Application Deadline: March 31st 2015
The Biosciences eastern and central Africa – International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, located in Nairobi, Kenya, is a shared agricultural research and biosciences platform that exists to increase access for African researchers to affordable, world-class research facilities.
The BecA-ILRI Hub capacity building program is branded The Africa Biosciences Challenge Fund (ABCF).The ABCF program operates in the critically important intersection between agricultural research and development (ARD), food security, and individual and institutional capacity building.
The ABCF program is delivered through
i) a visiting scientist program (the ABCF fellowship) targeting scientists and graduate students from African national agricultural research organizations and universities to undertake biosciences research-for-development projects at the BecA-ILRI Hub, and
ii) annual training workshops to support the acquisition of practical skills in molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, laboratory management, laboratory safety, equipment maintenance, and scientific writing.
The purpose of the ABCF fellowship program is to develop capacity for agricultural biosciences research in Africa, to support research projects that ultimately contribute towards increasing food and nutritional security and / or food safety in Africa, and to facilitate access to the BecA-ILRI Hub facilities by African researchers (and their partners)
Eligibility/applicant requirements
- Nationals (passport holder) of a BecA-ILRI Hub target country: Burundi, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. In exceptional cases we may consider applicants from other African countries.
- A researcher at a national agricultural research organization or university in a BecA-ILRI Hub target country.
- Currently engaged in research in food and nutritional security or food safety in Africa, or in a research area with relevance to agriculture in Africa.
- MSc or PhD holder in biosciences, agriculture or related subject.
- Good working knowledge of written and spoken English.
- Completed online application form.
- A signed letter of approval of the application from the head of your institute / organization/ university faculty.
Fellowship Benefits:
The BecA-ILRI Hub has secured funding to sponsor several fellowships on a highly competitive basis. BecA-funded fellowships will cover the following costs:
- Research at the BecA-ILRI Hub
- Travel
- Medical insurance
- Accommodation
- Living allowance
Please note that BecA-ILRI Hub-funded fellowships do not cover the cost of fieldwork or research at the applicant’s home institute.
Applicants who can fund their own research (either fully or partially) will have added advantage
Timeline:
- Closing date for applications: March 31st 2015.
- Notification to early applicants will start from March 1st 2015. The notification process will be completed by April 30th 2015 (indicative date depending on volume of applications).
- Implementation of projects: projected start time is end May 2015.
How to Apply:
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Africa Biosciences Challenge Fund (ABCF)