Category Archives: Research grants

DAAD-funded PhD research scholarship on: Oil dependency and bioeconomic transformation in Nigeria

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The Right Livelihood College (RLC) at the Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Germany, offers a DAAD-funded PhD research scholarship on: Oil dependency and bioeconomic transformation in Nigeria.

Background

The Right Livelihood College (RLC) is a global transdisciplinary education and research initiative of universities and the “Alternative Nobel Prize”, the Right Livelihood Award (RLA). There are currently RLC Campuses at eight universities worldwide, among others at ZEF, University of Bonn, Germany, and at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. As part of this network, the RLC Campus Bonn and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), in cooperation with the “Alternative Nobel Prize” Laureate Nnimmo Bassey and the STRIVE1 project, offer a 3-year PhD scholarship for candidates from sub-Saharan Africa to carry out a PhD research project related to the potential role of the bioeconomy in reducing the Nigerian economy’s reliance on fossil fuel resources.

Research context

Nigeria’s economy is highly dependent on fossil fuel exports and thus exposed to a volatile global market environment. Bio-based economic transformation is often proposed as a promising strategy to reduce fossil resource dependency and achieve sustainable development goals. However, the nature and outcomes of potential bioeconomic transformation pathways will depend on a complex interplay of factors, such as prices for oil and other Nigerian export products including from agriculture, access to bio-based knowledge and technology, and economic as well as environmental policies. The PhD research project is expected to adopt a regional or macro-perspective to analyze the role of these factors and the economic mechanisms through which they affect sustainability outcomes of alternative development pathways for the Nigerian economy. The research will be based on field and secondary data collection in Nigeria. Applicants are requested to develop their own PhD research proposal to contextualize and concretize the envisaged research project.

The PhD scholarships

Qualified applicants should be citizens and residents of a sub-Saharan African state. They should hold an excellent master’s or equivalent degree in agricultural or natural resource economics, economics or related disciplines, and have experience in the use of computable general equilibrium models, partial equilibrium models, or inputoutput models. Experience in interdisciplinary and international research teams is an asset. Fluency in English is mandatory. The age limit is 32 years.

The scholarship is funded by the DAAD for 3 years starting from August 1, 2017. It covers a Junior Researcher position at ZEF and all respective costs for travel and research. In the first year, the candidate will participate in the international ZEF Doctoral Program in Bonn, followed by time for empirical field research in Nigeria.

Your application should consist of:

  • Motivation letter (1 page)
  • A CV in EUROPASS format – see template under: http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/documents/curriculum-vitae
  • RLC application form – see template under: https://goo.gl/WrRdFH
  • Two recommendation letters from professors and/or supervisors
  • Certified academic degree documents (PDF)
  • Short PhD research proposal narrowing the research scope with background, conceptual framework, research questions, and methodology (max. 5 pages) All documents are to be submitted in English.

Closing date for applications is March 31, 2017. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Please send your applications via e-mail to: stellmacher@rlc-bonn.de

Dr. Till Stellmacher Programme Coordinator, RLC Campus Bonn, Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn.

Source: ZEF website: http://www.zef.de/1741.html

 

 

Call for PhD studentships – “Genetic and trait characterisation of farmer and genebank sources of bambara groundnut for the development of drought tolerant lines in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.”

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CFF-University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) is looking for PhD candidates to conduct a 3-year project entitled “Genetic and trait characterisation of farmer and genebank sources of bambara groundnut for the development of drought tolerant lines in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.”
Project background:

Bambara groundnut has a lot of potential to contribute to food security and poverty alleviation in the face of unpredictable and extreme climate patterns. This is partly due to its resilience traits, such as its drought tolerance and ability to grow in harsh marginal soils.  There is a need to further improve its tolerance to drought while adapting it to different agro-environments, including those that experience intermittently high rainfall. This will establish lines adaptable to environments that face unpredictable water shortages, for both now and future climate changes. These are also regions whose farmers are most insecure in terms of food and income.

