Women’s participation in research remains low in Africa, with women making up only 30% of the science community. This is similar within the tertiary education sector in many countries. Some subjects, such as engineering and physics, have exceptionally low women’s representation. This is not only a problem in Africa: for instance, women account for about 20% of earned doctorates in these fields in the United States.

On June 12, icipe, The Regional Coordination Unit for the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund  (RSIF) convened an online Seminar with three major objectives to: (1) share results of the recently concluded RSIF gender study, (2) present initial recommendations for enhancing the participation of women in RSIF PhD programs and research for enabling RSIF to achieve its gender target of 50% women’s representation across its programs, and (3) obtain valuable feedback and buy-in from participants. The workshop participants were icipe management, lead contact persons from the RSIF African Host Universities (AHUs), gender experts, representatives of organizations working to advance women in science in sub-Saharan Africa, and African women scientists in our networks.

RSIF is the flagship programme of the African Government-led Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology which aims to (1) Create a stock of highly skilled scientists, professionals and innovators in applied sciences, engineering and technology (ASET) areas; (2) Identify and nurture young talented Africans to further their studies in ASET fields where expertise is needed most; (3) Address imbalances in the number of women and disadvantaged groups in ASET fields in Africa; and (4) Build African university capacity to provide relevant ASET training and to ensure continued investment in scaling up ASET education and workforce.
Just over 20% of the 1751 applicants for RSIF PhD scholarship Cohort 2 in 2019 were women. The RSIF program sets ambitious targets for women’s representation among its PhD scholars (50%) based on a commitment to gender equality and excellence in ASET fields to support Africa’s socio-economic transformation. Achievement of the RSIF gender target requires a carefully crafted and implementable gender strategy, along with deliberate and continuous engagement on the part of the RSIF team, RSIF AHUs, and partner institutions. The goal of the gender strategy is not to advantage women relative to men, but rather to level the playing field and ensure equal opportunity for women and men.

To inform the RSIF Gender Strategy, the RSIF gender study involved both qualitative and quantitative elements, including focus groups and in-depth interviews at the AHUs, and data from an online survey of 262 PhD alumni of 40 African universities. Results of data analyses, along with extensive literature review, provided an evidence base to inform development of the gender strategy to enhance women’s participation in PhD Programs and Research in ASET fields in African universities.

The Seminar discussed with participants 11 interventions to enhance RSIF women doctoral scholars’ enrollment, experience, performance, and completion. Priority interventions are those related to infusing family-friendly aspects into the program, providing women with mentoring and supervisory support that is tailored to their specific needs and circumstances, and ensuring women scholars have awareness of gender-related policies and practices at their institutions.

Enhancing gender inclusiveness in the sciences will require significant investment and deliberate efforts at various levels by various actors, including by universities, governments, and other institutions. However, the important payoffs from this investment justify the costs: removing existing barriers to women’s entry and advancement in ASET fields will increase substantially the number of intelligent, talented people making important scientific contributions towards solving Africa’s complex development problems. Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic has made increasingly evident the enormous importance of science and the need to harness Africa’s existing potential for innovative home-grown solutions in addressing the pandemic. When a greater diversity of perspectives is engaged in scientific and technical endeavors, conventional assumptions are challenged, scientific findings are more complete and robust, and ASET innovations address the demands and circumstances of a diversity of stakeholders, including men and women. The draft RSIF Gender Strategy will be shared with key stakeholders for input before its finalisation later this year.

The Regional Scholarship and Innovation fund (RSIF) is organizing a six-day orientation and training workshop between 2-9 June 2020 for the recently selected 69 second cohort RSIF doctoral scholars. The 69 students join the 15 PhD scholars selected in 2018 who are now undertaking sandwich training in Korea, United States and Africa.
The orientation workshop aims to prepare new RSIF scholarship holders as they begin their PhD on key aspects of the RSIF program, including expectations for their research and as academics. The training will provide students with an introduction to key core skills useful to the new doctoral student, including science communication and PhD proposal writing, information literacy, research methods and data analysis. The training will be delivered virtually by the RSIF Regional Coordination Unit (RCU), International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya.

