The Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) African Scholarship Program is an initiative aimed at promoting research and studies on Africa among African scholars. Administered by the NAI, an institute dedicated to research, documentation, and information on contemporary Africa, the scholarship program offers opportunities for advanced research and studies in various disciplines related to African affairs.
The scholarship program is open to doctoral students and researchers from Africa who are affiliated with African universities and research institutions. It provides funding support to cover expenses related to research activities, including travel, accommodation, and research materials. Additionally, scholars selected for the program may have the opportunity to participate in academic events, conferences, and workshops organized by the NAI and its partner institutions.
One of the primary objectives of the NAI African Scholarship Program is to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration between African scholars and their counterparts in the Nordic countries. By providing opportunities for African scholars to conduct research and engage with peers and experts in the Nordic region, the program aims to contribute to the development of critical thinking and scholarship on African issues.
Furthermore, the scholarship program seeks to promote capacity building and institutional strengthening in African universities and research institutions. Through its support for African scholars, the NAI aims to enhance research capabilities and foster a culture of academic excellence within African academic and research communities.
Overall, the Nordic Africa Institute African Scholarship Program plays a vital role in promoting research, scholarship, and dialogue on Africa. By providing support to African scholars and facilitating collaboration with Nordic institutions, the program contributes to the advancement of knowledge and understanding of African affairs, ultimately promoting sustainable development and positive change on the continent.
The African Scholarship Programme offers early career researchers in Africa the opportunity to pursue their own research projects in the fields of Social Sciences and Humanities. This scholarship provides access to the Nordic Africa Institute’s library and other resources, creating a stimulating research environment conducive to academic growth and exploration.
The primary aim of the African Scholarship Programme is to support early career researchers based in Africa in developing and advancing their ongoing research at the Nordic Africa Institute. Scholars selected for the program benefit from access to the institute’s library, mentorship by experienced researchers, networking opportunities, and other resources essential for conducting impactful research. Through this initiative, the Nordic Africa Institute aims to contribute to capacity building in knowledge production about Africa and foster connections and collaborations between African and Nordic research communities.
Benefits
The scholarship includes a return air-fare (economy class), accommodation, a subsistence allowance of 400 SEK (approx. 40 USD) per day plus an installation grant of 2,500 SEK (approx. 250 USD) and access to a workspace, including a desk computer, in a shared office at the Institute. Please note that the subsistence allowance will be provided only for the days spent in Uppsala.
The Institute’s library is specialized in literature on contemporary Africa and focuses on Social Sciences. Furthermore, Guest Researchers have access to the Uppsala University Library and to the Library of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
Guest Researchers have the possibility to present their research at the Nordic Africa Institute and to visit other institutions in the Nordic countries.
Requirements For The Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) African Scholarship Program.
The scholarship programme is directed at early career researchers based in Africa and engaged in Africa-oriented research. The research topic should be within the disciplines of Social Sciences and Humanities, and with a focus on contemporary Africa. The research should also be relevant to the core principles of the UN Agenda 2030, as indicated in the five impact ares of the Institute.
The programme is open to two main categories of early career researchers:
- Staff full-time employed by an African-based university or research center who are enrolled on a doctoral programme in the African region and who do not have access to an international scholarship
- Postdoctoral researchers (within 5 years or less of PhD completion).
The Institute strives to achieve a fair distribution of scholarship positions in regards to gender and geographic focus.
Selection Process
The maximum duration of the stay is 90 days, minimum is 60 days. Also note that most academic institutions in the Nordic countries, including the Nordic Africa Institute, are closed or at least running at a reduced capacity during the periods 15 June–15 August and 15 December–15 January. Applicants can thus not choose these periods for their visit.
Application Documents
- Up-to-date CV, including list of publications (if available online, please include links)
- Outline of research project, 5 pages:
- A well elaborated research proposal
- Workplan, 1 page:
- The plan should be specific for the time spent at the Institute, including research objectives and expected results
- Reference: A signed letter of support from the applicant’s Head of Department or other senior scholar in the same field, which confirms current work place/affiliation and field of research
Method of Application
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Persons currently or previously employed by or otherwise professionally affiliated with the Nordic Africa Institute are not eligible for scholarships. Kindly also note that the application must be in English. In the extraordinary event that the Scholarship Programme for 2025 does not receive full funding, applicants will be informed immediately.
It is also possible to apply through regular postal service. For more information contact marie.karlsson@nai.uu.se
Application Deadline: April 10, 2024.
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