Bambara groundnut is also favoured for its nutritional properties, such as its low fat content and amino acid profile. However, consumers often cite its high cooking times as a reason not to purchase more of it. Hence, as well as furthering its beneficial traits – fundamentally, drought tolerance – part of the project will aim to reduce its negative time: primarily, poor cookability.

This PhD project is ultimately aimed at increasing the uptake of bambara groundnut on a global scale, in current and future areas of cultivation and consumption. It is one of seven (and growing) components that comprise a multi-site field trial system across West Africa, Eastern Africa, Southern Africa and Southeast Asia.

Project objectives
The project aims to breed bambara groundnut lines for improved drought tolerance and cookability, which are adapted to local environments, leading to more stable yields of bambara groundnut under dry conditions with shorter cooking times. The objectives are:
i. Test and evaluate core and ‘local’ germplasm for crop performance and productivity.
ii. Identify 25-30 lines with improved quantitative values for drought tolerance and cookability.
iii. Investigate the physiological mechanisms underlying drought tolerance and cookability.
iv. Determine the molecular genetic factors involved in drought tolerance and cookability.
Scholarship details:
i. The studentship will cover a fully funded, three year PhD at the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC) and Crops For the Future (CFF).
ii. This studentship is partially funded by the International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and agriculture – Benefit Sharing Fund, which covers subsistence (USD 8450 per annum for three years), consumables and equipment.
iii. A fee scholarship is provided by UNMC for registration of the student. The project will be mostly based at the CFF Field Research Centre in Malaysia.
Supervisors:
Prof. Festo Massawe, School of Biosciences, UNMC (festo.massawe@nottingham.edu.my)
Dr Sean Mayes, School of Biosciences, UoN / BamYIELD, CFF (sean.mayes@cffresearch.org)
Dr Aryo Feldman, BamYIELD, CFF (aryo.feldman@cffresearch.org)
Requirements: 
i. First class or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) or MSc in an agricultural, biological or other relevant science.
ii. Applicants whose native language is not English (and whose undergraduate degree was not taught in English) must fulfill UNMC’s English language requirements.
iii. Applicant must be ready to start the three-year studentship before the 1 February 2017.

iv. Application deadline is 21 October 2016. 

Interested applicants must send a detailed CV and copy of BSc and/or MSc certificate and transcript to maysoun.mustafa@cffresearch.org
Photo credit: Neil Palmer/CIAT

Post Doctoral Research Assistant (Crop Pollination) – University of Reading

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The post will coordinate a large scale field experiment to identify the optimal configuration of polliniser trees in UK apple orchards as part of a BBSRC project.

The project is led by the University of Reading’s School of Agriculture, Policy and Development in collaboration with Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and National Institute of Agricultural Botany – East Malling Research.

You will have:

  • A PhD in biology, ecology, agriculture or similar.
  • Experience of working with pollinators or other beneficial insects.
  • Ability to design, implement and coordinate multi-site field experiments.
  • A track record in the multivariate statistical analyses and paper writing.
  • Good organisational skills and ability to coordinate a team of field assistants.

Informal contact details

Contact role: Project Manager
Contact name: Dr Mike Garratt
Contact phone: +44 (0)118 378 6149
Contact emailm.p.garratt@reading.ac.uk

Alternative informal contact details
Contact role: Principal Investigator
Contact name: Prof Simon Potts
Contact phone: +44 (0)118 378 6154
Contact emails.g.potts@reading.ac.uk

To formally apply, please visit www.reading.ac.uk/jobs or contact Human Resources, University of Reading, Whiteknights, PO Box 217, Reading RG6 6AH. Telephone +44(0)118 378 6771 (voicemail)

Closes: 19th October 2016

Interview date : November 1 & 2 2016

Please quote the relevant reference number.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce and we welcome applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements which will be considered in line with business needs.

