The PROBio-Africa Fellowships is a prestigious program designed to advance biochemistry research in Africa. This initiative offers funding and support to African researchers, promoting scientific excellence and innovation across the continent.
The 2024 edition of the fellowship program brings exciting opportunities for aspiring biochemists in Africa.
Key points about the PROBio-Africa Fellowships:
– Open to citizens of all African countries.
– Welcomes applications from early-career, mid-career, and established researchers passionate about biochemistry and scientific excellence.
– Awards include a maximum of EUR 7,000 (approximately EUR 2,000 for travel costs and EUR 5,000 for living expenses).
Type: Fellowship
Deadline of Promoting Research Opportunities for Biochemists in Africa (PROBio-Africa) Fellowships 2024
The deadline for applying to the PROBio-Africa Fellowships 2024 is May 1, 2024. It’s recommended that applicants submit their proposals well before the deadline for timely consideration.
Objectives of Promoting Research Opportunities for Biochemists in Africa (PROBio-Africa) Fellowships
The objectives are:
- Supporting Ph.D. students from African countries affiliated with FASBMB to conduct research for their thesis in FEBS countries for short stays (1-6 months). The number of awards depends on funds from FEBS and IUBMB.
- Supporting African postdocs and new researchers (within 5 years of Ph.D.) affiliated with FASBMB to work in FEBS country labs for 1-6 months. The aim is to enable them to conduct specialized experiments, collaborations, or advanced training. The number of awards depends on funds from FEBS and IUBMB.
These objectives aim to foster research collaboration and skill development among African scholars and their counterparts in FEBS countries.
Focus of Promoting Research Opportunities for Biochemists in Africa (PROBio-Africa) Fellowships
The PROBio-Africa program focuses on research projects that:
- Tackle important biochemistry issues like disease mechanisms, drug discovery, and sustainable energy.
- Encourage collaboration between academia, industry, and stakeholders.
- Support early-career researchers and promote diversity and inclusion in science.
Benefits of Promoting Research Opportunities for Biochemists in Africa (PROBio-Africa) Fellowships
The awards cover travel to and from the host lab’s country for research visits lasting 1 to 6 months, along with living expenses during the visit.
- Maximum award: EUR 7,000 (EUR 2,000 for travel, EUR 5,000 for living expenses).
- Travel costs include airfare, related incidental expenses, local bus fares to/from the airport, and visa fees.
- Awards don’t cover health insurance, damages insurance, or lab research expenses.
- Travel must start within 6 months of receiving the award. Labs hosting the participants should provide living expense support for longer stays.
- Applicants must declare all other support received for the visit.
- Awards don’t cover courses, symposia, meetings, or congresses.
- Eligible applicants are residents of FASBMB member countries affiliated with FASBMB national societies, including PhD students, postdocs, or researchers within 5 years of their Ph.D.
- Awardees must submit a scientific report (2 pages) and a budget report within 3 months of fellowship completion, acknowledging support from PROBio-Africa in their outputs (publications, presentations, etc.).
Eligibility Criteria of Promoting Research Opportunities for Biochemists in Africa (PROBio-Africa) Fellowships
The eligibility includes:
- Applications will be accepted once a year, typically starting in early spring.
- Information about the Program will be shared through FASBMB, FEBS, and IUBMB networks.
- FEBS will handle applications and pass them to a committee comprising six members: two from FEBS, two from IUBMB, and two from FASBMB. These members will select candidates.
- FEBS and IUBMB have allocated EUR 25,000 each annually (total EUR 50,000) for the Program.
Selection criteria include:
- Quality of the research proposal.
- Recommendation letter from the applicant’s supervisor or mentor.
- CV with publications.
- Academic transcript (for Ph.D. students).
- English proficiency proof.
- Scientific outputs of the hosting supervisor.
- Research environment and funding in the host lab.
How to Apply for Promoting Research Opportunities for Biochemists in Africa (PROBio-Africa) Fellowships
Here’s the steps to apply for the PROBio-Africa Fellowships 2024:
- Visit the official PROBio-Africa website at [https://iubmb.org/activities/fellowship-programs/probio-africa-fellowships/].
- Review the application guidelines and eligibility criteria thoroughly.
- Prepare a research proposal aligned with the fellowship program’s goals.
- Fill out the online application form and submit all necessary documents like CV, academic transcripts, and recommendation letters.
- Make sure to submit your application before the deadline.
Documentation Requirements for Promoting Research Opportunities for Biochemists in Africa (PROBio-Africa) Fellowships
Please provide the following documents in English:
- Research Proposal: A concise outline (maximum two pages, single-spaced) detailing:
- Project outline and planned experiments.
- Reasons for choosing a specific lab for experiments instead of conducting them locally.
- Justification for the requested visit duration.
- Budget: Include all funding sources in EUR.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Publication List: Follow the provided template, including an academic transcript for Ph.D. students.
- FASBMB Constituent Society Membership Certificate.
- Proof of English Proficiency.
- Letter of Recommendation: From the supervisor, mentor, or department head emphasizing the benefits of the award.
- Letter of Agreement: From the host lab’s head (and institution head if applicable) confirming acceptance and contribution details (e.g., consumables, bench fees, living expenses).
- Publications List and Lab Projects: Include papers by the hosting supervisor from the past five years and current lab projects.
- Supervisor’s FEBS Membership Certificate: Showing affiliation with FEBS via the national Society.
Conclusion:
The PROBio-Africa Fellowships 2024 are an excellent chance for African researchers to progress in their careers and contribute to scientific advancement in the continent. Through funding, mentorship, and networking, this program aims to empower biochemists in Africa to tackle important challenges and add value to biochemistry. We welcome interested applicants to submit their proposals and become part of the active PROBio-Africa community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does the award last?
The award lasts for 1 to 6 months.
What types of research projects are eligible for funding?
The PROBio-Africa program funds various research projects in biochemistry and related areas like drug discovery, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and environmental science.
How are applicants selected?
After a 3-year trial period, a panel appointed by FEBS, IUBMB, and FASBMB will evaluate the Program to determine its future – whether it continues, changes expands, or ends.
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