CFAs: Supporting African Science and Tertiary Education (SASTE) Grant

In case of strong involvement of Technical Sciences and IT in research projects of the mentioned fields, these areas of research are also eligible for application.

The successful applicant is embedded in a long-term research setting at a Sub-Sahara African university or research institution (= home institution). The research at an Austrian university or research institution (= hosting institution) should provide additional qualifications that have a stimulating effect on the ongoing research projects and the hosting institution provides access to the latest technologies and processes.

There are two crucial elements for a proposed research project to succeed: (i) High relevance for a sustainable development of the Sub Sahara region and a (ii) high probability that the research results translate into new products, processes, services or improved living conditions. The employment of digitalization or artificial intelligence within the research projects is highly appreciated.

The grant is financed by a private donor in form of a contract between the donor and hosting institution in Austria based on the results of the competitive selection process. There is no legal claim to a grant even if all application requirements are fulfilled. The number of grants that will be awarded during one call depends on the quality of the applications and the available budget.

What is funded?

• Grant duration may range between 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the project.
• An extension of the grant is not possible.
• Monthly stipend of 1400 Euro is provided.
• Additional support for housing of up to 500 Euro/month
• Travel budget of up to 3000 Euro/year for scientific visits of the home intuition and scientific conferences.
• Costs for the hosting institution in Austria of up to 2500 Euro/year according to work and budget plan as part of the application.
• Confirmation of the necessary in-kind contributions by the home intuition (e.g. support for field work, technical equipment etc.)
• Additional funding related to the proposed research is beneficial, but is subject to disclosure.

Who is eligible to apply? 

• Post-doctoral scientists (< 42 years old, women < 45 in case of child care) working in one of the fields of the above listed topics of the call.
• Applicants hold a research position in Africa (which ensures the continuation of the work at the home institution after the research stay in Austria) and have research experience in the field of the proposed research.
• PhD earned from outside Austria is desirable but not obligatory. If PhD earned and application for research stay concern the same university or department in Austria, great importance will be attached to the novel aspect of the research project.
• 6 months prior to the planned stay, the applicant has not studied or worked in Austria.
• A minimum of 3 and a maximum of 7 years of post-doctoral work experience within a University or higher research organization located in Sub-Sahara Africa.
• Contract with the home institution for at least 2 more years after the research stay (Confirmation by the home institution is needed, e.g. contract details).
• Confirmation by the Austrian hosting institution and the supervisor to accept the applicant as well as to provide the necessary resources for the research (office space, facilities, time, etc.).
• Excellent language skills in English or German.
• Any other information:
  • Successful applicants need an Austrian bank account to which the grant money is transferred.
  • The grant money is only paid for the time the grant holder works in Austria.
  • Health insurance accepted by the Austrian authorities is required for the duration of their stay in Austria. The monthly costs can vary, at the moment it ranges between 55 to 200 Euro depending on age, and state of health.
  • Scholarship holders have to pay the costs for accommodation and insurance by themselves.
  • Applicants must comply with the admission regulations of the respective university and with the regulations to obtain and hold a temporary residence permit.
  • Grant holder are obliged to submit every 3 months a very short report (3 pages covering the work progress). A final report summarizing the achievements according to the grant application is required.
  • Grant holders are not allowed to take up paid work in Austria.

For more information, visit OeAD.