The Discretionary Funding Initiative (DFI), funded by the Michigan State University Foundation, provides bridge funds for tenure stream faculty for additional studies needed for resubmission of an unsuccessful, but nearly fundable, grant application to the same program within a funding agency.  To request funding from this program, faculty should submit a proposal via the grant proposal system. Applicants will be expected to provide copies of their previous external reviews, if applicable, and describe the work that will be completed to address the comments provided in those documents. The research associate dean of the applicant's college (lead college if appointed in multiple colleges) will review applications, and submit a prioritized list to the Office for Research and Innovation (OR&I). Requests for support approved by the research associate deans will be reviewed by the OR&I. The maximum award from OR&I will be $25K and will require a 100% (up to $25K) match from units or colleges. Funds will be available for 18 months.   For more information or to apply, click here. Read more

Funded jointly by the MSU Foundation and MSU colleges, the Strategic Partnership Grants (SPG) Program is an important funding mechanism to support promising new initiatives in key areas of research, scholarship and multidisciplinary collaboration. A successful SPG concept would be of sufficient caliber that it would achieve several of the following aspirations: Create a nexus of national/international research preeminence that will raise the stature of the university, significantly differentiating MSU from its peers. Promote productive and sustained research collaboration and productivity among faculty that, without this funding, would otherwise not occur. Promote work that is high risk, high return, with a potential for high reputational benefit.  Position MSU faculty to compete successfully for significant external funding by creating a path to sustainability of the research endeavor; builds a bridge to a future, not a project that ends at the end of the SPG funding. Promote the development of research ideas with significant (long term) commercial potential and/or broad community or global impact. The SPG program enables such opportunities by supporting research and scholarship that is leading-edge, interdisciplinary, and capitalizes on the existing intellectual and research resources at Michigan State University. The SPG program advances MSU Foundation’s mission to provide grant funding for the development of new knowledge, to lay the groundwork for centers of excellence at the university, and to invest in the development of Michigan State University as one of the nation's leading research institutions. Managed by the Office of Research and Innovation (OR&I), proposals for new and innovative research initiatives are solicited annually in a two-stage review process (preliminary proposals and invited full proposals). Up to five applications will be submitted for review by the MSU Foundation in June of each year.  Eligibility The SPG program is open to multidisciplinary or multi-institutional PI teams comprised of: Full time tenured and tenure-track faculty Faculty with uninterrupted, multi-year, fixed term appointments in academic departments (faculty with visiting or adjunct appointments are not eligible)  Faculty with one-year appointments who obtain written confirmation from their departmental chair that they will be appointed through the duration of the grant (letters from the chair should be attached to the faculty’s CV and uploaded under the PI/Co-PI Information tab).  Academic specialists in the continuing appointment system who have the majority of their effort in the research category (the term "faculty" in this RFP includes these specialists) Click here for more information on the funding opportunity or to apply Read more

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking concept paper applications for an assistance type of award mechanism from qualified entities to implement the Scaling Sustainability and Resilience of Community Conservancies in Northern Rangelands and Coastal Ecosystems of Kenya program. Eligibility for this award is not restricted.   USAID intends to fund one or multiple awards to maximize development impact and efficient resource use by engaging in new, or expanding existing, partnerships in priority areas identified in the program description. The program intends to adopt and scale innovative solutions in meeting the identified development challenges. USAID/Kenya and East Africa (USAID/KEA) intends to award to the applicant(s) who best meets the objectives of this funding opportunity based on the merit review criteria described in this NFO, subject to a risk assessment. Eligible parties interested in submitting applications are encouraged to read this NFO thoroughly to understand the type of program sought, application submission requirements and selection process.   This NFO will follow a 3-phase process: Phase 1: Submission of Concept Paper Phase 2: Participation in Co-creation Workshop – for pre-selected successful applicant(s) Phase 3: Submission of Full Application   More information on the funding opportunity can be found on on the grants.gov website Read more

Funding: $18,000–$30,000Opens: August 1Deadline: November 15 International Fellowships have been in existence since 1917. The program provides support for women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the United States to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and who intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career. A limited number of awards are available for study outside of the U.S. (excluding the applicant’s home country) to women who are members of Graduate Women International (see the list of GWI affiliates). Both graduate and postgraduate studies at accredited U.S. institutions are supported. Applicants must have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree by the application deadline and must have applied to their proposed institutions of study by the time of the application. Recipients are selected for academic achievement and demonstrated commitment to women and girls. Recipients return to their home countries to become leaders in business, government, academia, community activism, the arts or scientific fields.   For more information go to: https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/current-opportunities/international/  Read more

