Are you a mid-career African researcher in basic and applied science, engineering, social sciences, art, and the humanities? Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) invites you to apply for their leadership program to enable solve complex issues facing Africa and the world at large.
About The Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP)
The Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) is an innovative initiative led by the University of Pretoria and the Global Young Academy, supported by the Robert Bosch Stiftung. Its main objective is to nurture and empower mid-career African academics in three key areas: thought leadership, team management, and research development.
The program aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to a new paradigm for science in Africa.
The ASLP has the following specific goals:
- Identify and support early- to mid-career academics who demonstrate leadership potential and a strong interest in developing essential leadership skills.
- Assist participants in applying their newly acquired skills to projects that have a meaningful impact on academic development in Africa and its societal implications.
- Establish a network of academic leaders across countries and disciplines, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Develop a curriculum for academic leadership development that can be implemented in other institutions within Africa and beyond.
About the Leadership Programme
The Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) is designed to identify and support early- to mid-career academics who show leadership potential and a desire to develop important leadership skills. The ASLP achieves its objectives through the following components:
Selection of Promising Academics: The ASLP identifies individuals in the early to mid-stages of their careers who have demonstrated leadership potential and a genuine interest in enhancing their leadership skills.
Application of Skills to Relevant Projects: Participants receive training in a highly interactive format that emphasizes practical application. They are encouraged to apply their acquired skills to projects that have a direct impact on the academic development of Africa and its societal outcomes.
Creation of a Network of Academic Leaders: The ASLP fosters the formation of a network of academic leaders across countries and disciplines. This network encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the breaking down of disciplinary boundaries.
Advancement of Academic Leadership Curriculum: The ASLP is committed to developing a curriculum that can be utilized in institutions across Africa and beyond. This curriculum focuses on enhancing leadership development in academia, offering valuable resources for future leaders.
Africa Science Leadership Programme Structure
The ASLP implements a comprehensive structure to deliver its objectives. The program begins with a five-day intensive on-site training in Pretoria, South Africa, scheduled for 01-05 December 2023 (with a departure on the 06th). This training employs an interactive approach, cycling between theory, application, and reflection. Participants are challenged to work collaboratively, designing initiatives that advance a new paradigm for African science.
Throughout the program, participants receive ongoing support through peer interactions and mentorship. The ASLP encourages an engaged learning environment that combines training, project application, peer support, and mentor guidance to foster effective leadership development.
The training provided in the Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) will cover several essential elements to develop effective leadership skills. Which include:
- Core Elements of Collective Leadership: Participants will learn about the principles and practices of collective leadership, which involve working collaboratively and leveraging diverse perspectives to address complex challenges.
- Creative and Systems Thinking: The training will encourage participants to think creatively and adopt a systems thinking approach which involves understanding the interconnections and interdependencies in finding innovative solutions.
- Development of Effective Networks: Participants will learn strategies for building and maintaining effective networks. This includes understanding the importance of networking for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and support in their professional journeys.
- Stakeholder Engagement for Change: Participants will learn techniques for effective stakeholder engagement, including communication, negotiation, and building relationships.
- Maximizing the Efficiency and Impact of Collaborative Efforts: The ASLP will provide insights into maximizing the efficiency and impact of collaborative efforts. Participants will explore methods for coordinating and aligning efforts within interdisciplinary and international teams.
- Advanced Dialogue and Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial in leadership. Participants will enhance their dialogue and communication skills, enabling them to articulate ideas, listen actively, and foster productive discussions.
- Effective Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: The training will equip participants with problem-solving and decision-making techniques that can be applied in complex situations. They will learn to analyze problems, generate innovative solutions, and make informed decisions.
Following the initial training, fellows will apply their newly acquired skills to a focus area or project relevant to their specific context. Throughout the year, participants will stay engaged with the ASLP community and receive professional support. Most of the costs related to training, travel, meals, and accommodation will be covered.
In 2024, fellows will complete their projects and present them at the second training, which will span three days. This provides an opportunity for fellows to showcase their achievements and share their experiences with the wider Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) community.
Expected commitment
The Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) expects a certain level of commitment from its participants. Here are the key aspects of the expected commitment:
- Time Commitment: Fellows should be prepared to dedicate their time to the two multi-day training sessions. The initial training session will last five days, and the second training session will span three days. These sessions are intensive and require active participation.
