In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, science, technology, and innovation

(STI) are critical drivers of development and sustainability. The African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) both recognise that a sustainable transition to knowledge-based economies needs to rely on scientific research and innovation. Yet, Africa trails the rest of the world in scientific research and development (R&D) spending about 0.45% of its GDP on R&D. This is significantly less than the global average of 1.7% and the AU’s target of 1%. Consequently, Africa has less than 100 researchers per million people - which is at least ten times less than the global average.

Therefore, it is essential to build the capacity of African researchers, particularly early career researchers, to deliver cutting-edge research to enhance Africa’s sustainable development.

At the launch of the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE) pilot programme held on 08 December 2020, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen said “The potential of research excellence in Africa is significant and will be a key driver of development and growth. The ARISE pilot programme is a catalytic milestone for talented early-career scientists, aiming to strengthen Africa's science and innovation base. It is also a major step for the EU-Africa academic and scientific cooperation to create a knowledge-based society and economy.”

Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel stressed: “This initiative is in line with other ongoing efforts, for example under the EU-AU High-Level Policy Dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation with its investments reaching more than €1.8 billion. It will support African scientists and their capacity to contribute with cutting-edge research, reinforce their potential to benefit from EU research and innovation instruments, as well as enhance collaboration on equal footing with the European continent.”

Today, the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) announces a call for applications for the ARISE pilot programme, funded by the EU through the Pan-African Programme with a commitment of €25 million (~USD30M) to empower early career African researchers to deliver cutting-edge research across Africa.

The ARISE pilot programme is aligned to the EU and the AU priorities of cooperation, through the Pan-African Programme, with the aim of building the capacity of at least 40 emerging African researcher leaders across 40 African countries. The ARISE grantees will be awarded grants of up to €500,000 to start their own independent research teams and deliver cutting-edge research in any area of scientific endeavour, over a period of five years.

“This strategic partnership with the European Commission in the novel ARISE pilot programme is in line with our commitment to support the development of early career scientists into vibrant research leaders who will contribute to transforming lives in Africa through science. We are fully committed to empowering the next generation of African scientists who will lead the science, technology and innovation agenda and drive sustainable development on the continent,” said Prof. Catherine Ngila, the Acting Executive Director of the AAS.

Who can apply:

The call is open to African researchers with 2-7 years of post-PhD research experience, a scientific track record showing great promise, and an excellent research proposal to conduct cutting-edge research at an African university or research institution.

Additional information:

The Call for submission of the preliminary applications (Expressions of Interest) for the ARISE pilot programme grants will be opened from 18 June 2021 to 30 July 2021 after which shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit full applications between September and October 2021.

More information on this call is available at https://www.aasciences.africa/call/arise  

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NOTES TO EDITOR

The African Academy of Sciences 

The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) is a non-aligned, non-political, not-for-profit pan African organisation whose vision is to see transformed lives on the African continent through science. Our tripartite mandate is recognising excellence, providing advisory and think tank functions and implementing key STI programmes addressing Africa’s developmental challenges.

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 Africa-Europe Alliance

The Alliance complements the long-standing political partnership between the two continents. It deepens the economic and trade relations and goes beyond a donor-recipient approach, an "equals’ alliance". At the 5th African Union - European Union Summit both partners agreed that economic investment, job creation and trade were common priorities, requiring joint commitment. I Website bit.ly/3dlA7rN

The Pan-African Programme

The Pan-African Programme provides dedicated support to the Africa-EU strategic partnership and is the first ever EU plan for development and cooperation that covers Africa as a whole. It supports projects with a trans-regional, continental, or global added value in areas of shared interest and offers new possibilities for the EU and Africa to work together. | Website bit.ly/3qoAcPf

Media enquiries 

The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya 

Deborah-Fay Ndlovu I arise@aasciences.africa