Deadline: 22 November 2019
The Mawazo PhD Scholars Programme supports women’s capacity to find solutions to some of the most pressing needs facing the African continent. Our Scholars are African women under the age of 40 who are pursuing PhD studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and or the Social Sciences at accredited universities in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. We competitively select a cohort of PhD scholars whose research is relevant to African development priorities, contributes new knowledge to their field of study, and holds the potential for transformational change in their communities and beyond. Specifically, we support scholars whose work is actively addressing global, regional, national and/or sub-national development and policy priorities, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Mawazo PhD Scholars Programme is a one-year, non-residential fellowship where PhD Scholars receive a research grant worth up to $5000 to support theirvresearch, a travel grant worth up to $2000 for conference travel, and a training grant worth up to $500 for ongoing training. Scholars also benefit from professional and leadership skills trainings provided by Mawazo and our partners, research and editorial support, as well as mentorship and networking opportunities. This programme is designed to amplify our Scholars’ research and position them as the next generation of leading experts, thinkers, and innovators who are finding homegrown solutions to local development challenges.
Mawazo (“Ideas”) Institute is a non-profit research institute based in Nairobi, Kenya. Our mission is to support the next generation female scholars and thought leaders in East Africa, and to get policymakers and the general public engaged with their work. Our programmes equip women to conduct high quality research on issues affecting African development. We also provide training and platforms to spark important conversations and influence decision making in the public sphere.
The PhD Scholars and Research Fellows programmes provide research funding, training, and mentorship to young women who are pursuing doctoral and postdoctoral research in STEM and the social sciences in East Africa. The Public Engagement & Policy programme creates accessible and interesting ways for policymakers and the public to learn about research produced by our fellows and other local experts. The Training & Resources programme connects African students, researchers, and practitioners to digital resources and other training materials to aid their academic and professional development.
Eligibilities:
- Applicants must be women below the age of 40 as at 1st January 2020
- Applicants must be citizens of an African country
- Applicants must be enrolled for their PhD degrees at an accredited university in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania or Uganda
- Applicants must have completed their course work if applicable, and passed their departmental proposal defense (i.e. in the dissertation phase of their PhD)
- Applicants must demonstrate that their research project is related to African development and is relevant to a global, regional, national or sub-national policy priority
- Applicants demonstrate potential for leadership both within and outside academia, and a strong passion to leverage their expertise for impact in society
- Applicants should be available to fully participate in the programme in 2020-2021
Benefits:
Mawazo PhD Scholars will receive the following benefits:
- A research grant of up to $5,000
- A travel grant worth up to $2,00 for participation in regional or international conferences
- A training grant worth up to $500 for field specific training not offered by Mawazo
- A stipend worth $500 for discretionary use
- Participation in Mawazo’s in-house professional development and leadership training programme, comprised of a mix of in-person and virtual training modules
- Research and editorial support from the Mawazo staff and our partners
- Connections to mentors, as well as exposure to leaders from academia, industry, government and other sectors
- Visibility via Mawazo digital platforms and events.
How to apply:
An application will only be considered complete when the following has been provided:
- A completed online application form
- A current 2-page CV
- A letter confirming current enrollment in an accredited PhD programme
- A letter confirming that you have completed your course work if applicable and passed your departmental defense
- A letter of support from a supervisor at the PhD programme
- A completed budget for the project
- A completed budget narrative of 500 words or less
- A completed work plan for the project.
