Deadline: 21 February 2025
Applications are now open for the Royal Society Rising Star Africa Prize to recognise early-career research scientists based in Africa who are making an innovative contribution to the physical, mathematical and engineering sciences.
The prize was established in memory of Paul O’Brien FRS and his work encouraging excellence in science and education in Africa.
Purpose
- The Grant is intended to be spent on a research project which has the potential to continue after the 12 months of the Grant.
- The Grant is designed to promote capacity building within Africa.
- The Recipient of the Prize may not use the funds to support their own salary/personal remuneration or as a salary for research assistants.
Prize Information
- The Prize will make a grant of £14,000, including VAT where applicable, to the Recipient for a research project and £1,000 as a personal prize for the Recipient.
- The Recipients will also be awarded a specially struck commemorative medal and they are expected to receive the Prize in person at awarding ceremony which will take place at the Royal Society, except in exceptional circumstances such as ill-health.
Eligibility Criteria
- The Royal Society Rising Star Africa Prize is open to African citizens. It is restricted to early career scientists with no more than 15 years since achieving their PhD (not including career breaks) and nominations will remain valid and shall be considered by the award selection committee throughout three nomination cycles.
Reporting Requirements
- The Recipient of the Prize is required to submit a report after 6 months (upon receiving the Grant) and again after 12 months detailing the progress of their research, the progress of their project and the expenditure of the Grant.
Terms and Conditions
- This award comes with a Prize Lecture which the recipient is expected to deliver on the evening of the awarding ceremony.
- Nominations can be made by senior academics and members of the national academies of science.
- The project and nominee should be linked with an African centre of excellence, which would normally be a university, or equivalent research centre.
- Normally the Prize is given to an individual who has not yet reached full Professorship status.
For more information, visit The Royal Society.
