higher Education through the skill transfer between partner organisations of the research consortia.
- produce a cadre of young, talented researchers through integrated PhD scholarships and shared supervision of post-graduate students between the UK-based and African consortia members.
- evaluate the contributions of the Africa Initiative to supporting universities and institutions in Africa to develop sustainable research and research training capacity.
The scheme provides funding towards research expenses, travel and subsistence costs, (PhD) training, and limited funds for equipment.
The scheme is funded by the UK's Department for International Development.
Basic eligibility requirements
Applicants must be based in one of the eligible sub-Saharan African countries (PDF) or the UK. In order to act as a principal investigator (PI), applicants must:
have a PhD or have extensive research experience at an equivalent level
have a proven track record of training students at Master’s and Doctoral level
have a proven track record of publishing in both national and international journals
be based in the respective countries at the time of the application
Applications will be accepted in three research priority areas:
Water & sanitation
Renewable energy
Soil-related research
Value and tenure
The programme consists of two awards and will be delivered in two stages, as follows.
Stage 1: Scientific Network Awards
Scientific Network Awards are small start-up grants, of up to £25,000 to assist the formation of research consortia and the preparation of applications for the subsequent Programme Grants. The Society will organise a workshop for successful applicants to facilitate development of applications for the second phase of the programme. The Scientific Network awards programme will open for applications on 5 November 2012.
Stage 2: Programme Grants
Programme Grants will provide support for Research Consortia, consisting of three African groups and one UK-based laboratory.
Applicants do not need to have held a Scientific Networking award to apply for a Programme Grant.
The Programme Grant may provide support of up to £1,243,000 over a five year period, including:
Expense
|
Budget per partner
|
Total Budget
|
A PhD studentship for each of the African PI’s
|
£60,000/studentship
|
£180,000
|
Research costs
|
Up to £20,000 per year for each research group
|
£400,000.
|
Exchanges of researchers
|
Costs for travel and subsistence of up to £10,000 per year for each laboratory
|
£200,000.
|
Equipment purchasing, repair and maintenance
|
Up to £10,000 per year for each African laboratory
|
£150,000
|
Additional training modules (workshops and seminars)
|
Up to £10,000 per year for each PI
|
£200,000
|
Co-ordination and management costs
|
10% of value of the grant
|
£113,000
|
Total Budget
|
|
£1,243,000
|
Application process
Applications to the Scientific Network Awards will be initially reviewed by two members of the Royal Society-DFID Africa Capacity Building Initiative panel and then shortlisted. The shortlisted applications are reviewed by the Panel Chair and the final decision is made.
Applications to the Programme grants will be initially reviewed by three members of the Royal Society-DFID Africa Capacity Stengthening Initiative panel. Applications that are shortlisted will be independently peer reviewed and discussed at a panel meeting.