TWAS offers fellowships to young scientists in developing countries to enable them to spend three to 12 months at a research institution in a developing country other than their own. The purpose of these fellowships is to enhance the research capacity of promising scientists, especially those at the beginning of their research career, helping them to foster links for further collaboration.   Eligibility The fellowships are for research and advanced training. They are offered to young scientists holding at least an MSc or equivalent degree. Eligible applicants for the fellowships are young scientists working in any area of natural sciences who are citizens of a developing country and are employed by a research institution in a developing country. There is no age limit. However, preference is given to young scientists at the beginning of their research career and those working in Least Developed Countries. Lists of possible host institutions divided by field are available here. These lists are only a suggestion and institutions that are not included are acceptable as long as they are in a developing country. Institutes of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), China, are not eligible host institutions under this programme. Applicants interested in conducting a fellowship in China are required to check whether their chosen host is a CAS institute. For a complete list of CAS institutes, see: english.cas.cn/institutes/. Applicants wishing to attend a CAS institute should either apply to the CAS-TWAS President’s Postgraduate Fellowship Programme or consider the CAS Fellowships for Postdoctoral and Visiting Scholars from Developing Countries (http://english.cas.cn/cooperation/fellowships/201503/t20150313_145274.shtml). Deadline: 1 October each year. Terms of the Fellowships The fellowships are offered for a minimum of three months and a maximum of twelve months. TWAS covers international low-cost airfare plus a contribution towards subsistence amounting to a maximum of USD 300 per month. No other costs will be provided by TWAS. The host institution is expected to provide accommodation and food as well as research facilities. Fellowships are awarded by the TWAS Fellowships Committee on the basis of scientific merit. Submitting your application Applicants must complete the online application form by clicking on the 'Apply now' button at the bottom of this page. While filling in the online application, applicants also need to upload the following documentation: scanned copy of your passport, even if expired (page with your name and surname); CV, maximum five pages including publications; Supporting Statement from Head of Home Institution; two reference letters of senior scientists familiar with your work. Please note that the Head of your Home Institution cannot be one of your referees; MSc certificate and relevant university transcripts; Official invitation letter from the  Head of the Host Institute;   IMPORTANT Note that the Fellowships are provided for South-South visits only, i.e. for visits by researchers from developing countries to institutions in other developing countries. Please be advised that applicants may apply for only one programme per calendar year in the TWAS and OWSD portfolio. Applicants will not be eligible to visit another institution in that year under the TWAS Visiting Professorprogrammes. One exception: the head of an institution who invites an external scholar to share his/her expertise under the TWAS Visiting Professor programmes may still apply for another programme.   Contact email:  exchanges@twas.org Read more

The UNTBLDC-TWAS-ICGEB South-North Programme for Exchanges and Collaborations provides scientists from LDCs who hold a MSc, preferably a PhD, and who are maximum 45 years old, with the opportunity to pay a visit to ICGEB laboratories in Trieste, Italy, for the duration of 6 months maximum. The aim of the visit is to provide the opportunity to become acquainted with the scientific process, including how to develop a research project and take it to a successful conclusion and how to teach, train and transfer knowledge to younger students and researchers. Moreover, scientists will be exposed to an international scientific environment which will be an asset in the progression of their careers and will also positively impact their institution of origin. The United Nations Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries, through TWAS, will cover travel expenses and provide subsistence costs for the stay in Italy, while the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, as host institution, will provide the laboratory facilities and the research support. The administration and financial operation of TWAS is undertaken by UNESCO in accordance with an agreement signed by the two organizations. Eligibility Applicants must be a maximum age of 45 years on 31 December of the application year; Applicants must have a MSc, preferably a PhD; Applicants must be living and working in a Least Developed Country (LDC); Women scientists are especially encouraged to apply; Proposals need to be on projects relevant to ICGEB Trieste: Non communicable diseases (cardiovascular disorders; cancer; immunology; neurodegeneration; genetic disease); Human viral diseases (dengue, chikungunya, zika, tick-borne encephalitis viruses, Covid19); Biotherapeutics and Biosimilars; Plant biotechnology and microbiome studies; Computational Biology. Submitting your application Applicants must complete the online application form by clicking on the 'Apply now' button at the bottom of this page. While filling in the online application, applicants also need to upload the following documentation: scanned copy of your passport, even if expired (page with your name and surname); CV, maximum two pages including a list of your 6 best publications; A recent invitation letter from the ICGEB host Professor – on the host institution’s letterhead paper – which should contain the proposed time of the visit (up to 6 months) and should refer to the proposed cooperation. It should be made evident that the applicant and the proposed host have been in contact regarding the scientific work to be done during the visit and that the conditions for conducting the work have been agreed in terms of the timing of the visit and the facilities available. two reference letters from senior scientists familiar with your work. The letters need to be on headed paper and signed; copy of your MSc certificate; evidence of proficiency in English; supporting statement from the Head/Director of the applicant's home institute: it must confirm that the Head/Director is favourable to the application and that the applicant will be granted leave to take up the cooperation visit in Italy if awarded. Timescale and recommendations for applicants It is strongly recommended that you start the process well in advance as the following stages are required: study the host institution website to consider research areas and possible host supervisor; get in touch with potential host supervisor to introduce yourself and discuss research plan for a possible visit; should there be an agreement, obtain acceptance letter from potential host supervisor; register on the online platform, fill in the form and upload all documentation to submit your application.   Other information The UNTBLDC-TWAS-ICGEB South-North Programme does not include provisions for accompanying family members. Applications for part-time visits will be considered ineligible. Successful applicants must not take up other assignments during the period of their visits. TWAS shall be entitled to a repayment of all or part of any funds paid to an applicant hereunder, in the event that the applicant intentionally or negligently fails to fulfil any or all of the above conditions. The applicant agrees to pay any reasonable legal and/or collection costs incurred by TWAS to obtain the repayment. Please be advised that applicants may apply for only one programme per calendar year in the TWAS and OWSD portfolio. Applicants will not be eligible to visit another institution in that year under the TWAS Visiting Professor programmes. One exception: the head of an institution who invites an external scholar to share his/her expertise under the TWAS Visiting Professor programmes may still apply for another programme. Contact email:  exchanges@twas.org Read more