During the opening session on 2 June, the orientation training was opened by Prof. Aminata Sall Diallo, Executive Director of the PASET Executive Board. Welcome remarks were provided by Dr Moses Osiru, RSIF Manager, RSIF Regional Coordination Unit (RSIF-RCU), icipe, on behalf of Dr. Segenet Kelemu, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of icipe. Other remarks were delivered by Mr Sodedji Frejus Ariel Kpedetin, RSIF PhD Scholar (Cohort 1) at the University Felix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire and currently undertaking internships at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST); Ms Ruth Charo, Senior Education Specialist and RSIF Task Team Leader, World Bank; Prof. Goolam Mohamedbhai GOSK, Chair – PASET Consultative Advisory Group; Former Secretary-General, Association of African Universities and Mr. Mike Hughes, Member of the PASET Executive Board, Advisor to the Minister of Education, Government of Rwanda.

In her opening remarks, Prof Diallo noted that “the five PASET priority areas of food security and agribusiness, climate change, mines, minerals and materials science, energy and ICT were carefully selected to contribute to the development agenda of sub-Saharan Africa countries. RSIF scholars will also support national governments to respond to challenges such as COVID-19”. She also thanked icipe for the leadership role they are playing to implementing the RSIF initiative on behalf of Africa.

Over the 7 days of the training, the scholars will benefit from specific trainings delivered by experts from icipe, the World Bank and the coordinators at the RSIF African host universities. Dr. Sajitha Bashir (Adviser for Science, Technology and Innovation, Office of Senior Director for Education Global Practice, World Bank) and Ms. Safaa El Tayeb El-Kogali (the Education Global Practice Manager for East and Southern Africa at the World Bank) based in Washington, DC will be among the speakers.

Topics that will be covered during the orientation training include how scholars can redress grievances; Sexual Harassment; Strategies for a successful PhD, including research planning and working with supervisors; PhD proposal writing; responsible conduct of research, including research ethics;  information literacy; research methods and statistics, data analysis and management; research communication and social media and the role of social media in higher education.

The 69 students in RSIF Cohort II will study at RSIF African host universities across the continent including Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania; University of Ghana; University of Nairobi, Kenya ; Université Gaston Berger, Senegal;  Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Tanzania; University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire; University of Rwanda; Bayero University, Nigeria and Kenyatta University, Kenya.

The Second Cohort students all initiated their studies between March 2020 – April 2020, and were slightly delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Icipe has taken steps, in partnership with the universities to ensure the PhD studies continue. For more information on PASET, please visit www.rsif-paset.org

PASET-RSIF, Africa’s first Pan African Fund to support doctoral training, research and innovation, announces a Call for PhD funding. This is the third RSIF Call for PhD Students

30 April 2020: Over 100 talented African scientists interested in pursuing doctoral training in applied sciences, engineering and technology, have a chance to access fully funded scholarships tenable in selected, outstanding African universities in collaboration with highly recognised international institutions. 

This opportunity is provided by the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (www.rsif-paset.org), the flagship programme of the Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET). An initiative by African governments, PASET aims to address fundamental gaps in skills and knowledge necessary for long-term, sustained economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Within this context, the goal of RSIF is to support PhD training, research and innovation, to boost technical and scientific capacity for the advancement and use of transformative technologies to tackle the continent’s most pressing challenges.

RSIF is currently funded by contributions from African governments, the World Bank and the Government of Korea; with the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (www.icipe.org) serving as the Regional Coordination Unit (RCU).

“In Africa, and across the globe, the need to build a critical mass of skilled science and engineering leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs, has never been more urgent. In turn, this scenario calls for innovative and ambitious strategies that most effectively harness and utilize resources from the continent, and internationally. And RSIF is an outstanding platform for the realisation of this aspiration,” notes Dr Segenet Kelemu, Director General & CEO, icipe.
RSIF incorporates a network of 11 African Host Universities (AHUs); competitively and rigorously selected universities, research institutes or centres based in Africa that offer a PhD programme in any one of thematic areas identified by PASET as priority economic sectors for growth and development in Africa. These include: information communication technologies (ICTs), including big data and artificial intelligence; food security and agribusiness; minerals, mining and materials engineering; energy including renewables; and climate change. Moreover, RSIF gives priority to women applicants and young African faculty to build Africa’s capacity for capacity building.