Click here to apply  Apply

Source: jobs.ac.uk

Photo credit: Bodie Pyndus via Unsplash.com

Opportunity for PhD Student – Jekyll and Hyde; when good bacteria turn bad

Research1

Photo credit: United Soybean Board

The Organisation

AgResearch is a leading Crown Research Institute charged with delivering science and innovation to benefit New Zealand agriculture and its wider economy.  Our internationally recognised scientists are dedicated to this mission and we collaborate with world leading science organisations and universities to achieve exceptional science delivery. We are proud to be unique organisation that is driving prosperity by transforming agriculture to better equip our future generations to come.

The Role

Identifying key molecular triggers that transform bacteria from “good to bad” is critical to understand and control inter-conversion between beneficial and harmful properties. Our research has found two phylogenetically similar strains of Lactobacillus fermentum which have contrasting effects on intestinal epithelial barrier integrity. One strain, AGR1485, was found to maintain the barrier integrity of cultured human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cell monolayers, while the other, AGR1487, decreased the integrity. A healthy intestinal barrier is essential to preventing unwanted components entering our body and causing inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

We are seeking an outstanding PhD candidate to undertake research to determine the genetic mechanisms responsible for the different effects of the two L. fermentum strains. Initial comparative analyses of draft genome sequences reveal that the strains have highly similar gene contents. However, a small number of loci have been found in AGR1487 but not AGR1485. These strains provides a unique opportunity to understand how the difference of a few factors may impact the health of the host, and how its manipulation can radically alter the balance of host microbial interactions. Using comparative genomics analyses, RNA sequencing, and site directed mutagenesis, the student will elucidate mechanisms that determine how phylogenetically similar strains can have markedly different effects and further the knowledge of Lactobacillus genome biology and its interactions with the health of the host.

Duties

  • Completing relevant Massey University course(s) deemed necessary by supervisors (depending on previous experience)
  • Presenting a research seminar and written report to gain confirmation of PhD programme registration one year after starting
  • Meeting regularly with supervisors to discuss plans and results
  • Presenting plans for research and experimental protocols to supervisors for review prior to carrying out
  • Completing laboratory experiments using techniques such as cell culture, bioassays, gene and protein expression analysis, genome editing and comparative genomics analyses.
  • Completing rodent experiments including day-to-day handling and terminal tissue sampling
  • Carrying out data analysis, including statistical analysis using Genstat and R and other bioinformatics packages
  • Writing a PhD thesis, including an extensive literature review, 3-5 research chapters and a general discussion
  • Submitting manuscripts to journals, including a mini-review article and at least two research articles, before the thesis is submitted
  • Complying with Health and Safety Policies as set by AgResearch and at all times have consideration for the safety of themselves and others in the workplace
  • Ensuring legislative compliance, (e.g., Department of Labour, HSNO, EPA Animal Ethics) and appropriate data security

About you

  • A relevant Masters or Honours degree (e.g. physiology, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology) with a minimum grade of 2(i) or equivalent.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills (IELTS score of 6.5 required if English is not first language).
  • Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
  • Diligence, resilience and enthusiasm.
  • Previous cell culture, molecular biology, and genomics experience would be preferred. Experience in bioinformatics and R would also be advantageous.

Benefits

The three year studentships includes an annual tax-free stipend of NZD30,000 plus tuition fees and consumables. The research will be undertaken within the Food Nutrition & Health team at AgResearch Grasslands in Palmerston North, New Zealand. The project is funded by the Riddet Centre of Research Excellence and the student will be enrolled at Massey University in Palmerston North

  • The opportunity to take part in leading edge research.
  • Be a part of a successful multidisciplinary research team.
  • Develop your career as an independent researcher.

How to apply

Closing date for applications is 31 August 2016

Please apply online viahttps://careers.sciencenewzealand.org/jobdetails/ajid/oWMV7/PhD-Student-Jekyll-and-Hyde-when-good-bacteria-turn-bad,18470.html  or contact Associate Prof Nicole on +64-6-351-8110 for a confidential discussion.

