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 event will take place from January 28-30, 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda. Information about eligibility and participant selection is provided below.

Applications will be accepted until July 15, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact us at Nextgen@cifar.ca.

In order to remove obstacles from academic careers and enable young African scholars—especially women—to make significant contributions as research leaders, the CIFAR Women in Research Leadership Development Symposium seeks to meet their specific requirements.

participants will:

1. Take part in training for assisted leadership. Effective strategies for starting and maintaining a research group, science communication, and negotiation are a few examples of possible themes
2. Make connections with colleagues from various fields and nations in sub-Saharan Africa, and take advantage of the chance to discuss possible joint research projects.
3. Take advantage of mentoring from seasoned African-based female researchers.

All accepted applicants’ airfare and lodging will be covered by CIFAR.

Interested candidates must be 35 years of age or younger on January 27, 2025, and have a job that is largely focused on research (usually as a senior graduate student, postdoctoral associate, or early career faculty member) at an academic or research institution in sub-Saharan Africa. All fields of study and academic specializations are invited. Any gender may apply, but women will make up at least 70% of the individuals that are chosen. In addition to submitting a resume, applicants must explain how attending this conference will further their professional objectives and affect vision. Only submissions made using the application form found above will be accepted. The language of the symposium will be English. Please ask any queries you may have at nextgen@cifar.ca

Selection

After applications are checked for basic eligibility, their leadership potential and commitment to impact are assessed using the information provided in the application.

CIFAR is dedicated to fostering an environment and research community that is more inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We welcome submissions from organizations and nations all around sub-Saharan Africa, regardless of gender identity.