For more information contact:
RSIF Regional Coordination Unit
rsif@icipe.org

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY, IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) OUTBREAK.

PREAMBLE
The icipe family, alongside the rest of the world, continues to grapple with the reality of the coronavirus pandemic. The Centre recognises the emerging and evolving nature of this threat, as well as its sweeping and sheer magnitude on just every sphere of society, right down to individual level.
We believe that events of this kind mandate us to play our personal roles while also acting collectively; to be cautious, but also resilient and determined; and to counterbalance vulnerability with courage. In particular, at icipe, this has been a time to remind ourselves of our place as workers in the frontline of poverty alleviation. Indeed, the coronavirus pandemic finds us stark in the middle of contributing to the battle against the desert locust devastating many parts of eastern Africa since the beginning of 2020; and the fall armyworm that arrived a few short years before it. That, alongside efforts to tackle a number of other menaces facing the continent that are within our mandate.

And based on this consciousness, our response to the COVID-19 situation has been purposeful; envisioned to safeguard our staff and their families, as well as our visitors, while minimising disruptions on commitments to our stakeholders, including our development partners, donors, collaborators and beneficiaries.
In accordance, icipe has aimed to develop a package of measures around COVID-19, informed by the best and latest evidence. Towards this goal, the Management has remained vigilant and proactive. We have tapped into the Centre networks; paid heed to host governments directives; and amalgamated information from international organisations, scientific literature, and the media. Since January 2020, we have maintained a consistent flow of information to staff along the following objectives:

• Provide basic understanding of COVID-19;
• Encourage and facilitate intentional preventative actions;
• Create awareness and assurance, and enhance preparedness;
• Build an atmosphere of solidarity, support, hope and purpose;
• Emphasise the importance of staff to follow country-specific directives issued by authorities and local health officials.

Dissemination of basic information on coronavirus to staff have been continually directed to useful online links and literature to update themselves. The aim has been to make teams alert, not just to the facts about the disease, but also to scientific progress being made to find solutions to it.
In response to the declaration of coronavirus as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) in February, icipe developed an initial contingency plan, creating a reasonable level of preparedness across the Centre’s campuses. As the situation has evolved, this plan has been upgraded accordingly, leading to the measures outlined below.

COVID-19 MEASURES CURRENTLY IN PLACE AT icipe
Hygienic procedures have been promoted consistently, including the need for regular and proper hand washing with soap, or using alcohol-based sanitizers installed in central locations across the Centre’s campuses.

Awareness raising of other “barrier gestures”, for example, keeping hands away from the face; avoiding handshaking, hugging and kissing, and close contact with people who have flu-like symptoms; covering nose and mouth with tissue, or coughing and sneezing into one’s flexed elbow; and staying at home, avoiding interaction with others, and seeking medical help in case of symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Preparations for evacuation of staff members who become unwell on-duty to appropriately equipped and prepared hospitals.

Social distancing, including flexible (remote) work arrangements, where roles allow, with appropriate provisions to ensure continuity of work.

Restriction of events, meetings and other gatherings, except when absolutely necessary. In the latter case, meetings rooms must be cleaned before and after, and sitting placements should allow safe distance between participants.

Reinforcing of cleaning protocols, including periodic de-contamination of high-risk areas within the Centre, like entrances and washrooms; diligence of cleaning teams, for example by sanitizing themselves in between locations and wearing masks as they perform their tasks. Cleaning has also been rationalised in favour of spaces that require more frequent attention.

Re-stocking and replenishing of vital items like masks, gloves, and disinfectants.

Training of staff especially those involved in cleaning and decontamination.

Instalment of TVs at multiple locations on campus with videos on how to wash hands properly and on how to decontaminate surfaces including tables, light switches, stair rails, door handles, etc

Switch to cashless modes of payments, preferably mobile money.

Enhanced catering procedures, including protection kits for food service staff; constant disinfection around service areas and dining tables; self-clearance and designated areas for used crockery/cutlery, and clearly marked dustbins for disposable items. As of March 18^th  the Centre’s cafeterias and guest centres have been closed.

