The Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund 2024 portal are open, The programme are to supports pairs of researchers (post-doctoral level and above) from the University of Cambridge (or an affiliated institution such as the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, NIAB and British Antarctic Survey) andAfrican institutions, across all disciplines, to initiate and/or strengthen research collaborations.
The Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund
The Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund is a significant initiative designed to promote research collaboration between the University of Cambridge and African institutions. Established to support early and mid-career researchers, this fund aims to address critical issues affecting the African continent while fostering capacity building and knowledge exchange.
Funding Scope:
The Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund competitively awards grants of between £1,000 and £20,000, for:
- Research costs (such as reagents, fieldwork and equipment)
- Research-related travel between Cambridge and Africa
- Conducting research training activities in Africa (e.g. setting up courses/workshops).
- Travel Award (Cambridge/Africa or Africa/Cambridge) £5000
- Support for a workshop or research training course in Africa £10,000
- Equipment * £20,000
- Research project ** £20,000
Eligible Activities:
- Research projects involving Cambridge and African researchers.
- Capacity-building initiatives such as training workshops and skills development programs.
- Networking activities to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- Seed funding for pilot projects that may lead to larger grant applications.
Partnerships:
- Each project must involve at least one researcher from the University of Cambridge and one from an African institution.
- The fund encourages the formation of new partnerships as well as the strengthening of existing ones.
Objectives
The primary objectives of the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund are:
- Promoting Collaborative Research: To facilitate and strengthen research partnerships between the University of Cambridge and African researchers and institutions.
- Capacity Building: To enhance the research capacity of African institutions and researchers through joint projects and training.
- Addressing Key Challenges: To support research that addresses pressing social, economic, and scientific challenges facing African countries.
- Knowledge Exchange: To encourage the exchange of ideas, expertise, and best practices between Cambridge and African researchers.
Read: How to Apply United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2024
Benefits of the Fund
The Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund offers numerous benefits to participants and contributes significantly to research and development in Africa:
Research Advancement:
- The fund enables the pursuit of high-quality research projects that address critical issues in Africa, contributing to the generation of new knowledge and solutions.
- Collaborative research can lead to innovative approaches and methodologies that benefit both Cambridge and African partners.
Capacity Building:
- African researchers and institutions benefit from access to resources, expertise, and training opportunities provided by the University of Cambridge.
- Capacity-building activities, such as workshops and training programs, enhance the skills and knowledge of researchers, enabling them to conduct independent research and secure further funding.
Networking and Collaboration:
- The fund fosters long-term partnerships and networks between Cambridge and African researchers, promoting sustained collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- These networks can lead to future research opportunities, joint publications, and the development of larger, more comprehensive projects.
Societal Impact:
- Research funded by the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund addresses pressing issues such as public health, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development, contributing to positive societal change.
- The practical applications of research findings can inform policy and practice, leading to improved outcomes for communities across Africa.
Applications
The application process for the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund is competitive and involves several steps:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be early or mid-career researchers affiliated with the University of Cambridge or an African institution.
- Both Cambridge and African partners must jointly develop the project proposal.
- Read more
Application Submission:
- Interested applicants must submit a detailed project proposal outlining the research objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and budget.
- Proposals should also demonstrate the potential impact of the research on addressing specific challenges in Africa.
Selection Process:
- Proposals are reviewed by a selection committee composed of experts from various disciplines.
- The selection criteria include the scientific merit of the proposal, the potential for capacity building, the feasibility of the project, and the strength of the partnership.
Notification and Grant Disbursement:
- Successful applicants are notified of their selection and provided with guidelines for grant management and reporting.
- Funds are disbursed in installments, contingent upon the achievement of project milestones and the submission of progress reports.
Conclusion
The Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund is a vital initiative that fosters collaborative research, capacity building, and knowledge exchange between the University of Cambridge and African institutions. By supporting joint research projects and promoting sustainable partnerships, the fund addresses critical challenges facing Africa and contributes to global scientific knowledge.
As the fund continues to grow and adapt, it holds the potential to make an even greater impact on research and development in Africa. Through sustained collaboration, innovation, and commitment to excellence, the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund can help build a brighter future for African researchers and communities, promoting sustainable development and improving lives across the continent.