Opportunity for PhD Student in New Zealand – Smart gut in early life

research

Photo credit: United Soybean Board

The Organisation

AgResearch is a leading Crown Research Institute charged with delivering science and innovation to benefit New Zealand agriculture and its wider economy.  Our internationally recognised scientists are dedicated to this mission and we collaborate with world leading science organisations and universities to achieve exceptional science delivery. We are proud to be unique organisation that is driving prosperity by transforming agriculture to better equip our future generations to come.

The Role

We are seeking an outstanding PhD candidate to undertake research to determine the effects of milk fat globule (MFGM) membrane on brain development and function in early life. MFGM is a 3-layer membrane covering the fat globule, and consists of complex lipids and proteins recognised to be essential for brain development, and to promote bacterial growth. The student will test the hypothesis that human and bovine MFGM differentially affects the production of neuromodulatory molecules by the bowel microbiota, leading to improvement in biomarkers of brain development and function.

About you

The ideal candidates must have:

•  A relevant Masters or Honours degree (e.g. physiology, molecular biology, microbiology, food technology) with a minimum A- grade (or equivalent)

•  Excellent written and oral communication skills (IELTS score of 6.5 required if English is not first language)

•  Strong analytical and problem solving skills

•   Diligence, resilience and enthusiasm.

Previous experience working with animal studies and/or molecular biology laboratory would be advantageous.

Benefits

The three year studentships includes an annual tax-free stipend of NZD30,000 plus tuition fees and consumables. The research will be undertaken within the Food Nutrition & Health team at AgResearch Grasslands in Palmerston North, New Zealand. The project is funded by the Riddet Centre of Research Excellence and the student will be enrolled at Massey University in Palmerston North

  • The opportunity to take part in leading edge research.
  • Be a part of a successful multidisciplinary research team.
  • Develop your career as an independent researcher.

How to apply

The closing date for applications is 30 September 2016. Please apply online viahttps://careers.sciencenewzealand.org/jobdetails/ajid/FpQV7/PhD-Student-Smart-gut-in-early-life,18488.html

The intended start date for the projects are 01 November 2016, or as soon as possible after this date. Interested persons can contact Dr Caroline Thum by email caroline.thum@agresearch.co.nz or Assoc Prof Nicole Roy by email nicole.roy@agresearch.co.nz

THRiVE PhD and PostDoctoral Fellowships

Applications are invited for PhD and post-doctoral fellowships run by THRiVE, a DELTAS Africa consortium of East African Universities (Makerere UniversityGulu University and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College) and Research Institutes (International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology in Kenya (icipe), the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) at Mwanza in Tanzania, and the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), together with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the University of Cambridge, UK.

This scheme is aimed at supporting training and mentoring the most promising young scientists from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda selected in THRiVE-2 to become independent, internationally-recognised research leaders. Successful applicants will develop their potential to become excellent researchers within a structured mentored training environment. The focus of the programme is on rigorous, intensive health research training relevant to East Africa, and research projects will be carried out in Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda. Research projects focusing on an aspect of infectious diseases/neglected tropical diseases (IDs/NTDs), maternal, neonatal and reproductive health (MN/RH) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) will be considered (including, but not limited to, basic and clinical science, epidemiology or social science). Fellowships allow for sandwich attachments to LSHTM and University of Cambridge, UK.

The PhD fellowships will be up to four years, including a period of up to six months at either LSHTM or University of Cambridge. PhD degrees will be undertaken at one of the above three East African Universities in the consortium. Applicants will be expected to hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.

Post-doctoral fellowships will be for two years, including up to six months at either LSHTM or University of Cambridge. Applicants will be expected to have been awarded or defended their PhD theses not more than 5 years prior to launching the application. Courses will be attended and projects should be designed to develop the applicant’s potential to compete, in future, for international research funding. Fellows will be required to take advantage of the consortium research training courses/resources, excellent mentorship and strong research networks to achieve expected outputs (high quality publications, international collaborations and research grants).

Applicants for both PhD and post-doctoral fellowships must show a commitment to pursuing an academic or research career in East Africa after the training and engaging policy makers and the public in their research work. THRiVE support will include a stipend, university fees for PhD fellowships, research expenses, and travel costs.