Pre-empting the need to touch the handles by keeping doors to washrooms, offices and other constantly used areas open.

Revision of security checks at entrances to eliminate physical contact, while not compromising safety.
Suspension of travel to countries that have a level 3 travel health notice; while invitation of visitors from such countries is discouraged. Non-essential travel to other countries with reported cases of coronavirus for events expected to have large gatherings of people has also been restrained. International visitors to the Centre and its campuses from such countries are asked to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days from the time of their arrival.

Additional requirements for self-quarantine as follows: as events have an unfolded, more stringent requirements for those travelling have been enacted. As a result any staff who a) is returning from a country with reported coronavirus cases; or b) has had contact with someone who has been in such a location recently; or c) has had contact with someone who has been diagnosed with the coronavirus; is required to report the incident and self-quarantine for a period of at least 14 days from the time they return, or from when they became aware of, or suspect the diagnosis.

Household preparedness and safety recommendations, for example through development of household plans informed by respective needs and daily routine, as well as community collective COVID-19 preventive measures. The plans should include emergency contacts of friends, family and medical services, and should be designed towards strategic, rather than panic buying of food supplies and other necessities.

icipe@50 ANNIVERSARY
The most significant decision that we have taken in light of COVID-19, is the postponement of the icipe@50 main ceremony. Previously scheduled for 3 April 2020, this has been postponed to 20 November 2020. The 50^th anniversary is a major milestone for icipe and through our website (www.icipe.org), and social media pages, we will continue to share information on other planned activities taking place during the year. In due course, we will send you special publication marking this landmark.

We hope to be able to hold the icipe@50 ceremony as rescheduled. Indeed, we move forward with the aspiration that the current danger will pass, and that we will all prevail. Our confidence would be impossible without the unwavering support, empathy and flexibility of our donors and partners; factors that have allowed us to meet our obligations as best as possible amidst existing circumstances. We express our utmost gratitude to you all and look forward to better times.

Yours sincerely,

Segenet Kelemu, PhD
Director General & CEO

After reviewing the current prevailing circumstances on the evolving Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic and the implications on the health and safety of participants, as well as emerging and potential difficulties around travel, icipe management has decided to postpone the RSIF Technical Annual Learning Meeting (that was planned for March 31- April 3) to a later date.
Some of the considerations that led to this decision are:

1. The Government of Kenya has restricted the holding of international gatherings.
2. Feedback from a number of RSIF partners, whose travel has been restricted or banned, including our partners in South Korea, US, Europe and the World Bank.
3. A number of airlines have begun to restrict travel to ‘level 3’ countries, and continue to update these.
4. Risk of delays and disruptions at the airports resulting from screening for COVID-19.

We apologize for any inconveniences this change may cause and sincerely hope to be able to convene a learning meeting, later in the year.
We thank you for your understanding.

Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, 7 October 2019: The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), in its capacity as the Coordination Unit of the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF), has signed Partnership Agreements with the Fund’s 11 African Host Universities (AHUs).

The RSIF is the flagship initiative of the Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET). Led by African governments, PASET aims to address fundamental gaps in skills and knowledge necessary for long-term, sustained economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Specifically, RSIF aims to train at least 10,000 PhDs in 10 years, while also strengthening research and innovation in applied sciences, engineering and technology (ASET). The initiative is currently funded by contributions from African governments, the World Bank and the Government of Korea.

The AHUs are competitively and rigorously selected universities, research institutes or centres based in Africa that offer a PhD programme in any one of the RSIF priority thematic areas. The universities host RSIF PhD scholars, and partner with icipe in capacity building. They also receive grants for research and innovation from RSIF.
The signing of the Partnership Agreements was officiated by the Ministry of Education, Kenya (currently the Chair of the Governing Council of PASET). The meeting participants were Vice Chancellors of the 10 RSIF AHUs, representatives of the PASET Executive Board, the Consultative Advisory Group, the World Bank, the Ministry of Education Kenya, icipe staff, and various high-level delegates.