The UNTBLDC-TWAS-ICGEB South-South Programme for Exchanges and Collaborations provides scientists from LDCs who hold a MSc, preferably a PhD, and who are maximum 45 years old, with the opprtunity to pay a visit to either the ICGEB Cape Town, South Africa or the ICGEB New Delhi, India for the duration of 6 months maximum. The aim of the visit is to provide the opportunity to become acquainted with the scientific process, including how to develop a research project and take it to a successful conclusion and how to teach, train and transfer knowledge to younger students and researchers. Moreover, scientists will be exposed to an international scientific environment which will be an asset in the progression of their careers and will also positively impact their institution of origin. The United Nations Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries, through TWAS, will cover travel expenses and provide subsistence costs for the stay at the host institution, while the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, as host institution, will provide the laboratory facilities and the research support. The administration and financial operation of TWAS is undertaken by UNESCO in accordance with an agreement signed by the two organizations.   Eligibility Applicants must be a maximum age of 45 years on 31 December of the application year; Applicants must have a MSc, preferably a PhD; Applicants must be living and working in a Least Developed Country (LDC); Women scientists are especially encouraged to apply; Proposals need to be on projects relevant to            ICGEB Cape Town: Parasitic Diseases (tuberculosis, African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis and helminthic infections); Human viral diseases (emerging viruses); Cancer; Biopesticides; Systems Biology or ICGEB New Delhi: Agricultural biotechnology (Crop improvement, biotic and abiotic stress resistance); Human Viral Diseases (dengue, tuberculosis, Covid19 etc.); Human Parasitic Diseases (Malaria); Recombinant Diagnostics & Vaccines development; Cancer; Biofuels. Submitting your application Applicants must complete the online application form by clicking on the 'Apply now' button at the bottom of this page. While filling in the online application, applicants also need to upload the following documentation: scanned copy of your passport, even if expired (page with your name and surname); CV, maximum two pages including a list of your 6 best publications; a recent invitation letter from the ICGEB host Professor – on the host institution’s letterhead paper – which should contain the proposed time of the visit (up to 6 months) and should refer to the proposed cooperation. It should be made evident that the applicant and the proposed host supervisor have been in contact regarding the scientific work to be done during the visit and that the conditions for conducting the work have been agreed in terms of the timing of the visit and the facilities available; two reference letters from senior scientists familiar with your work. The letters need to be on headed paper and signed; copy of your MSc certificate; evidence of proficiency in English; supporting statement from the Head/Director of the applicant's home institute: it must confirm that the Head/Director is favourable to the application and that the applicant will be granted leave to take up the cooperation visit in South Africa or India if awarded. Timescale and recommendations for applicants It is strongly recommended that you start the process well in advance as the following stages are required: study the host institution website to consider research areas and possible host supervisor; get in touch with potential host supervisor to introduce yourself and discuss research plan for a possible visit; should there be an agreement, obtain acceptance letter from potential host supervisor; register on the online platform, fill in the form and upload all documentation to submit your application. Other information The UNTBLDC-TWAS-ICGEB South-South Programme does not include provisions for accompanying family members. Applications for part-time visits will be considered ineligible. Successful applicants must not take up other assignments during the period of their visits. TWAS shall be entitled to a repayment of all or part of any funds paid to an applicant hereunder, in the event that the applicant intentionally or negligently fails to fulfil any or all of the above conditions. The applicant agrees to pay any reasonable legal and/or collection costs incurred by TWAS to obtain the repayment. Please be advised that applicants may apply for only one programme per calendar year in the TWAS and OWSD portfolio. Applicants will not be eligible to visit another institution in that year under the TWAS Visiting Professorprogrammes. One exception: the head of an institution who invites an external scholar to share his/her expertise under the TWAS Visiting Professor programmes may still apply for another programme.   Contact email:  exchanges@twas.org Read more

