Twenty-nine (29) early career African scientists have been selected to receive research funding under the Future Leaders – African Independent Research (Flair) program for 2020.

South Africa leads the list of winners with nine scientists followed by Kenya (5), Ghana (4) and Ethiopia, Uganda, Nigeria, Cameroon has two scientists each while Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Malagasy had one scientist each.

The recipients were selected from a competitive group of more than 400 applicants. They join the 2019 intake of FLAIR fellows, who are already making a significant contribution to science on the continent in their fields.

According to a statement by the African Academy of Sciences, each of the selected scientists will receive up to £300 000 (or $391 500) to carry out research over two years. The research projects include new sustainable agriculture and fisheries techniques, improved cleaner energy storage methods, mitigating the worse effects of climate change by managing water shortages, and focusing on African acute health conditions.

Professor Nelson Torto, Executive Director of the African Academy of Sciences, welcomed the second cohort of FLAIR grantees to the growing postdoctoral family noting: "The AAS Postdoctoral programs are vital in training and developing early career researchers into research leaders whose scientific leadership will influence policies that will promote the socio-economic development of the continent."

On behalf of the Royal Society, Professor Richard Catlow said they we're proud to be part of a program that is investing in the next generation of African scientific leaders.

Flair is a joint program by the African Academy of Sciences and the UK’s Royal Society and is supported by the UK’s Global Challenges Research Fund. Its aim is to allow African scientists to develop independent research careers without having to leave Africa and hopefully lead to them heading their own research teams in African institutions.

The next round of FLAIR applications is currently open and will close on 27 May 2020.

Photo courtesy / Google

Article by Jedidah Mwangi

https://www.aasciences.africa/news/recipients-2020-flair-fellowships-announced