The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) has unveiled the second round of its grant call for applications, focusing on enhancing community engagement in research. Backed by Wellcome, this initiative is valued at USD 600,000 and aims to strengthen community engagement capacity among early and mid-career scientists and faculty across Africa.

This two-year initiative is tailored to support members affiliated with the SFA Foundation's 14 research consortia. The grant will pilot innovative engagement projects that promote people-centred research. Dr. Amina Abubakar, Executive Director of the SFA Foundation, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, "We are committed to ensuring that the public is engaged with the research we fund and support. Our goal is for communities, especially those most affected by the challenges in health, climate, and agriculture, to play an active role throughout the research life cycle."

The call for applications is directed at PhD and postdoctoral scholars, fellows, and faculty who are citizens of African countries or are based in Africa. Eligible faculty members must hold a permanent or fixed-term contract at an institution that will span the duration of the award.

The grant will not support certain types of engagement projects. Specifically, it will not fund activities of an ethical nature essential for carrying out scientific or health research, such as the formation of community advisory boards. Additionally, projects that run or promote health campaigns or provide health information will not be considered for funding.

Dr. Abubakar emphasized, "Our focus is on innovative, community-driven engagement that goes beyond traditional health campaigns or information dissemination. We want to see projects that genuinely involve communities in the research process and address their specific needs and concerns."

The application period for this grant call is open until July 22, 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to complete the application and submit their proposal HERE

 

Article by RB Reporter

Photo/SFA

https://scienceforafrica.foundation/media-center/call-applications-community-engagement-research