- Leadership Project Development: Fellows will be expected to work on their leadership projects throughout the program. This entails dedicating time to plan, implement, and monitor the project’s progress. The development of the project may require additional time and effort outside of the training sessions.
- Engagement with Peers: Fellows are encouraged to actively engage with other participants in the Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) community. This includes participating in peer support activities, sharing insights and experiences, and fostering collaboration among fellows. Building connections and contributing to the collective learning environment is an important aspect of the program.
- Financial Responsibilities: While many costs related to training, travel, meals, and accommodation are covered by the program, there may be additional expenses that participants need to bear. These expenses can include visa application costs, vaccinations, and local travel expenses. Participants should be prepared to seek financial support from their local institutions or cover these costs personally.
Selection Process
The selection process for the Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) involves a thorough evaluation of applicants based on various criteria. Here is an overview of the selection process:
1. Vision and Future Involvement: Applicants need to demonstrate a compelling vision for their future involvement in research projects, programs, policies, or societal structures. The selection process emphasizes the applicant’s potential to make a significant impact in their field and contribute to the development of research and society.
2. Diversity Considerations: The selection process aims to ensure diversity in terms of culture, subject background (natural sciences, social sciences, humanities), and gender among the fellows. Efforts are made to create small leadership groups from the same center or country, where multiple strong applicants are present.
3. Review and Shortlisting: Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted by representatives from the University of Pretoria, the Global Young Academy, national young academies, and ASLP Management. The shortlisting process involves careful evaluation of each application based on the selection criteria.
4. Final Selection: The Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) Management team makes the final selection of candidates based on the shortlisted applications and the recommendations of the review committee.
Nomination Criteria:
The following criteria are used as a guide for nominating and selecting fellows:
- Holder of a Ph.D. or equivalent qualification.
- Holding a faculty or continuing research position at a research institution.
Actively engaged in research and teaching at an African institution of higher education or research. - Demonstrating a sustained record of outstanding scientific outputs.
- Showing interest in translating and communicating research results for societal impact.
- Displaying leadership ability in research and beyond.
- Expressing interest in addressing complex issues through research.
- Demonstrating a willingness to collaborate across disciplines and sectors.
- Commitment to participate in all fellowship activities.
- Intent to share knowledge gained from the program with broader networks.
- Support Letters: Applicants are required to submit two support letters from academic referees. The referees should be able to provide insights into the applicant’s qualifications and potential for leadership. One referee should commit to future communication and mentorship if the applicant is selected.
Requirement
To complete your application for the Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP), you will need to provide the following documents:
- Personal Information: Fill out a form with your personal details, including your name, contact information, educational background, and professional experience.
- Research Profile and CV: Prepare a document outlining your research profile, including details about your academic qualifications, research interests, publications, and any relevant professional achievements. Attach an updated curriculum vitae (CV) that provides a comprehensive overview of your educational and research background.
- Motivation: Write a compelling motivation statement explaining why you are interested in participating in the ASLP. Discuss your leadership potential, your commitment to research and its impact on society, and how you envision contributing to the program’s objectives.
- Letter of Support: Request a letter of support from an academic referee who is familiar with your work and can attest to your qualifications, leadership abilities, and potential for growth. The letter should be sent directly from the referee’s accredited institutional email address.
- Submit: Once you have completed and saved all the required forms (Personal Information, Research profile and CV, Motivation, and Letter of Support), submit your application through the designated submission channel provided by the ASLP
Application Process
- Once you have completed your biographical data, click ‘save and next’ to continue to the following section of the application.
- Once you save the biographical data page, you will receive an email with a link to complete your application at a later stage.
- You will be asked to upload a CV, as well as a motivation for wanting to join the program.
- You will be asked for two letters of reference.
- The closing date for the application is 15 July 2023.
- Please ensure you save your details and submit the application when complete,
No incomplete applications will be considered.
How to apply
To apply kindly fill out your Biographical data and contact information on the online form
Timeline
- 15 July 2023 Applications close
- 01-08 September 2023 Outcome letters sent to applicants
- 31 November 2023 Arrival of fellows in Pretoria
Overview
Types of opportunity: Leadership Training/Funding
Deadline: 15 July 2023
Open to: Early- to mid-career African academics in various disciplines
Duration: 1-5 December
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Organizer: Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP)
Country: Africa
Inquiry
Watch program videos on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgoqpaCac4I&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Faslp.science%2F&source_ve_path=MTY0OTksMjM4NTE&feature=emb_title
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for more information visit the Africa Science Leadership Programme
