Deadline: February 9, 2018
The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), The World Academy of Sciences Regional Office for sub-Saharan Africa (TWAS-ROSSA) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) are seeking candidates to participate in the inaugural regional training workshop on science diplomacy to be held in South Africa, from 21 to 25 May 2018.
Given the growing role of science and technology in international relations, this 5-day workshop will expose participants to key contemporary international and regional science policy issues including large scientific collaborative infrastructure, transnational approaches to biodiversity conservation, food and energy security, water management and health, among others, while providing an overview of how science, technology and innovation contribute to policy development, global governance and conflict resolution. Another focus of the meeting will be to gain a better understanding of, and appreciation for, the roles that governments, academia, international organisations and the private sector play in addressing complex science-based issues such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the different governance structures required for the involvement of these different stakeholders.
Finally, the workshop will take stock of science diplomacy case studies and experiences in the various forms that they take in Africa and build strong networks to foster the next generation of science diplomats in the region. This workshop will encourage active interaction among participants, speakers and facilitators as they develop ideas and strategies to enhance science diplomacy in the region.
This training workshop is designed for young scientists (below the age of 40) living and working in sub-Saharan Africa and whose research and wider engagement has brought them into the international policy-making arena, as well as policymakers and diplomats interested in some of the central science-based themes that might influence their work, and representatives from NGOs and other sectors working at the science-diplomacy interface. Alumni will join a global network of young leaders and innovators reaching across borders to address societal challenges and become agents of change in their countries and sectors.
Benefits
Economy class flights, local transport and accommodation in South Africa will be covered for selected participants. A limited number of spaces for self-funded and partially-funded candidates will also be available. Applicants are encouraged to seek support from their institutions and to include a plan for how they will apply the newly gained knowledge and skills back in their organisation.
Eligibility
- Applications are invited from young scientists (up to the age of 40), living and working in sub-Saharan Africa and whose research and wider engagement has brought them into the international policy-making arena
- Also open to policymakers and diplomats interested in some of the central science-based themes that might influence their work.
- Representatives from NGOs and other sectors working at the science-diplomacy interface may also apply
- Women from Science & Technology Lagging Countries (STLCs) are especially encouraged to apply. These countries include: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Application
- The completed application should be submitted via the online system.
- The deadline for submitting applications is 9 February 2018.
- Applications are invited from young scientists (up to the age of 40), as well as scientists and/or government officials, etc., with more experience in the policymaking arena (‘science diplomacy ambassadors’).
- Successful candidates will be informed in late March 2018. An expert committee established by ASSAf, TWAS and AAAS will review the applications received.
Complete the online application.
For more information, visit TWAS Science Diplomacy Programme.
