Supporting African Science and Tertiary Education (SASTE) Grant – 4th Call

There are two crucial elements for a proposed research project to succeed: High relevance for a sustainable development of the Sub Sahara region and a 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.

Funding Information

• Monthly stipend of 1500 Euro is provided.
• Additional support for housing of up to 600 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.
• Grant duration may range between 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the project.

Costs Covered

• An extension of the grant is not possible.
• 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.

Eligibility Criteria

• 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.

Application Requirements

• Research proposal (6 to 10 pages) with a detailed outline of the planned work, methodologies, literature etc., why this work needs a research stay in Austria, the long-lasting impact at the home institution and the region, any other information supporting the application.
• Motivation letter (up to 2 pages) covering motives for working in research/in a certain field of research, expectations for the future career.
• Detailed Curriculum vitae with the list of publications and scientific achievements.
• Employment confirmation for a contract for a minimum of 2 more years after the return from Austria at the home institution (The contract is needed).
• Recommendation (up to 2 Pages) letter from the head of the unit of the home institution covering the support and the importance of the work of the applicant, and how this will be implemented and improve the work at the home institution.
• Confirmation of in-kind contributions provided by the home institution (supporting field work, personal etc.)
• Recommendation letter from the head of the unit (1 Page) and the supervisor of the hosting institution (up to 2 pages) in Austria covering the acceptance of the applicant and the provision of the support (facilities and supervision) needed to achieve the goals of the research proposal.
• Disclosure of additional funding related to the proposed research project.
• Other documents needed for the admission into the hosting institution and for the application for a temporary residence permit: copy of the passport (proof of identity), birth certificate, extract from judicial record not older than 3 months.

For more information, visit Agency for Education and Internationalization.