AFAS-2024 SEED RESEARCH GRANT: CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS GUIDELINES

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 25 December 2024

The African Astronomical Society (AfAS) is the primary pan-African professional society representing astronomers from across the continent. AfAS aims to create and support a globally competitive and collaborative astronomy community in Africa and to be the voice of astronomy in Africa while contributing to addressing the economic and social challenges Africa faces through the promotion and advancement of astronomy.

THE AFAS SEED RESEARCH GRANT

Launched in 2021 by the Early-Career Researcher Sub-Committee, the AfAS Seed Research Grant supports postgraduate students and/or early-career researchers that are based in Africa with their research projects in astronomy. Three (3) grants of up to a maximum of 1 200 Euros for PhD students and Post-doctoral Scholars will be awarded to outstanding applicants in 2024. The seed funding may be used for international/domestic travel, lodging, computer equipment and other research-related expenses.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Applicants can be citizens of any country, provided they are registered at a university based in an African country during the 2023-2025 academic years.
  • Applicants who are currently conducting research in Astronomy.
  • Applicants must be enrolled for a Doctoral degree, or they must have completed their PhD at most three years prior to the application deadline.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applicants should submit the following information combined into one single PDF document through the AfAS online platform by 25 December 2024:

  • A detailed curriculum vitae including a full list of academic publications and contact details of two academic referees who can write detailed reference letters for the applicant (see point 5 below).
  • A research proposal (maximum three pages), including (but not limited to) the research title and abstract, the scientific rationale, the methodology and expected results. The proposal should also include a proposed timeline and a budget breakdown explaining how the grant funds will be utilised.
  • A motivation letter addressed to the AfAS Seed Research Grant Committee.
  • Proof of registration or proof of employment (for early career researchers) from a university or research institute.
  • University transcripts for the completed degree.

Applicants should also arrange for signed recommendation letters from two academic referees to be sent directly to Dr Sthabile Kolwa by 25 December 2024. At least one letter must be from a senior scientist (e.g. the advisor) familiar with the applicant’s research work.

Incomplete applications or files received after the deadline and applications that do not meet the eligibility conditions will not be considered. If you are submitting any supporting documents in your local language, you must attach at least an informal translation into English.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications will be reviewed and ranked by the AfAS Seed Research Grant Committee, composed of senior astronomers and members from the AfAS Science Committee. The committee will evaluate applicants based on the following main criteria:

  • Quality of the research proposal (e.g., significance of the research statement)
  • Publication track record commensurate with the applicant’s career-level
  • Excellence of the overall academic performance and achievements
  • Potential impact on growing research collaborations in Africa
  • Impact in developing Astronomy across Africa

AfAS reserves the right not to accept any application that does not meet the selection criteria and/or is incomplete. 

GRANT AWARDS AGREEMENT

No funds will be released until AfAS has received the grant agreement signed by the successful applicant. The selected recipients are also required to submit a report including research updates and a financial report with expenses and scanned receipts of major expenses in the year following the award of the seed grant.

ESTIMATED TIMELINE

  • Opening of the call: 25 September 2024
  • Closing of the call: 25 December 2024
  • Application review process: January to February 2025
  • Notification of successful applicants at the AfAS Annual Conference to be held in March 2025; Payments to be issued by 31 March 2025

ENQUIRIES

AfAS Applications Administration

Email: admin@afasociety.org 
For details on AfAS, please visit: www.afasociety.org

Submision form


Please refer to the ‘Application Selection Criteria’ document for detailed information on the call your application materials will be evaluated