Applications must be submitted through the consortium website via; Click here to apply

Deadline: 27th June, 2016

Download application guide here…

Source: THRiVE website

 

Elevator Pitch Contest on THE FUTURE OF MICRONUTRIENT INNOVATION

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An elevator pitch is a critical part of the entrepreneurial process. As competition for research and investment funds increases, young scientists will need to effectively articulate their idea and do so in a manner that is persuasive and precise.

At the Micronutrient Forum 2016, to be held in Cancun, Mexico, 24-28 October 2016; Sight and Life is organizing an elevator pitch contest on disruptive ideas to stimulate interest and dialogue, especially among students, on micronutrient innovation and entrepreneurship.

Process

30 June (13:00 hrs CEST): Complete and submit the entry form below

10 August: Five to seven names of the innovators will be announced

24-28 October: Selected innovators will present their ideas to a panel of experts and the audience in five minutes. Travel and accommodation expenses will be covered. The top three ideas selected by the jury will receive a cash award up to US$2000 and an opportunity to present their idea in a true “elevator ride” style in one minute to the entire audience at the Micronutrient Forum.

Eligibility

  • Students currently enrolled in any graduate or post-graduate program
  • Only one idea per team. The subject of the pitch must be your own idea or that of your team.
  • Identify one team member who will pitch at the Micronutrient Forum 2016
  • Entries that do not meet the guidelines in the application form will not qualify for the selection process

LEARN Postdoctoral Fellowship

Purpose

The Postdoctoral Fellowship provides funds for an emerging scientist from a developing country to undertake a research project in New Zealand in an area aligned with livestock greenhouse gas emissions. The award aims to build the applicant’s capabilities so that they can help increase the level of scientific skill across their home organisation and country, as well as build closer relationships with New Zealand.

The Fellowship must be spent in New Zealand. It is for a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of two years and must be started within one year of the award being granted. The Fellowship does NOT support conference visits.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible* for the Postdoctoral Fellowship, you must:

  • Have gained a PhD in the last 5 years.
  • Be a high achieving researcher (supported by academic transcripts, letters of recommendation and publishing record).
  • Be employed in an area of research aligned with livestock greenhouse gas mitigation in your home country.
  • Have the support of your employer to apply for the Fellowship.
  • Have a mentor in a New Zealand research organisation (host).
  • Be resident in a developing country as defined by the OECD list of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) recipients. The list is available via this link.
  • Satisfy New Zealand Government requirements for international entry into New Zealand.
  • Be able to speak and understand English to a level sufficient to function in a research role.

*The New Zealand Government reserves the right to review the eligibility requirements at any time and in exceptional circumstances award fellowships to applicants who do not meet all the requirements.

Funding

Funding is available for:

  • Up to NZD$50,000 per year (pro rata) for a maximum of two years to cover living expenses while in New Zealand (pro rata to be calculated on time spent in New Zealand).
  • Up to NZD$5,000 will be provided for return economy class airfares and travel/medical insurance.
  • Up to NZD$5,000 will be provided to assist with research costs associated with the project.

Note that the Fellowship can be flexible to allow for multiple shorter stays in New Zealand. The minimum duration at any one time in New Zealand is six months, and there must be at least two visits to New Zealand in a two year award period.

Funds will be made available subject to the approval of a detailed budget, including evidence of estimated costs, and subject to evidence being provided of employment at your home organisation. This information is requested at the full application stage (see below). All funds will be administered through the New Zealand host organisation.

Once an award has been granted, it is the applicant’s responsibility to work with the New Zealand host organisation to make arrangements for travel, accommodation, insurance and any other logistical requirements.

How to apply

A two stage process applies.

Stage One: Expression of Interest

An Expression of Interest (EOI) must be completed and submitted to the LEARN Administrator at NZAGRC to determine eligibility (awards@nzagrc.org.nz). Please use the following form:

 LEARN Postdoctoral fellowship Expression of… (0.27MB)

An EOI for a Postdoctoral Fellowship can be submitted at any time during the year, however full applications are assessed on an annual basis.

