Next Einstein Forum (NEF) Fellowship 2019/2021 for Africans Worldwide

Applications to be a Next Einstein Forum (NEF) Fellow are open to Africans from around the world – including those who currently reside in the Diaspora – in all fields of science, including the social sciences and technology fields. 

Application Deadline: 27th January 2019

Offered annually? Yes

To be taken at (country): Kigali, Rwanda

About the Award: The Next Einstein Forum (NEF), an African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) initiative in partnership with the Robert Bosch Stiftung, announces the opening of the Next Einstein Forum (NEF) Fellows Programme which will identify 15 of Africa’s top young scientists, honoring their achievement and contributions to Africa and the world’s development at the next Next Einstein Forum (NEF) Global Gathering.

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The NEF Fellows is a select programme that recognises Africa’s best young scientists and technologists. These innovators and emerging leaders, at least 40 percent of whom are women, will have two main opportunities as a NEF Fellow

1. Advance their scientific career. NEF Fellows have a unique platform to:

• Present their work at the NEF Global Gathering in the presence of leading scientists, journalists, industries and business people from around the world.
• Gain exposure to a global audience of approximately 100 million viewers and readers worldwide.
• Draw upon the vast networks of NEF members and participants for support, connections, and counsel to advance their work.
• Develop mentoring relationships with leading scientists, policymakers, industry representatives and civil-society leaders

2. Inspire the next generation of African innovators. NEF Fellows participate in campaigns and events to encourage young people to pursue scientific careers.

Offered Since: 2013

Type: Fellowship

Eligibility: 

• Be 42 years of age or less as of 31 December, 2019
• Hold a passport from an African country
• Hold a PhD in a field of science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or the social sciences
• Have a demonstrated track record of research/findings that have global impact
• You are passionate about raising Africa’s profile in STEM globally
• Able to clearly present their work to an audience in English or French

Selection Criteria:

• (30%): Outstanding academic qualifications as measured by the standards of their particular academic discipline. Examples of notable achievements include:
  • Publication record
  • Prizes and other awards, such as distinguished fellowships or memberships in prestigious academic circles (for example, in high-ranking committees, bodies, academies, etc.)
  • Independently raised funding from outside sources in a competitive process
  • Number of patents
  • The type and number of invited talks at international conferences
• (30%):  Academic maturity and clear evidence of scientific potential and a distinct research profile and direction. Examples of this include being a leader of an independent research group
• (20%): Relevance and impact – demonstrated commitment to advancing science and/or improving and impacting society, notably in Africa
• (10%): Communication skills as demonstrated in the video submission
• (10%):  Other distinctive characteristics

Number of Awardees: 15

Value of Scholarship:  Attend the prestigious, invitation-only NEF Global Gathering 2020 in Nairobi, Kenya, in March 2020 alongside: Nobel Prize winners; experienced and emerging scientists; Heads of State; and representatives from leading global corporations and civil society organizations.

• Attend the NEF Community of Scientists Annual Meeting and together with previous classes of fellows and ambassadors, finalize a work plan for the Community of Scientists.
• A unique opportunity to present your research and showcase your innovations as an example of the potential of young, exceptional scientific talent from Africa
• Collaborate with, receive mentoring from, and partner with leading scientists, policy-makers, industry representatives and civil-society leaders, as well as other exceptional young African scientists.
• A unique opportunity to be a part of the NEF Fellows Tour to an African country or participate in the NEF Visiting Scientist Programme to showcase your research project(s) and establish collaborations in your field
• Contribute to the establishment of a positive global view of science in Africa
• Application and programme participation are completely free

How to Apply: Download the Application Form here:

• in English
• in French

It is important to go through the Eligibility requirements and Application processes before applying.

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Visit Fellowship Webpage for details