African Center for Aquatic Research and Education African Women in Science (AWIS) Program 2027–2028 (Fully Funded)

Applications Deadline: May 8, 2026

For the African Women in Science (AWIS) Program 2027–2028, applications are now being accepted a fully funded leadership and research opportunity aimed at early-career African women scientists working in freshwater, environmental, and sustainability fields. By the programme, scientific capacity, leadership skills, and global networks are designed to be built for women who are advancing research in Africa.

About the Program

An 11-month hybrid programme is what the AWIS program represents, combining:

• Leadership and scientific training
• Mentorship from global experts
• Research development support
• International exposure and networking

Opportunities to attend international conferences in North America may also be gained by participants.

Benefits

• Fully funded training and mentorship are provided
• Access to global research networks is granted
• Conference participation opportunities are offered
• International exposure (U.S./Canada) is included
• Career development support is given

Eligibility Criteria

By applicants, the following must be met:

• A female African scientist must be the applicant (A woman between the ages of 23–40 must be the applicant)

• Early-career status (Master’s, PhD, or young professional) is required
• Work in fields related to the following must be carried out:

• Freshwater systems
• Aquatic ecosystems
• Fisheries / aquaculture
• Environmental science

• From countries within the African Great Lakes region, the applicant must come
• Active involvement in research or related work must be maintained

The Application

Prior to filling out the application, please be aware that the following items will be needed by you:

• A prepared CV or resume in PDF form
• Two (2) references from university, college, or work. Only their name, the organization/university they are/were affiliated with, and their email address will be required from you.
• Answers to the following questions:

1. Please list your current affiliation (institution, organization, and/or university). “None” should be put if no affiliation is held.
2. What type of research is conducted by you (e.g., limnology, biology, meteorology, socio-economic, etc.)?
3. A summary (or an abstract) of your work, studies, or research on the African Great Lakes (AGL) or other freshwater bodies within the AGL region should be provided (200–300 words).
4. What is your motivation for wanting to be in the AWIS program? (max 250 words)
5. What is your motivation for working on the African Great Lakes or other freshwater resources? (max 200 words)
6. In five years, regarding your career, where do you see yourself? (max 200 words)
7. What contribution to ACARE’s AWIS program as a participant do you think can be made by you? State how contribution to the ACARE-AWIS program will be made by you. (max 200 words)
8. What actions could be taken to remove barriers that women in science face? (max 200 words)
9. By which skills and knowledge would you be helped to be more successful in your scientific career? (max 100 words)
10. How was ACARE’s AWIS program found out about by you?

Exact Deadline

May 8, 2026 (Midnight Eastern Time) is the deadline by which applications must be submitted.

Application Link: Click here to apply

For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the African Center for Aquatic Research and Education African Women in Science (AWIS) Program