Future Leaders - African Independent Research (FLAIR), 2019

Closing date: 15 May 2019

 

Future Leaders – African Independent Research (FLAIR) Fellowships are for talented African early career researchers who have the potential to become leaders in their field. These fellowships provide the opportunity to build an independent research career in a sub-Saharan African institution and to undertake cutting-edge scientific research that will address global challenges facing developing countries.

This is a partnership between the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and the Royal Society, supported by the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF).

The objectives of this scheme are to:

  • Support talented early career researchers to establish an independent research career in African institutions.
  • Enable high-quality research that addresses the global development challenges faced by the African continent.
  • Provide world-class support, training, mentoring and networking opportunities to benefit early career African researchers.

Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the GCRF research agenda and Global Sustainable Development Goals to ensure that their research aligns within the remit of these programmes.

Read our announcement of the inaugural FLAIR Fellows from the 2019 round.

Am I eligible to apply?

You can apply for this scheme if you:

  • Are a national of a sub-Saharan African country;
  • Hold a PhD by the time you apply;
  • Are an early career researcher with a minimum of two years of research experience since completing your PhD and no more than eight years of post-doctoral research experience;
  • Wish to hold the fellowship in a research institution in an Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible sub-Saharan African country;
  • Have a clearly defined scientific research proposal focusing on one or more of the Global Challenge areas outlined in the scheme notes.

Research must be within the Royal Society’s remit of natural sciences, which includes but is not limited to biological research, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics. For a full list, please see the breakdown of subject groups and areas supported by the Royal Society. The Royal Society does not cover clinical medicine (such as patient orientated research and clinical trials), social sciences or humanities, other than when working in partnership with organisations.#

This scheme provides an award of up to £150,000 per year for two years in the first instance, covering:

  • Research Fellow's salary, up to £45,000 per year.
  • Research expenses
             - Research assistance
             - Equipment costs
             - Travel expenses
             - Research consumables
  • Institutional overhead, up to £15,000 per year

The scheme also provides a programme of support and development, including:

  • Mentoring
  • Training courses
  • Opportunities for international collaboration
  • Networking opportunities regionally and internationally

 

For the full call text please visit their call webpage.

Deadline for applications is 15 May 2019.

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