Stage Two: Full application

If eligibility is confirmed, the applicant will be invited to submit a full application to be considered by an assessment panel and the New Zealand Government.

The deadline for submitting a full application is 30 June (New Zealand time), for assessment in July.

The full application process is as follows:

  1. Develop a proposal and budget for the postdoctoral research project in close collaboration with the New Zealand host organisation. The budget should include supporting evidence of all associated costs.
  2. Complete all sections of the application form in English.
  3. Sign and date the declaration.
  4. Collect and attach any supporting documents as stipulated on the application form.
  5. Send completed application documents to the New Zealand host organisation.
  6. The New Zealand host organisation must submit the application and supporting documentation to NZAGRC by 30 June of the year the application is to be assessed.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

More information

The LEARN awards scheme is part of the New Zealand Government’s support for the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA). The awards scheme aims to attract and support activities that align with the GRA as well as New Zealand’s research priorities. For more information, please see:

Source: LEARN website

LEARN Co-funded PhD Scholarship

Purpose

The Co-funded PhD Scholarship provides a stipend for a PhD student from a developing country to benefit from having supervision and conducting part of the research in a New Zealand research organisation in an area of research aligned with livestock greenhouse gas emissions.

The Scholarship is for a maximum of three years duration and the student can be enrolled in a PhD programme in their home country or in New Zealand Institution to receive the Scholarship. If the applicant is enrolled in their home country, the award provides for them to participate in a 12-month (maximum) PhD placement in New Zealand, which can be split into multiple visits over the three year period. If the applicant is enrolled in a New Zealand organisation, they must spend 12 months (minimum) in New Zealand.The PhD must be started within one year of the award being granted. Conference visits are NOT supported.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible* for the Co-funded PhD Scholarship, you must:

  • Be enrolled or in the process of enrolling in a PhD programme in your home country and/or a New Zealand research organisation in an area aligned with livestock greenhouse gas mitigation.
  • Have identified a suitable PhD supervisor in a New Zealand research organisation (host) who will be an integral part of the PhD supervisory team for the duration of the PhD.
  • Be a high achieving student (supported by academic transcripts, letters of recommendation and publishing record (if appropriate)).
  • Have secured or are likely to receive co-funding (this could be a scholarship or a stipend) from an organisation in your home country or elsewhere.
  • Be resident in a developing country as defined by the OECD list of Overseas Development Assistance recipients. The list is available via this link.
  • Satisfy New Zealand Government requirements for international entry into New Zealand.
  • Be able to speak and understand English to a level sufficient to function in a research role.

*The New Zealand Government reserves the right to review the eligibility requirements at any time and in exceptional circumstances award fellowships to applicants who do not meet all the requirements.

Funding

Funding is available for:

  • Up to NZD$15,000 per year for a maximum of three years to cover living expenses while in New Zealand.
  • Up to NZD$5,000 will be provided for return economy class airfares and travel/medical insurance.
  • Up to NZD$5,000 will be provided to assist with research costs associated with the PhD.

Funds will be made available subject to the approval of a detailed budget, including evidence of estimated costs, and subject to evidence being provided of confirmed co-funding and acceptance into an appropriate PhD programme. This information is requested at the full application stage (see below). All funds will be administered through the New Zealand host organisation.

Once an award has been granted, it is the applicant’s responsibility to work with the New Zealand host organisation to make arrangements for travel, accommodation, insurance and any other logistical requirements.

How to Apply

A two stage process applies.

Stage One: Expression of Interest

An Expression of Interest (EOI) must be completed and submitted to the LEARN Administrator at NZAGRC to determine eligibility (awards@nzagrc.org.nz). Please use the following form:

 LEARN PhD scholarship Expression of Interest… (0.28MB)

An EOI for a Co-funded PhD Scholarship can be submitted at any time during the year, however full applications are assessed on an annual basis.

