Call for Collaborative Research Proposals

Scope 

• In a bid to promote the utilization of emerging technologies in the socio-economic development of EAC there is need to leverage these technologies on their existing capacities so as to improve livelihoods. Research collaborations on AI in health, agriculture and finance can drive innovation, solve real-world challenges, and bridge the gap between research and implementation. In that regard, the contribution of AI in generating sectoral and organizational efficacies and efficiencies is key to developing nations which seek immediate solutions their health, finance and agriculture systems. By bringing together experts from various national boundaries within EAC, diverging fields and involving industry stakeholders from the EAC countries in the research process, it is envisaged that this programme can develop more effective and practical AI-based solutions that have the potential to transform the health, finance and agriculture sectors of EAC.

Thematic Focus 

• Researchers in the area of AI directed to health, finance and agriculture in EAC countries will collaborate to prepare research proposals focusing on AI application either in health technologies, digital finance or agriculture technologies. Project proposals submitted under this call may include, but are not limited to, the following research areas:
  • Genetic and Hormone Interactions;
  • Medical Imaging and Diagnostics;
  • Anti-Microbial Research (AMR);
  • Anti-Ageing and Cognitive;
  • Anti-Cancer Research;
  • Climate and Development;
  • Sustainable Finance;
  • Precision Farming.

Funding Information

• The overall indicative amount made available under this Call for Proposals is 50,000.00 USD. Collaborative research projects will be implemented for a period not exceeding twelve months (12 months) from 15th October 2024 to 14th October 2025.

Expected Outcomes 

• It is expected that interventions of the projects will improve the utilization of emerging technologies in the above stated areas of health, finance and agriculture sectors of EAC. Projects should also aim within their proposed duration to enhance the capacity of researchers and relevant sectors in the practicability of AI.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Applications are open to bona-fide researchers from Public Research, Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs), Private Sector, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) registered in EACs are eligible to apply.
• The Grant will fund only Applied Research project in the listed thematic areas. Research proposals must demonstrate the application of scientific principles or basic scientific discoveries to solve real life challenges. Basic or purely theoretical research will not be considered.
• Awarded grants can either fully fund a new activity proposed in a grant application or contribute, through co-financing, to a larger activity that is funded through other sources but which objectives and implementation aligned to the objectives and scope of this Call.
• One organisation can submit only one application. In their applications, organisations need to clarify the level of funding required (up to 10,000.00 USD) providing clear justification for, and a breakdown of, its resource plan. Up to 5 small grants with a budget of a maximum of 10,000.00 USD each will be provided.

For more information, visit ARIFA.