An African-focused research fellowship is offered by the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP). The new Global South Fellowship program from WCRP makes the fellowship available.

In order to enhance climate research efforts in their respective regions, the Global South Fellowship program aims to provide early- to mid-career researchers* from the Global South with the opportunity to build their own WCRP-related research activity. A vast array of scientific issues are covered by the fellowship subjects, which are developed through the priorities of WCRP activities (Core Projects and Lighthouse Activities) and detailed in the WCRP Science and Implementation Plan.

Early to mid-career applicants from Africa are invited to submit research proposals for this 2024 call, which is organised by WCRP. A host institution must endorse such ideas and promise that a selected candidate would work on the fellowship project full-time for the duration of the fellowship at the host institution. Successful projects should improve climate action for and in Africa, fill important gaps in WCRP-related African climate research, foster the development of a community of practice, and have the potential to leave a lasting legacy that can be built upon in the long run. Proposals, for instance, might spur the creation of a community of practice for the intersection between policy and climate change.

The concept of climate literacy, or the inconsistency of climate data for various stakeholders and policy makers, is another example. Promising research with evident transformative potential and laying the groundwork for African researchers to spearhead WCRP (legacy) projects are hallmarks of successful projects. When necessary, the proposal should provide links to pertinent WCRP core activities.

Details of the award
WCRP leadership has set aside CHF 50K for an Africa-focused Global South Fellowship. One researcher's salary is supposed to be supported by the prize. Every proposal must include a thorough explanation of the research topic, a budget that outlines the resources to be used, how long they will take to complete, and whether any more resources could be used.

Ideally, the fellowship will begin in late 2024 (subject to discussions). The host institution should write and sign a letter of commitment to go with the proposal. The following expenses may be covered: (1) the candidate's pay, which should be comparable to the cost of employment at the host institution; (2) transportation assistance to a pertinent WCRP meeting and any necessary local travel for research; and (3) the acquisition of an authorised laptop. Institutional overhead can be negotiated if needed. But no equipment can be protected.

The WCRP fellowship selection committee will choose the winner of this open call based on the quality of the submitted proposal and the results of an oral or online interview. The proposal must be exceptional and clearly connected with the goals of the WCRP. Leading figures from the African scholarly community and JSC members will make up the fellowship selection committee.

Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to review WCRP's Science and Implementation Plan and the description of WCRP’s Core Projects and Lighthouse Activities therein and build their project in consultation with the co-chairs of relevant WCRP groups.

pplications should be submitted only online through the link:

• Application form available at: https://airtable.com/app2qHWYfngYiwBD5/pagiynVBWuczWafM3/fo
• Research proposal template available at: https://www.wcrp-climate.org/images/Fellowship_Africa/ResearchProposal_template_July11_Final.docx

Applications must be submitted by September 30, 2024.