African Research Fellowship Programme: Call for 2024/25 Applications

The African Research Fellowship (ARF) programme, a joint initiative by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the African Union Commission (AUC), was successfully launched in 2021, with six African researchers completing their fellowships at ESA. The programme is designed to empower African researchers—holding a PhD or a Master’s degree with extensive research experience—to engage in cutting-edge Earth Observation (EO) research and development activities that address the continent’s pressing challenges.

Fellowship Overview

This year’s ARF programme offers a one-year fellowship for four African researchers collaborating with ESA scientists at ESA-ESRIN in Frascati, Rome. In addition, fellows are expected to start their research by June 2025 at the latest. They will leverage EO data, integrating it with in-situ data and advanced modelling techniques in a cloud environment to address challenges such as water resource management and food security in Africa.

Objectives of the Fellowship

The ARF programme operates within the framework of the EO AFRICA Initiative, which seeks to foster African-European partnerships in EO research. In addition, the programme aligns with the GMES & Africa programme led by the African Union and supports a long-term vision of promoting the adoption of EO technologies across Africa. Specifically, the fellowship aims to:

1. Support R&D activities using EO data to tackle critical African challenges, contributing to local and global environmental and developmental goals.
2. Maximise the use of ICT capabilities to exploit EO data while encouraging an open science approach through data sharing and knowledge dissemination.
3. Equip African researchers with the tools and knowledge needed to develop innovative, evidence-based solutions for decision-makers in Africa.

Research Areas

Applicants are invited to propose a one-year research project focused on the following themes:

1. Water Resource Management: Including applications for irrigation systems, water productivity, and agricultural water use.
2. Food Security: Focusing on smallholder farming, regenerative agriculture, nutrient management, pest control, and climate adaptation.
3. Coastal Processes & Fisheries: Addressing coastal ecosystems, urbanisation, aquaculture, and impacts of climate change.

Selected fellows will benefit from ESA’s EO AFRICA Space Academy and its Digital Campus, which offer training and resources to aid their research efforts. Similarly, the EO AFRICA Innovation Lab will further facilitate collaboration between African and European researchers.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Research Proposal: Use the template provided in the ARF package.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Maximum three (3) pages, including a list of recent publications.
3. Copy of Identification: Preferably a passport.
4. PhD or Master’s Diploma: A scan of the diploma.
5. Two Reference Letters: Supporting the application.

Applicants can download the necessary materials for their submission for the African Research Fellowship, including technical information, the proposal submission template, and privacy notice, from the ESA website.

Important Dates

1. Open Call: 23 September 2024
2. Submission Deadline: 30 October 2025
3. Results Announced: January 2025
4. Activities Begin in Frascati: June 2025

Follow this link to apply for the African Research Fellowships. Furthermore, for any inquiries, applicants should email arf@esa.int  no later than one week before the closing date.

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