Stage Two: Full application

If eligibility is confirmed, the applicant will be invited to submit a full application to be considered by an assessment panel and the New Zealand Government.

The deadline for submitting a full application is 30 June (New Zealand time), for assessment in July.

The full application process is as follows:

  1. Develop a proposal and budget for the co-funded PhD programme and New Zealand placement/s in close collaboration with your supervisor in the New Zealand host organisation. The budget should include supporting evidence of all associated costs.
  2. Complete all sections of the application form in English.
  3. Sign and date the declaration.
  4. Collect and attach any supporting documents as stipulated on the application form.
  5. Send completed application documents to the New Zealand host organisation.
  6. The New Zealand host organisation must submit the application and supporting documentation to NZAGRC by 30 June of the year the application is to be assessed.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

More information

The LEARN awards scheme is part of the New Zealand Government’s support for the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA). The awards scheme aims to attract and support activities that align with the GRA as well as New Zealand’s research priorities. For more information, please see:

Source: LEARN website

ECOWAS Fellowship Programme for Masters & PhD – 2015 Competition

ecowasThe Association of African Universities (AAU) is pleased to announce the 2015 maiden edition of the ECOWAS Fellowship Programme for Masters and PhD (EFP) under the sponsorship of the Economic Commission for West African States (ECOWAS). The Programme seeks to promote capacity building within the ECOWAS 15-member countries by providing full fellowships for training and education for nationals of ECOWAS member states in higher education institutions of ECOWAS.

Eligibility: The Programme is open to qualified nationals (including graduate students, researchers, lecturers, and staff) of ECOWAS member states who will be admitted for Masters or PhD degree programme at any one of the following three universities:
(a). University of Lagos, Nigeria
(b). University of Ibadan, Nigeria
(c). Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Senegal
A good first degree (at least second class upper division or its equivalent) is required for Masters degree programme. An MPhil degree or its equivalent is required for PhD programme.

Priority will be given to Anglophone nationals who want admission into Francophone institutions, as well as to Francophone nationals who want admission into Anglophone institutions. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

Study Disciplines

Applications are invited from all disciplines linked to the fields of strategic importance to the West African region such as:
1.    Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM);
2.    Earth and Life Sciences;
3.    Health including maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, etc.;
4.    Agriculture, Food Security and related disciplines
5.    History of Africa
6.    Information technology; and
7.    Gender issues.

Full Scholarship

The ECOWAS Fellowship Programme (EFP) is a full scholarship intended to cater for each fellow’s costs of living, tuition fees, visas, travel, insurance and thesis research. In this respect, ECOWAS will pay the tuition fees directly to the institutions and provide a monthly stipend of US$600 per Masters student and US$800 per PhD student to cover all other expenses for the duration of the degree programme.

Application Procedure

Qualified candidates will be admitted to one of the three institutions mentioned above. Please ensure that the institution that you have selected offers the course you have chosen.  All the three universities provide information about their degree programmes on their websites.

Each application must include the following:
1.    A photocopy of the degree and other certificates.
2.    Most recent curriculum vitae.

Submission

The 2015 Applications are accepted before October 15, 2015 from eligible students from ECOWAS member institutions. Applicants submitting applications in response to the 2015 ECOWAS call are hereby informed that an online application form has been created to facilitate the application process. Those that already emailed their applications should also re-apply using the new instructions. Please follow the instructions below:

  1. Open the link from here: http://www.aau.org/ecoapp/
  2. Make sure that you have all the required information ready including your CV and scanned certificates
  3. Each supporting document that you upolad must not exceed 1MB
  4. You need about 45 minutes online to complete the form
  5. Please email the following people if you encounter challenges:
    • Technical Issues with the online form: pymireku@aau.org
    • Queries about the ECOWAS call: ghansen@aau.org
    • Or telephone: +233302774495

We sincerely apologize for any inconveniences caused by this change.

Version française

Source: Association of African Universities Blog