Opinion

By Julius Ecuru

Today, as the world commemorates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we also celebrate the remarkable achievements of women scientists in our PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif). Of the 282 doctoral scholars in the PASET Rsif initiative, 37% are women from more than 24 countries in Africa. This is a positive development considering that less than 30% of the world’s researchers are women according to UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) data (2023). Getting more women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is widely regarded as critical to growth and development of sustainable economies.

Despite the numerous efforts aimed at achieving gender equality in STEM, several studies highlight that women in STEM fields have lower publication rates, unequal compensation, and limited career progression compared to their male counterparts. The challenges leading to this inequality are multifaceted and express differently in different contexts. But the common ones appear to be unequal opportunities for women to get in STEM, and perceptions about gender roles that overwhelm women with domestic responsibilities.

At Rsif, we intentionally work to address the imbalances in the number of women in STEM through outreach, sustained mentorship, and gender responsive programming. We have learnt that deliberate efforts in providing a gender responsive educational and research environment helps women scientists to achieve their full potential.

Recently, two of our distinguished female scholars, Christelle Arielle Mbouteu, a 28-year-old Cameroonian national pursuing a PhD in renewable energy, and Rehema Mrutu, a 33-year-old Tanzanian national pursuing a PhD in Natural Resource Management and Climate Change, were recognized for their ground-breaking research during the COP28 in Dubai.

Rehema’s innovative work focuses on developing a CRISPR engineered strain to reduce methane emissions in cows, thereby enhancing meat and milk production sustainably. Her award-winning research aims to optimize methane production to acetic acid conversion, a by-product beneficial for livestock, in efforts to ensure food security in Africa.

Christelle received acclaim for her outstanding contribution at the 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Renewable Energy (AFORE) in Jeju, South Korea. Her research delved into the techno-economic analysis of various renewable energy systems, providing valuable insights for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Explore further details here.

Furthermore, Faith Njeru and Mwende Mbilo, both Kenyan citizens, received recognition at the 14^th award ceremony in Kasane, Botswana for the L’Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub Saharan Africa Awards. Faith’s research endeavours to develop an affordable, efficient, and user-friendly paper strip test for plant disease detection utilizing novel molecules extracted from camel serum. Meanwhile, Mwende’s research focuses on enhancing the design of efficient and stable non-fullerene acceptor-based organic solar cells through buffer layer modification. Delve deeper into their remarkable work here.

We maintain that women play a crucial role in advancing science and innovation. It is imperative that we proactively cultivate female talent in STEM fields. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is certainly a moment for us to reflect on our commitment to increase women’s participation in and contribution to STEM for our socioeconomic transformation.

Julius Ecuru is a Principal Scientist and Manager, Research Innovation Coordination Units, icipe.

In the realm of academia, the journey of Jonas Bayuo, an Rsif PhD scholar at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), stands as a testament to exceptional achievement, dedication, and innovative contributions. Within the short span of just two and a half years into his PhD journey, Bayuo has not only achieved a remarkable milestone but has also left an indelible mark on the scientific community.

Bayuo’s prolific academic journey is marked by an impressive list of accomplishments. He has authored 10 first-authored articles in reputable peer-reviewed journals, predominantly in Springer Nature and Elsevier. Notably, this is an unprecedented feat in the history of the NM-AIST and Sub-Saharan Africa, showcasing the extraordinary impact of his scholarly contributions.

Adding to his list of accolades, Bayuo has two accepted book chapters with Springer Nature and Elsevier, scheduled to be published in April and November 2024, respectively. His commitment to advancing knowledge is evident in these forthcoming publications, contributing valuable insights to the academic community.

Bayuo’s scholarly works have garnered over 445 citations from world-renowned scientists, reflecting the significant impact of his research. His h-index of 10 underscores the influence of his contributions in the academic sphere.

Pursuing his PhD under the sponsorship of Rsif at NM-AIST has elevated Bayuo’s visibility. He is now a member of the prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and serves as a reviewer for numerous international reputable peer-reviewed journals. With over 56 peer-review records in 19 publications recognized and verified by the Web of Science, Bayuo actively contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Bayuo’s paper was adjudged as the best at the 2^nd International Maji Scientific Conference 2023, organized by the Ministry of Water-Water Institute, Dar es Salaam. His outstanding presentation earned him the title of Best Young Oral Presenter, along with a well-deserved medal.

