Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) 2019
The Africa Science Leadership Programme announces the launch of their 2019 call. The fifth ASLP workshop is planned to be held in Pretoria at the Future Africa campus in March 2019. The programme was launched in June 2015 with a first cohort of 20 fellows. At present, the ASLP has trained 84 fellows from 18 countries across Africa.
The programme is an initiative of the University of Pretoria and the Global Young Academy, with the support of the Robert Bosch Stiftung, aims to grow mid-career African academics in the areas of thought leadership, team management and research development, with the intention of enabling them to contribute to the development of a new paradigm for science in Africa, focused on its contribution to solving the complex issues facing both Africa and the global community.
The leadership programme:
Identifies early- to mid-career academics who have demonstrated leadership potential and an interest in developing key leadership skills
Supports them to apply the acquired skills to projects that are relevant to the academic development on the continent and its impact on society
Creates a network of academic leaders on the continent, spanning not only across countries, but also across disciplinary boundaries
Advances a curriculum for academic leadership development, which can be utilised in institutions in Africa and beyond.
Programme Structure
The programme will use a highly interactive approach to training, application of skills to a leadership project, peer support, and mentorship. Fellows will attend an initial 5 day, intensive on-site programme in Pretoria, South Africa from 16-21 March 2018 (departing on the 22nd). The process will involve an approach that cycles between theory, application and reflection. Participants will be challenged to work collaboratively to design initiatives that advance a new paradigm for African science.
The training will cover:
Core elements of collective leadership
Creative and systems thinking
Development of effective networks
Stakeholder engagement for change
Maximising the efficiency and impact of collaborative efforts
Advanced dialogue and communication skills
Effective problem solving and decision making
Following the first training week, fellows will apply their skills to a project relevant to their context and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As described above, projects will aim to contribute to a new paradigm for Africa science.
Benefits:
During the year, participants will continue to engage with the group and have access to professional support.
The costs incurred during the workshop (training, relevant travel, meals and accommodation) will be covered by the programme.
In March 2020, fellows will complete their projects and present them at the second in-person training, which will consist of 3 days.
Application Deadline: November 9th 2018
