Grants & Scholarships

Call for Applications

Mobility Grants for Rsif Doctoral Scholars

A. Introduction

The Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) is an African-led initiative to strengthen skills in the Applied Science, engineering and Technology to further socio-economic transformation in sub- Saharan Africa (SSA). The Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) is a flagship program of PASET. The primary objective of Rsif is to train high quality PhD and post-doctoral students to address the human resource gap in the fields of applied sciences, engineering, and technology (ASET) and to contribute to improving research and innovation capacities in those fields in sub-Saharan Africa. Rsif supports Ph.D. students, post-doctoral scientists and universities in SSA to establish a high-quality training, research and innovation environment and to develop their institutional capacity for the benefit of the continent.

Rsif is currently funded by contributions from African governments, the World Bank, The European Union, The Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Government of Korea; and implemented by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya, as the Rsif Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU).

B. Rsif Mobility Grants for Doctoral Scholars

Funded by the Carnegie Foundation of New York, under the Doctoral and Postdoctoral Training in Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology in Africa (DOCTAS II), Rsif Mobility Grants for Doctoral Scholars will strategically widen their networks with global experts for scientific knowledge exchange and mutual learning. It will also support the generation of high-quality scientific publications by providing researchers with resources, mentorship, and strategic guidance to develop research methodologies, craft compelling scholarly narratives, and disseminate innovative findings in prestigious peer-reviewed journals, thereby enhancing the visibility and impact of African research on the global academic stage.
These Mobility Grants will specifically enable ongoing Rsif PhD Scholars to:

1. Enhance career development by supporting scholars to actively participate in regional and international conferences, expanding their professional networks and promoting African scientific contributions.
2. Promote high-quality scientific publications by covering article processing charges and other costs of publishing in reputable peer-reviewed journals, thereby increasing global visibility of African research.
3. Foster research leadership by equipping doctoral scholars to disseminate knowledge, contribute to policy discussions, and align outputs with Rsif’s thematic research priorities.

C. Call Guidelines

Who can apply?

▪ The call is open to all ongoing Rsif PhD scholars
▪ Applicants should have either:
–
an invitation to participate in an upcoming international or regional academic or research conference through a scholarly role such as: presenting a paper or poster, serving as a panellist, invited speaker, session chair, workshop facilitator, or organizer – at a conference that applies a peer-review or formal selection process for its presentations or contributors.

Or
–
a manuscript that has been submitted, is under review or accepted for publication in a reputable international or regional journal and require funding to cover publication costs such as article processing charges (APCs) or open access fees

How will the award be administered?

The award will be administered by the Regional Coordination Unit of Rsif at icipe.

How many applications can an applicant submit?
Each applicant may submit only one application, either for support to participate in an international or regional conference or for publication support (including article processing charges, open access fees, or journal publication fees).
Multiple applications within the same cycle are not permitted.
Applicants who are not selected may reapply in subsequent cycles.

What are the budget requirements?
▪ The funding will be up-to a maximum of USD 5000 and must be utilized within the next 12 months from the date of award.

D.Evaluation process and criteria

All submitted applications will undergo a thorough and transparent review process.
Eligibility Screening: Each application will first be reviewed to confirm that the applicant meets the minimum requirements outlined in the call.
Committee Evaluation: Eligible applications will then be assessed by a selection committee, which will evaluate their academic merit, relevance to Rsif’s thematic priorities, and potential impact of the proposed conference participation or publication.
Final Decision: Recommendations from the selection committee will be submitted to Rsif Management for final approval and award decisions.
Notification of Award: Successful applicants will be formally notified through an award letter, confirming the grant and associated conditions.

E.Ethical issues

Applicants are expected to uphold the highest standards of research and publication ethics throughout the application process. This includes:

• Avoiding plagiarism and ensuring accuracy and integrity in all submissions.
• Declaring any potential conflicts of interest.
• Complying with the ethical guidelines and submission rules of the relevant conference or journal.
• Ensuring that research involving human or animal subjects has received appropriate institutional or regulatory approvals.

Applicants are expected to adhere to these ethical standards. Non-compliance may affect the eligibility of the application or, in the case of awarded grants, could lead to adjustments or withdrawal of funding.

F.How to submit your application

• Complete the online application and submit together with the required supporting documents via the online system using this link
• Required application documents include:

Conference

• CV of the applicant
• Abstract, Full Paper or Poster for presentation at a conference*
• Proof of invitation or official confirmation of participation (e.g., acceptance letter, email invitation, or confirmation from conference organizers)
• Conference program
• Budget Estimate
• Institutional (AHU) Support Letter
  *Applicants serving different roles at the conference e.g. as an organiser or as a panellist, attach evidence.

Publication support

• CV of the applicant
• Manuscript intended for application
• Submission confirmation under-review notification, or acceptance letter from the journal (funding will be released only upon acceptance)
• Publisher’s invoice or Article Processing Charges (APCs) Quote
• Institutional (AHU) Support Letter

Close of submission is on rolling basis every 2 months after the opening of the call.