Bayuo extends his heartfelt gratitude to the management of Rsif RCU for the unwavering support throughout his PhD journey. The support rendered has played a pivotal role in his success, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the Rsif community.

Jonas Bayuo’s journey exemplifies the transformative impact of Rsif on the academic landscape. His achievements not only contribute to the advancement of science but also inspire the next generation of scholars to reach new heights in their pursuit of knowledge. The Rsif community takes pride in Bayuo’s accomplishments and looks forward to witnessing the continued brilliance of scholars under its wings.

Rsif PhD student, Mr. Ishaq Kaarim, is exploring a groundbreaking solution that uses agricultural residues to mitigate climate change. In a paper recently published in the Journal of Bioresource Technology of Impact Factor of 11.4, Ishaq describes a method of producing biocrude, an essential feedstock in ethanol production, from orange peels. The paper explores the synergetic effects of sub/supercritical conditions of ethanol and acetone to achieve a higher heating value (HHV) of biocrude efficiently. While previous studies have focused on the temperature and residence time effects, the comprehensive exploration of the organic solvents’ influence on biocrude properties remains a novel endeavor.

Ishaq is pursuing a PhD in Material Science and Engineering at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha, Tanzania. NM-AIST is one of the 15 Rsif African Host Universities.

In Muheza district, Tanga region of Tanzania, orange cultivation stands out as a significant contributor to both household income and revenue for the district. However, processing of oranges into fruit juice generates a substantial byproduct – orange peels. These peels, rich in cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose, emerge as an untapped resource for biofuel production. Beyond the economic value of citrus fruits, the need to convert orange peels into viable products becomes imperative to curb indiscriminate burning of solid waste and presents a new avenue for economic growth, while mitigating climate change. Biocrude production from orange peels promotes sustainable agricultural practices, turning agricultural residues into a source of renewable energy.

Ishaq’s study opens new frontiers and future research on the feasibility of biofuel production from agricultural residues. It widens opportunities for developing alternative sources of energy apart from fossil fuels, which account for large carbon emissions globally. It potentially also provides solutions for reducing environmental pollution from solid waste, which are often damped in landfills.

Ishaq’s work underscores the pivotal role played by Rsif in fostering a culture of innovation and scientific inquiry. Rsif scholars like Ishaq benefit from science paper writing courses delivered by icipe, which enables them to publish important work in high impact scientific journals. To date, 191 scientific articles are on record by Rsif PhD students published in highly reputable journals and available through the Digital Repository on the Rsif website.

The Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) is a flagship initiative of the Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) that bridges the skills gap needed for a science, technology and innovation-led growth and sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Current funders include nine African governments contributing between USD 1-6 million each (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Senegal); World Bank, Government of Korea, Samsung Dream Foundation, Government of France, the ACP Innovation Fund financed by the European Union through the Organisation for African, Caribbean

and Pacific States (OACPS) and the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Rsif is open to new partners across industry, government and academia.

Why Rsif matters:

• High quality PhD training: Combining intra-Africa academic exchange and international partnerships for world-class doctoral training.
• Wider academic and research network: Research placement at an advanced institution for exposure to cutting-edge technologies and connecting with global research networks.
• Regional integration within Africa: Strengthening centers of excellence and innovation ecosystems for benefit of the whole region.
• Better economies of scale: A pan-African partnership, and a jointly pooled science fund professionally managed by the Rsif Regional Coordination Unit at icipe.

Each year, the L’Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub Saharan Africa Awards recognize and support African women scientists for the excellence of their scientific research. Two Rsif cohort 2 students, Faith Njeru and Mwende Mbilo, who are both Kenyan citizens, were honored at the 14^th award ceremony in Kasene, Botswana in the presence of His Excellency Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Botswana, and aired on CNBC Africa on 9 November 2023.  Their remarkable accomplishment sets them apart from a formidable pool of 632 applicants, making them beacons of inspiration and achievement in the field of science.

Faith Njeru (33) is an Rsif PhD student in the food security and agribusiness thematic area at the Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro, Tanzania, one of Rsif’s African Host Universities (AHUs). Her international research placement is at Ghent University in Belgium. She was rewarded for her work on developing novel diagnostics to conserve Kenya’s maize crops.