Significant milestone
“The Partnership Agreements between icipe and the AHUs marks a significant milestone towards realising the goals of RSIF, arguably Africa’s most innovative and ambitious effort towards strengthening capacity in ASET,” noted Prof. Aminata Sall Diallo, chairperson PASET Executive Board.

“We now have a framework that will enable the AHUs to benefit fully from opportunities available through RSIF, including accessing young scientific talent, grants, and various opportunities to strengthen PhD training.”
Moreover, the structure will inform efforts by the AHUs to partner with stringently chosen international institutions in their areas of expertise, where RSIF scholars may conduct part of their studies. This process will lead to a network system that ensures collaborative and innovative research, and the highest level of mentorship for the emerging scientists and researchers by leading local and global experts.

“RSIF is strongly positioned to support the continent’s concerted goals of achieving inclusive and sustainable development,” said Dr Segenet Kelemu, Director General & CEO, icipe.

She added: “As the Regional Coordination Unit, it is important to have formal basis for collaboration with AHUs, to comprehensively and effectively bring together various facets that will ultimately contribute to the overall vision of RSIF.”

icipe’s mandate includes supporting strengthening the capacity of the AHUs and partnering institutions to manage PhD scholarships, and to conduct research and innovation in the priority sectors. In addition, icipe  facilitates the creation of partnerships with governments, universities and national and international research organisations for research training, for example through sandwich training and collaboration with centres of excellence.

Notes for Editors
The Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) is an Africa-led initiative with the objective of strengthening the science, technology and engineering capability in sub-Saharan Africa to further its socio-economic transformation. Led by African governments, PASET champions a regional approach which complements individual country efforts. It functions as a convening platform by bringing together African governments, the private sector, and new partners, such as Brazil, China, India, and Korea, to invest in Africa. Overall, PASET focuses on maximizing investment in key sectors, while increasing the capacity of universities, research centers and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) centers to generate knowledge and create skilled workforces, researchers and innovators relevant to Africa’s development challenges.

Further information: http://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/paset

The Regional Scholarship Innovation Fund (RSIF), the flagship initiative of PASET, aims to respond to prevailing opportunities and challenges in SSA by reinforcing doctoral training in ASET through a virtuous circle that will increase the number of PhD graduates and the quality of higher education through stronger faculty. A competitive grants scheme, RSIF has two components: (i) a general fund, which supports PhD training, research and innovation projects and (ii) a permanent or endowment fund, whose proceeds will be channeled into the general fund. Further information: https://www.rsif-paset.org/

As the Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) of RSIF, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (www.icipe.org), has a mandate that includes overall coordination planning, monitoring and evaluation of RSIF activities. Specifically, icipe  manages the two RSIF funds; strengthens the capacity of universities and partnering institutions to train PhDs, and to facilitates research and innovation in the PASET priority sectors.Further information: http://www.icipe.org/news/icipe-manage-regional-doctoral-training-research-and-innovation-fund

Current RSIF African Host Universities
ICTs including big data and artificial intelligence 

• University of Gaston Berger, Senegal (Africa Center of Excellence for Mathematics, Informatics, and ICT);
• University of Rwanda (Africa Center of Excellence in Internet of Things – ACEIoT).

Food security and agribusiness

• University of Ghana (Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness);
• Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania (Africa Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans & Animals in Southern & Eastern Africa -SACIDS).

Minerals, mining and materials engineering

• African University of Science and Technology (Pan African Materials Institute), Abuja, Nigeria.
• Kenyatta University, Kenya (Department of Physics);
• Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Tanzania (Africa Centre of Excellent in Water Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy Futures – WISE-Futures).

Energy including renewables

• University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria (Africa Center of Excellence in Oilfield Chemicals Research – ACE-CEFOR);
• University of Nairobi, Kenya (Department of Physics).

Climate change

• University Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte D’ivoire (Africa Center of Excellence for Climate Change Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture);
• Bayero University, Nigeria (Africa Centre of Excellence in Dryland Agriculture)

Nairobi, Kenya – On Monday, 7 October, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), will host a high level discussion forum on strengthening Africa’s capacity in applied sciences, engineering and technology (ASET).