The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), a consortium of 129 Universities in 38 African Countries, is pleased to announce the call for 2021 RUFORUM Young African Entrepreneurs Competition (RUYAEC). The overall purpose of the RUFORUM Young African Entrepreneurs Competition (RUYAEC) is to catalyse entrepreneurship through promotion of business innovation and provision of seed funding to young entrepreneurs with creative and innovative business ideas among African youth. RUYAEC will target young African entrepreneurs and incubates below 35 years of age to compete for 20 awards that show case their innovations, enterprises, business concepts and propositions.   This fourth round (see previous rounds here) of the RUFORUM Young Innovators Competition will be an Africa-wide competition and hence it will target all African countries. The awards will be made in Cotonou, Benin during the RUFORUM Triennial Conference in December, 2021.   RUFORUM targets to provide 20 awards to young innovators and entrepreneurs in the following fields: Food and agribusiness, Incubations, ICTs, Health, Engineering, Natural resources, and Meteorology, among others. All the 2016, 2018, and 2019 RUFORUM Young Innovators Awardees are NOT eligible to apply.   The RUYAEC operates within one of RUFORUM’s values and principles of creativity seeking to offer opportunities to develop innovative solutions both in addressing the problems faced by smallholder farmers, and in managing research projects in remote areas.   For more information, please visit https://ruforum.smehub.africa/. The new revised deadline of submissions of applications for this fourth round is 31st August 2021.   Read more

Michigan Fellows Agribusiness Initiative (MFAI) a Ugandan-based NGO formed by alumni from MSU/AAP PFP, is seeking partners for a proposed project titled: Emerging community leaders E-course. The project will seek funds from the US Missions Kampala under the funding call. Find the link Here. The E-course content focuses on leadership, project management, civil engagement, and fundraising. Interested persons, organizations, institutions with expertise in these four areas and website designing are urgently needed. Kindly reach out to Raymond by email at raymondakiiki091@gmail.com if you are interested. Kindly note that the deadline for submission is fast approaching which is 20th August 2021. Read more

October 25-26 (Monday-Tuesday), 2021   |   Online / Hybrid   Following the success of the Inaugural “Out of (and Into) Africa” Conference - International Symposium on African Consumer Marketing and Firm Strategies - which was held at the Graves School of Business and Management, Morgan State University, Baltimore in 2018, we are now excited to launch the next edition of the conference with multi-HBCU involvement. Sponsored by: Morgan State University, CIBER-CMCC, and Howard University Paper Submission Deadline Extended to: July 20, 2021 Submit your paper via the Paper Submission Form and register via the Conference Registration Form below. Read more

Thursday & Friday, October 21 & 22, 2021   |   Virtual International Symposium The Howard University Department of African Studies will host an international virtual symposium on Digital Learning in Global Africa During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic, on October 21 and 22, 2021. The Department plans the symposium in collaboration with the Title VI Center for African Studies at Howard University; the Howard University Department of World Languages and Cultures; the Howard University Department of Strategic, Legal and Management Communication; the Howard University Center for Women and Gender Studies; the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs (TM-School) South Africa; the Bowie State University Department of History & Government; Distance Education for Africa (DeAfrica); and the State of the African Diaspora. The purpose of the Symposium is to enable scholars, researchers, and Higher Education Executives from the African continent and the Global African Diaspora (GAD) to critically reflect on the challenges and opportunities that the COVID-19 pandemic has created for higher learning and research on the continent of Africa, in the Caribbean, and in the African American community. It is also to enable the participants to explore concrete and innovative ways in which institutions in these Global African regions can utilize digital technology to meet the challenges and seek ways to improve teaching, learning, and research. Paper Proposal Submission Deadline: July 15, 2021 Submit your paper via the Paper Submission Form and register via the Conference Registration Form below. Read more

Call for submissions: Deadline 04 August The Innovate4Cities Conference will be an international gathering at the nexus of cities, climate change science and innovation. This groundbreaking meeting will be co-hosted by UN-Habitat and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM). It will bring together over 1,000 city leaders, scientists, researchers, innovators, academics, youth and business people to advance pragmatic and action oriented research and science that will help cities reduce their carbon footprint and increase resilience to climate change. We invite our global network to collaborate with us on the conference program by showcasing the latest science and innovation from academia, city practitioners, policymakers, the private sector, and civil society, helping to bridge the gap between climate ambitions and results. We are calling for submissions with a unique focus on research and innovation across the conference themes, inspired by the Global Research Action Agenda.     Read more