“Early detection leads to less food loss, leading to food security and increased earnings for the farmers and the seed companies,” Faith told University World News. She explained that her research is aimed at developing a cheap, effective, easy-to-use paper strip test for plant disease detection based on novel molecules obtained from the serum of camels. The test will be used by farmers, seed companies and plant protection agencies to detect diseases early and initiate early-warning campaigns to help reduce crop loss. Her published scientific works are available through the Rsif digital repository.

Mwende Mbilo (30) is an Rsif PhD student in the energy including renewables thematic area at University of Nairobi with research placement to the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT). She was rewarded for Iinnovating science to improve solar energy solutions in Kenya.

Her PhD research is on the Design of efficient and stable non-fullerene acceptor-based organic solar cells by buffer layer modification. Under the guidance of Prof. Robinson J. Musembi, she is a member of the research team implementing an Rsif funded research project on a Self-cleaning solar module for enhanced output and she also contributed to the UoN Department of Physics’ Research and development of photovoltaics based on lead-free perovskite solar cell technology. She has published 7 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Rsif is a flagship initiative of the African government-led Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) that bridges the skills gap needed for a science, technology and innovation-led growth and sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa.  An integrated objective is addressing imbalances in the number of women and nurturing Africa’s next generation of female scientists. Icipe, the Rsif Regional Coordination Unit, emphasize high quality science.

The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents programs aim to empower women scientists to pursue their career, and more broadly to promote and highlight the crucial importance of women in science. Along with the other winners, Faith Njeru and Mwende Mbilo had a chance to engage with the First Lady of Botswana, H.E. Mrs Neo Jane Masisi, and more than 150 school students in an intergenerational conversation and knowledge exchange. Women role models are important to inspire the younger generation.

The PhD candidate winners will receive a grant of Euro 10,000 to conduct their research projects and also benefit from leadership training by Fondation L’Oréal.

Read more in the Press Release on the event by L’Oréal Foundation.

The World Bank, icipe and members of the Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET) Executive Board will conduct a technical Implementation Support Mission (ISM) from 25-26 October 2023 at icipe Duduville Campus (and online) in Nairobi, Kenya, to review implementation progress of the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif).

The ISM aims to i) Review the progress of each Rsif component including Rsif PhD scholarships, research and innovation grants, and other crosscutting capacity building and implementation issues and identify any emerging challenges; ii) Review fiduciary and safeguards aspects of the project; and iii) Review progress towards achieving each indicator in the results framework.

Rsif, the flagship program of the PASET, which aims at fostering competencies and skills to support the growth of key economic sectors and drive Africa’s socio-economic transformation. The Rsif program focuses on building high-quality training, research, and innovation environments, as well as developing institutional capacity in SSA to benefit the entire region. It also supports PhD students, post-doctoral scientists, and universities in SSA, with the goal of advancing research and innovation in priority economic sectors.

Through the support of African governments, the World Bank, the Government of Korea, and the European Union through the ACP Innovation Fund, Rsif has 253 active PhD scholars, 29 international partner institutes (IPIs) and 15 African Host Universities (AHUs), which host Rsif-sponsored PhD scholars in designated PhD programs within the universities in the areas of data science and artificial intelligence, food security and agribusiness, energy including renewables, mining, minerals and materials science and climate change. Rsif has supported 31 research projects and 18 innovation projects in the various AHUs as well as 9 digital innovation projects for agriculture through the EU funded AGriDi project.

The World Bank, icipe and its partners will also conduct visits to selected African host Universities (AHUs) in November 2023, to meet with students, staff and the private sector to review research and innovation grant projects financed through Rsif and pay courtesy calls to the Vice-Chancellors of these universities.

The visit is a significant step towards achieving PASET’s goal of promoting socio-economic transformation in sub-Saharan Africa through the strengthening of applied sciences, engineering, and technology; and also serves as an opportunity for stakeholders to interact and discuss the progress and challenges of implementing the program.

The Rsif program is currently funded by African governments, the World Bank, the Government of Korea, and the European Union through the ACP Innovation Fund. It is managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya, serving as the Rsif Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU). With the aim of establishing the first Africa-led Pan-African science fund, Rsif invites additional funders and partners to join this important initiative.

For additional information on Rsif and PASET, please visit www.rsif-paset.org| Kindly sign up for our newsletter for Rsif news.

Contact: Rsif Regional Coordination Unit Email: rsif@icipe.org Phone: 254 (20) 8632000

The University of Bristol has joined the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) as an International Partner Institution (IPI). University of Bristol joins 28 other Rsif IPIs, which widens opportunities for Rsif scholar-sandwich placements in an advanced research facility. Rsif scholars visiting University of Bristol will study alongside world class experts the in food and nutrition security and other areas like climate change.

Rsif IPIs are world class universities, research institutes/centres or companies (public or private) with advanced research and training facilities willing to offer research internship opportunities to Rsif PhD scholars registered at the Africa Host Universities (AHUs). See other Rsif IPIs here.

As an IPI, University of Bristol will contribute to strengthening institutional capacity for doctoral training, research, and innovation particularly in food systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Through sandwich placement in international training programs, Rsif scholars gain exposure to diverse research environments, collaborate with experts from different cultures, access specialized resources, and foster personal and professional growth. The importance of this “sandwich” training option lies in its ability to cultivate a global perspective, allowing the scholars to thrive in a competitive academic landscape. It also facilitates cross-cultural communication, enhances interdisciplinary collaborations, and broadens horizons through engagement with diverse research methodologies.

Scholars benefit from advanced facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and unique resources available at partner universities, enriching their research projects. As they navigate international academic systems, the scholars develop adaptability, resilience, and a global outlook, positioning them as exceptional researchers with international recognition and credibility. This forward-thinking approach not only elevates the quality of research outcomes but also opens doors to global career prospects and prestigious fellowships or grants. Through this initiative, the academic community remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the next generation of exceptional scholars and advancing research excellence on a global scale.

Rsif aims to enhance research capacity in the region by prioritizing scholarships for African faculty members lacking a PhD. The program emphasizes collaboration with academic institutions, investors, governments, and other stakeholders in sub-Saharan Africa to integrate specialized knowledge and transfer it to future generations. Recent partnerships have considered the language diversity among Rsif doctoral students, with contributions from governments in Francophone Western Africa and Lusophone Southern Africa.

Rsif, launched in 2015, is the flagship program of the Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET). PASET is an African-led initiative aimed at fostering competencies and skills to support the growth of key economic sectors and drive Africa’s socio-economic transformation. Rsif focuses on building high-quality training, research, and innovation environments, as well as developing institutional capacity in SSA to benefit the entire region. The program supports PhD students, post-doctoral scientists, and universities in SSA, with the goal of advancing research and innovation in priority economic sectors.

Rsif utilizes scholarships and research grants to enhance the quality and relevance of PhD programs, ensuring the continuity and sustainability of research and innovation once scholars graduate. The program is currently funded by African governments, the World Bank, the Government of Korea, and the European Union through the ACP Innovation Fund. It is managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya, serving as the Rsif Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU). With the aim of establishing the first Africa-led Pan-African science fund, Rsif invites additional funders and partners to join this important initiative.

The Helmholtz Center Hereon, Germany has joined the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) as an International Partner Institution (IPI). Hereon joins 28 other Rsif IPIs to widen Rsif scholar-sandwich placements in advanced research facilities abroad. Rsif scholars visiting Hereon will study alongside world class experts the Department of Experimental Materials Mechanics, which home to the ultramodern electron microscopes and ex-situ/in-situ micromechanical testing devices, used for investigating structure-property relations in a wide variety of materials. Scholars will also experience the unique academic and research culture of Hereon and broaden their perspectives as young researchers.

Rsif IPIs are world class universities, research institutes/centres or companies (public or private) with advanced research and training facilities willing to offer research internship opportunities to Rsif PhD scholars registered at the Africa Host Universities (AHUs). See other Rsif IPIs here.

As an IPI, Hereon will contribute to strengthening institutional capacity for doctoral training, research, and innovation particularly in food systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Through sandwich placement in international training programs, Rsif scholars gain exposure to diverse research environments, collaborate with experts from different cultures, access specialized resources, and foster personal and professional growth. The importance of this “sandwich” training option lies in its ability to cultivate a global perspective, allowing the scholars to thrive in a competitive academic landscape. It also facilitates cross-cultural communication, enhances interdisciplinary collaborations, and broadens horizons through engagement with diverse research methodologies.

“Hereon specifically focuses on the generation of knowledge and new/sustainable technologies that facilitate the development of high-performance and environmentally friendly materials for mobility and biomedical applications. Rsif scholars will immensely benefit from Hereon through access to modern equipment for their research, consequently increasing possibilities for enhancing their research/findings and increasing their publication output/quality. They can also expect support, engagement and collaboration with expert scientists at Hereon”.

~ Dr. Henry Ovri, Head, Nanomechanical testing and Deputy Head, Experimental Materials Mechanics Department, Hereon, 2023.

Scholars benefit from advanced facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and unique resources available at partner universities, enriching their research projects. As they navigate international academic systems, the scholars develop adaptability, resilience, and a global outlook, positioning them as exceptional researchers with international recognition and credibility. This forward-thinking approach not only elevates the quality of research outcomes but also opens doors to global career prospects and prestigious fellowships or grants. Through this initiative, the academic community remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the next generation of exceptional scholars and advancing research excellence on a global scale.

Rsif aims to enhance research capacity in the region by prioritizing scholarships for African faculty members lacking a PhD. The program emphasizes collaboration with academic institutions, investors, governments, and other stakeholders in sub-Saharan Africa to integrate specialized knowledge and transfer it to future generations. Recent partnerships have considered the language diversity among Rsif doctoral students, with contributions from governments in Francophone Western Africa and Lusophone Southern Africa.

Rsif, launched in 2015, is the flagship program of the Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET). PASET is an African-led initiative aimed at fostering competencies and skills to support the growth of key economic sectors and drive Africa’s socio-economic transformation. Rsif focuses on building high-quality training, research, and innovation environments, as well as developing institutional capacity in SSA to benefit the entire region. The program supports PhD students, post-doctoral scientists, and universities in SSA, with the goal of advancing research and innovation in priority economic sectors.

Rsif utilizes scholarships and research grants to enhance the quality and relevance of PhD programs, ensuring the continuity and sustainability of research and innovation once scholars graduate. The program is currently funded by African governments, the World Bank, the Government of Korea, and the European Union through the ACP Innovation Fund. It is managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya, serving as the Rsif Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU). With the aim of establishing the first Africa-led Pan-African science fund, Rsif invites additional funders and partners to join this important initiative.

Rsif and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has joined the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) as an International Partner Institution (IPI). ICRISAT joins 28 other Rsif IPIs, which widens opportunities for Rsif scholar-sandwich placements in an advanced research facility. Rsif scholars visiting ICRISAT will study alongside world class experts in food and nutrition security and other areas like climate change.

Rsif IPIs are world class universities, research institutes/centres or companies (public or private) with advanced research and training facilities willing to offer research internship opportunities to Rsif PhD scholars registered at the Africa Host Universities (AHUs). See other Rsif IPIs here.

As an IPI, ICRISAT will contribute to strengthening institutional capacity for doctoral training, research, and innovation particularly in food systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Through sandwich placement in international training programs, Rsif scholars gain exposure to diverse research environments, collaborate with experts from different cultures, access specialized resources, and foster personal and professional growth. The importance of this “sandwich” training option lies in its ability to cultivate a global perspective, allowing the scholars to thrive in a competitive academic landscape. It also facilitates cross-cultural communication, enhances interdisciplinary collaborations, and broadens horizons through engagement with diverse research methodologies.

“ICRISAT values the partnership with ‘Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET)’ as it strongly believes that academic and scientific research cooperation and capacity building is fundamental to develop priority sectors such as agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. Agriculture is the driver of rural development and a robust research capability at the national level can help countries achieve food and nutrition security.  We look forward to collaborating with African Universities to empower smallholder farmers in the drylands of sub-Saharan Africa.” ~ Dr Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes, Director General of International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, 2023.

Scholars benefit from advanced facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and unique resources available at partner universities, enriching their research projects. As they navigate international academic systems, the scholars develop adaptability, resilience, and a global outlook, positioning them as exceptional researchers with international recognition and credibility. This forward-thinking approach not only elevates the quality of research outcomes but also opens doors to global career prospects and prestigious fellowships or grants. Through this initiative, the academic community remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the next generation of exceptional scholars and advancing research excellence on a global scale.