The Centre is convening the forum in its capacity as the Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) of the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF), the flagship programme of the Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET). An initiative by African governments, PASET aims to address fundamental gaps in skills and knowledge necessary for long-term, sustained economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
Specifically, the forum aims to conduct an analysis of 10 RSIF African Host Universities (AHUs).  These institutions were competitively chosen for their expertise in thematic areas identified by PASET as critical to Africa’s development. The goal is to determine relevant interventions to reinforce the potential of the AHUs in nurturing world class capacity.

The event will be attended by Vice-Chancellors of the 10 RSIF AHUs, representatives of the PASET Executive Board, the Consultative Advisory Group, the World Bank, the Ministry of Education Kenya, and various high-level delegates.

We invite you to the opening ceremony of the forum to be officiated by Hon. Prof. George A. O. Magoha, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, Kenya; Chair PASET Governing Council, 9.00 – 9.30 am.
This will be followed by a signing ceremony of Partnership Agreements between 10 PASET-RSIF AHUs and icipe,  from 11:00 am – 12:00 noon. This agreement gives the AHUs a chance to benefit from the research and innovation grant windows of the RSIF, and access opportunities for strengthening the design and management of PhD programmes and partnerships with world class research institutions.

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Liz Ng’ang’a lnganga@icipe.org
Pauline Achoka pachoka@icipe.org

The Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF) Regional Coordination Unit, together with the World Bank organised a visit for representatives from African Universities from the RSIF [1]and Academic Centres of Excellence (ACE[2]) programs to visit the Keio University Graduate School of System Design and Management (Keio SDM) on the 2^nd of September, 2019. The group of 16 participants included representatives from Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Malawi. They were accompanied by representatives from the PASET Executive Board, the World Bank and icipe (RSIF’s Regional Coordination Unit). The visit was organised to facilitate partnerships between PASET RSIF and ACE Programs with Japanese universities and businesses which is pivotal for the development of human capital and building excellence in research and innovation within African universities.

Keio SDM pursues problem-solving with a . This is a program that enables learners to seek solutions to complex issues by considering social needs and incorporating technologies. The Keio Universities Innovation Program – “The EDGE”’ is arguably one of the best programs in the world focusing on system design or design thinking. The program focuses on value creation in an innovative thinking approach and nurturing entrepreneurship in the global context. Faculty from the participating universities were able to learn more about the application of system design thinking in coming up with innovative technologies for solving both global and local social issues within their context.

Additionally, the team learned about innovative technologies that the Graduate school of System Design and Management at Keio University (Keio SDM) has developed from the use of satellite data and remote sensing as well as engaging in discussions with potential customers to understand their actual challenges and the applicability of the proposed solution.

‘This program not only helps to build an entrepreneurial mindset but also helps one become system minded and comfortable with design approaches to innovative solutions to social needs in society’ Prof. Kohtake, Keio SDM.
He also noted that systems thinking /design thinking is often not taught in many of our universities and yet an important way to enhance the efficiency of systems.

The team explored partnership opportunities with the innovation program with individual universities and under the umbrella of PASET RSIF and ACE programs. Led by African Governments and facilitated by the World Bank, PASET RSIF aims to sustainably build doctoral training and research and innovation environments in Africa with a focus on 11 selected African host university universities.

[1] University of Nairobi; Kenyatta University; University of Ghana; Bayero University; Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology; and Sokoine University of Agriculture.
[2] International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2IE); Kwame Nkurumah University of Science and Technology, Regional Water and Environmental Sanitation Centre Kumasi (RWESCK); Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resource (LUANAR Africa Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Fisheries Science).

RSIF Institutional Capacity Building Program (RSIF- ICBP)
The Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) is an Africa-led initiative to strengthen skills in ASET fields in order to further socio-economic transformation in sub- Saharan Africa (SSA). The Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF) is the flagship program of PASET. The primary objective of RSIF is to strengthen institutional capacity for quality and sustainable doctoral training, research and innovation in transformative technologies in sub- Saharan Africa.

