Volkswagen Foundation’s has announced Calls for postdoctoral fellowships under the Initiative “Knowledge for Tomorrow – Cooperative Research Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa”. The funding initiative aims at extending and strengthening research in the regions of Sub-Saharan Africa.

 

Objective

The funding initiative is open to all disciplines and aims at the development and sustainable reinforcement of research in Sub-Saharan Africa. Research projects, developed and carried out by African scholars and scientists in close cooperation with their German partners, shall provide junior researchers in Africa with an opportunity to enhance their skills and academic qualifications. Special emphasis is put on the development, reinforcement, and extension of academic networks inside Africa beyond existing language barriers.

 

Thematic Areas

  • Livelihood strategies from the perspective of local actors: the social dimension.
  • Livelihood strategies with regard to natural resources: preservation, utilization, reclamation.

 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applications for postdoctoral fellowships can only be submitted within specific thematic calls. The funding instruments, requirements, and procedures will be specified within these individual calls for pre-proposals.
  • In general, however, the following funding instruments are provided and apply for all programs:
  • Postdoctoral fellowships for both junior and senior scholars based on the African continent cover the costs incurred by personnel, equipment and travel.
  • In general, the project should run for three years. Successful grantees have the possibility to apply for subsequent funding, either in the form of a senior postdoctoral fellowship or an extension.
  • Funds can also cover the costs of research stays in Germany and/ or Europe of up to three or four months per year.
  • Workshops, symposia, and summer schools may be part of research projects. Funding for these events has to be included in the overall research proposal.

 

How to Apply

Applications must be filed electronically via the application portal. Please visit the website for more information.