Rsif aims to enhance research capacity in the region by prioritizing scholarships for African faculty members lacking a PhD. The program emphasizes collaboration with academic institutions, investors, governments, and other stakeholders in sub-Saharan Africa to integrate specialized knowledge and transfer it to future generations. Recent partnerships have considered the language diversity among Rsif doctoral students, with contributions from governments in Francophone Western Africa and Lusophone Southern Africa.

Rsif, launched in 2015, is the flagship program of the Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET). PASET is an African-led initiative aimed at fostering competencies and skills to support the growth of key economic sectors and drive Africa’s socio-economic transformation. Rsif focuses on building high-quality training, research, and innovation environments, as well as developing institutional capacity in SSA to benefit the entire region. The program supports PhD students, post-doctoral scientists, and universities in SSA, with the goal of advancing research and innovation in priority economic sectors.

Rsif utilizes scholarships and research grants to enhance the quality and relevance of PhD programs, ensuring the continuity and sustainability of research and innovation once scholars graduate. The program is currently funded by African governments, the World Bank, the Government of Korea, and the European Union through the ACP Innovation Fund. It is managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya, serving as the Rsif Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU). With the aim of establishing the first Africa-led Pan-African science fund, Rsif invites additional funders and partners to join this important initiative.

The World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) has joined the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) as an International Partner Institution (IPI). WorldVeg joins 28 other Rsif IPIs, which widens opportunities for Rsif scholar-sandwich placements in an advanced research facility. Rsif scholars visiting WorldVeg will study alongside world class experts in food and nutrition security and other areas like climate change.

Rsif IPIs are world class universities, research institutes/centres or companies (public or private) with advanced research and training facilities willing to offer research internship opportunities to Rsif PhD scholars registered at the Africa Host Universities (AHUs). See other Rsif IPIs here.

As an IPI, WorldVeg will contribute to strengthening institutional capacity for doctoral training, research, and innovation particularly in food systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Through sandwich placement in international training programs, Rsif scholars gain exposure to diverse research environments, collaborate with experts from different cultures, access specialized resources, and foster personal and professional growth. The importance of this “sandwich” training option lies in its ability to cultivate a global perspective, allowing the scholars to thrive in a competitive academic landscape. It also facilitates cross-cultural communication, enhances interdisciplinary collaborations, and broadens horizons through engagement with diverse research methodologies.

“We are proud to join Rsif. In Africa, and around the world, we need to pay much more attention to nutritious food, like vegetables, to sustainably improve diets, livelihoods and resilience in the face of climate change and in emergency situations. That will need a lot of innovative thinking and action across food systems! We hope to welcome many Rsif scholars in the years to come.”

~ Dr. Marco Wopereis, Director General of World Vegetable Center, 2023.

Scholars benefit from advanced facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and unique resources available at partner universities, enriching their research projects. As they navigate international academic systems, the scholars develop adaptability, resilience, and a global outlook, positioning them as exceptional researchers with international recognition and credibility. This forward-thinking approach not only elevates the quality of research outcomes but also opens doors to global career prospects and prestigious fellowships or grants. Through this initiative, the academic community remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the next generation of exceptional scholars and advancing research excellence on a global scale.

Rsif aims to enhance research capacity in the region by prioritizing scholarships for African faculty members lacking a PhD. The program emphasizes collaboration with academic institutions, investors, governments, and other stakeholders in sub-Saharan Africa to integrate specialized knowledge and transfer it to future generations. Recent partnerships have considered the language diversity among Rsif doctoral students, with contributions from governments in Francophone Western Africa and Lusophone Southern Africa.

Rsif, launched in 2015, is the flagship program of the Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET). PASET is an African-led initiative aimed at fostering competencies and skills to support the growth of key economic sectors and drive Africa’s socio-economic transformation. Rsif focuses on building high-quality training, research, and innovation environments, as well as developing institutional capacity in SSA to benefit the entire region. The program supports PhD students, post-doctoral scientists, and universities in SSA, with the goal of advancing research and innovation in priority economic sectors.

Rsif utilizes scholarships and research grants to enhance the quality and relevance of PhD programs, ensuring the continuity and sustainability of research and innovation once scholars graduate. The program is currently funded by African governments, the World Bank, the Government of Korea, and the European Union through the ACP Innovation Fund. It is managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya, serving as the Rsif Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU). With the aim of establishing the first Africa-led Pan-African science fund, Rsif invites additional funders and partners to join this important initiative.