The 2023 University of Pretoria Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP)

The 2023 University of Pretoria Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) is a unique programme formed to bring together, train and empower African researchers and academics to become empowered leaders of change in their communities and beyond. The purpose of the programme is to build a network of African Science Leaders and inspire future generations of researchers and academics.

The Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) is a scheme of the University of Pretoria in collaboration with the Global Young Academy, financed by the Robert Bosch Stiftung Foundation. It helps early to mid-career researchers in basic and applied science, engineering, social sciences, arts, and the humanities.

The programme seeks to develop mid-career academics in Africa in the areas of thought leadership, team development, involvement, and collaboration, with the purpose of enabling them to solve the complicated issues that face both Africa and the global community.

The leadership programme:

• 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 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 that can be utilized in institutions in Africa and beyond.

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Eligibility Conditions for the 2023 University of Pretoria Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP)

The following principles are employed as a guide for the nomination and selection of fellows:

• A Ph.D. 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; and
• Intent to share what is learned in the programme with their broader networks.

Merits

The training will cover:

1. Core elements of collective leadership
2. Creative and systems thinking
3. Development of effective networks
4. Stakeholder engagement for change
5. Maximizing the efficiency and impact of collaborative efforts
6. Advanced dialogue and communication skills
7. Effective problem-solving and decision making

SCHEDULE

Documents Needed for Application

All applicants should provide two support letters from academic referees (details are provided in the application form). Ensure that the support letters are sent from an accredited institutional email address. One of the two referees has to dedicate themself to being involved in future communications and mentorship in case of selection of the applicant into the programme. This referee will be notified about the progress of the fellow and must be ready to support the fellow if he or she needs it

Application Deadline: July 15, 2023

The 2023 University of Pretoria Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP)