About the opportunity
The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA), with funding from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, is seeking research proposals addressing university ecosystems in Africa. This call focuses on four interlinked domains: the evolving higher education landscape, gendered dynamics within academic spaces, academic freedom, and inclusive associational life on campus. The initiative aims to support research and knowledge production that generate gender and policy implications, producing publishable outputs for reputable academic outlets and policy dialogue across the continent. Selected fellows receive support for a 15-month duration to conduct original research, participate in knowledge-exchange workshops, and contribute to public dialogue.
Funding and benefits
- Research grants ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000.
- Support for a 15-month fellowship and project duration.
- Participation in knowledge-exchange workshops and peer-learning forums.
- Support for producing publishable manuscripts such as journal articles and policy briefs.
Who can apply?
- Applicants must be affiliated with a recognized African higher education or research institution.
- African scholars in the diaspora may apply in collaboration with colleagues from an African-based institution.
- Both individual and collaborative proposals are eligible, with collaborative teams comprising 3 to 5 members.
- Interdisciplinary, inter-institutional, or multi-country research teams are strongly encouraged.
- Applicants with outstanding or pending deliverables from ongoing or previous CODESRIA-funded projects are not encouraged to apply.
Required documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) for the principal investigator and all team members highlighting qualifications, research experience, and relevant publications.
- Proposal Synopsis of maximum 4,000 words including a research question, literature review, conceptual framework, methodology, work plan, draft budget, and list of outputs.
- Draft budget ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000.
- Formal letter of affiliation or endorsement from a recognized higher education or research institution.
When to apply
- The deadline for submission of applications is 16 January 2027.
- Late applications will not be considered.
How to apply
- Prepare all required application documents including your CV, proposal synopsis, draft budget, and institutional affiliation letter.
- Submit all application documents electronically through the CODESRIA online application portal.
Additional information
- The project is funded by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation.
- For specific questions or inquiries, applicants can contact tgf@codesria.org.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- African researchers, faculty members, and graduate-associated scholars investigating higher education policy, gender equity, or academic freedom.
- Interdisciplinary or multi-country research teams looking for funding and structured peer-learning platforms to disseminate policy-relevant outputs.
- Early-career academics and women scholars seeking institutional backing and mentorship from a pan-African research council.
What should you think carefully about?
- Grants are strictly capped between USD 5,000 and USD 15,000, which may require careful budgeting for larger multi-country or empirical research teams.
- Applicants must secure a formal institutional affiliation or endorsement letter prior to submitting.
- Teams with pending deliverables from past CODESRIA funding are disqualified from applying.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This opportunity is ideal for researchers aiming to produce high-impact empirical work that directly influences higher education policy reform, institutional transformation, and gender inclusivity across African universities within a 15-month timeframe.
Our take
African researchers and institutional teams focused on social sciences, humanities, and higher education reform should seriously consider applying before the January deadline, provided they can secure institutional backing and deliver publishable academic outputs.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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