CIFAR Women in Research Leadership Development Symposium
The CIFAR Women in Research Leadership Development Symposium convenes exceptional early career researchers from across sub-Saharan Africa, in any academic discipline, to strengthen their leadership skills through facilitated training; expand their professional networks; build their capacity for leading-edge, interdisciplinary research and collaboration; and receive mentorship from amongst Africa’s top women research leaders.
This took place from January 28-30, 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda. Applications are now closed.
The CIFAR Women in Research Leadership Development Symposium aims to address the unique needs of young African scholars (especially women) toward breaking down barriers to academic careers and making high-impact contributions as research leaders.
Participants will:
- Engage in facilitated leadership training. Sample topics may include: effective practices for building and sustaining a research group; science communication; negotiation.
- Network with peers from wide-ranging disciplines and countries across sub-Saharan Africa, with an opportunity to explore potential research collaborations.
- Receive mentorship from established female research leaders based in Africa.
Travel and accommodation for all successful applicants will be paid for by CIFAR.
Interested applicants must hold a primarily research-focused position (typically as a senior graduate student, postdoctoral fellow or early career faculty member) at an academic or research institution in sub-Saharan Africa, and be 35 years of age or younger as of January 27, 2025. All academic disciplines and areas of research are welcome. Applicants of any gender may apply; at least 70% of selected participants will be women. Applicants are required to submit a CV and articulate how attending this symposium would advance their career goals and vision for impact. Applications are accepted only through the application form linked above. The symposium will be conducted in English. If you have any questions, please contact us at nextgen@cifar.ca.
SELECTION
Applications are reviewed for basic eligibility, and then evaluated for leadership potential and commitment to impact based on the submitted application materials.
CIFAR is committed to creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment and research community. We welcome proposals from countries and institutions across sub-Saharan Africa and from all gender identities.
Final selection decisions will focus on balancing representation across disciplines, institutions and countries, and ensuring at least 70% participation by women.
Co-Chairs:
Dorothy Ngila
South Africa
Éliane Ubalijoro
José Jackson-Malete
Michigan State University
Organizing Committee
Paige Benton
Abdourahmane Ndong
Dorothy Richard
Sinenhlanhla Precious Sikhosana
Faustina Twumwaa Gyimah
Steering committee
Sahba Nomvula Besharati
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars 2021-2023
Renée Hložek
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar 2019-2021
Ameet Morjaria
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars 2021-2023
Northwestern University
Benjamin Rosman
Fellow
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars 2022-2024
Key Dates
Application deadline:
July 15, 2024
Notification of decision:
October 30, 2024
Symposium:
January 28-30, 2025