RSIF is anchored on three complimentary Windows:

• Window 1 supports financing of 3 to 4-year scholarships for PhD training in the selected RSIF African Host Universities;
• Window 2 supports grants for research awarded to faculty engaged in PhD training in African Host Universities and to RSIF graduates who obtain a post-doctoral or permanent position in academic institutions or research centre in SSA; and
• Window 3 supports innovation grants awarded to RSIF scholars and faculty who submit joint innovative project proposals with private companies.

The grants are awarded competitively and aim to complement the PhD training offered to scholars by supporting knowledge generation, promoting scientific excellence and encouraging the use of knowledge for development impact.

The RSIF Institutional Capacity Building Program (RSIF- ICBP), is part of Window 3 and provides grants to assist RSIF African Host Universities to develop innovation-enabling environments and to encourage capacity building for innovation and entrepreneurship development. The program will promotes the development of strategic policy documents related to innovation and commercialization in order to create a stimulating environment for successful university-industry partnerships. Furthermore, it will reinforce the development of an institutional framework to enhance the innovation ecosystem within the university by:

1. Aiding in the development of strategic policy documents related to innovation and commercialization of knowledge.
2. Strengthening the human resource and development skills of researchers.
3. Encouraging the establishment of collaborations with business incubators, accelerators, technology hubs and private sector companies in PASET priority areas, and
4. Supporting the institutionalization of RSIF Host Universities and building their research and innovation-oriented capacities through collaboration with experienced international partners.

In this round of the ICBP, RSIF will award competitively a maximum of 6 grants with budget ceiling per grant of up to $50,000. The grants will be implemented for a maximum period of 2 years.
Eligible Partners

• RSIF African Host Universities as lead applicants (see rsif-paset.org for more information).
• Private sector companies, business incubators, accelerators or technology hubs.
• International partners (preferably with experience in innovation capacity development and commercialization of knowledge).

Deadline for receipt of proposals is September 30, 2019, midnight East African Time.
The full Call for Proposals and related information on how to submit proposals and relevant templates can be accessed at https://www.rsif-paset.org .

For further information, please contact:
The RSIF Regional Coordination Unit
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe)
Phone: +254 (20) 8632000
Att: Ms. Cynthia Orang’o, Research and Innovation Grants Officer
Email: rsifgrants@icipe.org[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

On July 11, 2019, icipe was honored to host members of the Committee of Education, Research and Technology Assessment of the German Federal Parliament. icipe has several collaborations with Germany including through the German Academic Exchange Services (DAAD), focused on providing PhD level capacity building through icipe’s African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Sciences (ARPPIS); and more recently the Max Planck Partner Group that supports high quality international research partnerships.

The Delegation had the opportunity to learn about icipe’s work and more specifically the Regional Scholarship and Innovations Fund (RSIF), a flagship project of the Partnership for Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (PASET). RSIF aims to strengthen training, research and innovation environments at selected African Universities in PASET priority areas and enhance the generation of transformative technologies that respond to African problems and ultimately contribute to the economic growth of Sub Saharan African Countries.

The Parliamentarians noted PASET Priority thematic areas and the opportunities that exist for collaboration between Germany and Africa specifically in the area of ICTs including big data, robotics, and artificial intelligence which hold strong promise for Africa’s development. Ms. Anke Domscheit-Berg, the Spokeswoman for the Left Party Parliamentary Group on the Committee on Digital Agenda and Group’s spokeswoman on internet policy highlighted the importance of using digital technologies to revolutionize production techniques to reduce the cost of labour, turnaround time and increased production in major sectors of Africa’s economy especially food production.

In addition the parliamentarians emphasized the need to enhance collaboration with German universities, research institutions and the private sector to increase knowledge generation to solve Africa’s challenges.

Visit www.rsif-paset.org for more information about PASET RSIF.

PASET is an African government-led initiative created to accelerate building of a scientific and technically skilled labor force by focusing on the continuum of skills from foundational skills to upper secondary/technical/vocational training as well as higher education, scientific research and innovation. icipe was appointed the Regional Coordination Unit for the Fund and is responsible for project implementation. PASET Priority Thematic Areas are: (a)ICTs including big data and artificial intelligence; (b)food security and agribusiness; (c)minerals, mining and materials engineering; (d)energy including renewables; and (e) climate change