Next Einstein Forum Fellowship Program 2019/2021

Applications are open for the Next Einstein Forum Fellowship Program 2019/2021. The NEF Fellowship is a select program that recognises Africa’s best young scientists and technologists. These innovators and emerging leaders, at least 40 percent of whom are women, will have two main opportunities as a NEF Fellow.

The NEF Fellows program consists of Africa’s most brilliant young scientists that the NEF showcases on the global stage. The NEF Fellows program provides these brilliant young minds with the opportunity to present their research and draw upon the vast networks of NEF members and participants for support, connections and advice to advance their work.

Each class of NEF Fellows is a unique and diverse group that is representative of a wide range of research interests, experiences and perspectives but united in their extraordinary achievements, dedication to a global understanding of science and passion to improve Africa’s representation on the global scientific stage.

Benefits of Next Einstein Forum Fellowship

• Attend the prestigious, invitation-only NEF Global Gathering 2020 in Nairobi, Kenya, in March 2020 alongside: Nobel Prize winners; experienced and emerging scientists; Heads of State; and representatives from leading global corporations and civil society organizations
• Attend the NEF Community of Scientists Annual Meeting and together with previous classes of fellows and ambassadors, finalize a work plan for the Community of Scientists
• A unique opportunity to present your research and showcase your innovations as an example of the potential of young, exceptional scientific talent from Africa
• Collaborate with, receive mentoring from, and partner with leading scientists, policy-makers, industry representatives and civil-society leaders, as well as other exceptional young African scientists
• A unique opportunity to be a part of the NEF Fellows Tour to an African country or participate in the NEF Visiting Scientist Program to showcase your research project(s) and establish collaborations in your field
• Contribute to the establishment of a positive global view of science in Africa

Next Einstein Forum Fellowship Eligibility

• Applicants should be 42 years of age or less as of December 31, 2019;
• Hold a passport from an African country;
• Hold a PhD in a field of science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or the social sciences;
• Have a demonstrated track record of research/findings that have global impact;
• You are passionate about raising Africa’s profile in STEM globally;
• Able to clearly present their work to an audience in English or French.

Selection Criteria

• Outstanding academic qualifications as measured by the standards of their particular academic discipline. Examples of notable achievements include:
  • Publication record
  • Prizes and other awards, such as distinguished fellowships or memberships in prestigious academic circles (for example, in high ranking committees, bodies, academies, etc.)
  • Independently raised funding from outside sources in a competitive process
  • Number of patents
  • The type and number of invited talks at international conferences
• Academic maturity and clear evidence of scientific potential and a distinct research profile and direction. Examples of this include being a leader of an independent research group
• Relevance and impact – demonstrated commitment to advancing science and/or improving and impacting society, notably in Africa
• Communication skills as demonstrated in the video submission
• Other distinctive characteristics

How to Apply for Next Einstein Forum Fellowship

Download the application form in English or French

For more information, visit NEF Fellowship.