NEPAD intends to achieve these goals by, among other interventions, the generation and use of cutting-edge science and technology to enable the continent’s researchers to develop products aimed at solving Africa’s problems.

This is being effected through the creation of a network of centres of excellence in biosciences in Africa. The first of these initiatives is the Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa Network (BecANet), which has been made possible through the donation of C$30 million by the Canadian Government through the Canadian Fund for Africa.

BecANet’s vision is to create a platform of centres of excellence in biosciences in eastern and central Africa for regional scientists and institutions to resolve African problems through technological innovations and use of technologies and to provide a stage for African scientists to conduct research using the latest techniques and facilities.

One of the goals of the current BecANet phase (2007-2009) is to help develop human resource capacities in the sub-region by providing support for postgraduate training while also facilitating the application of biosciences to address high priority agricultural problems.

To this end, the BecANet competitive fellowships for graduate studies have been established to support talented young African men and women undertaking graduate studies in areas which fall within the scope of BecANet.

These fellowships will focus on those already enrolled in graduate programmes who need no more than two years to complete their work. The grant is intended to cover research costs of graduate programmes which must be completed by end of March 2009.

Three types of fellowships will be awarded : Competitive research fellowships ;

Research fellowships for young African women scientists ;

Research fellowships targeting post-conflict countries.

Fields of study for awards : Livestock health and production ;

Crop health and production ;

Interface of the two thematic areas above with special emphasis on human health and environment.

Scientists of the following BecANet countries are eligible to apply for fellowships : Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Madagascar, Tanzania, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Gabon, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tome and Principe.

Scientists of the following BecANet countries are eligible to apply for post-conflict fellowships : Central African Republic, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Uganda and Somalia.

Value of fellowships The value of the BecANet fellowships is US$ 20,000 per year. This includes tuition, stipend, BecANet laboratory fees, bench fees, insurance, and travel costs (when appropriate). Matching funds from other donors where possible would be an added advantage.

Application requirements : Each application should include the following :

Letter of application ;

Curriculum vitae (including age, gender, nationality and a brief list of publications if any) ;

Original transcripts sent directly to the BecANet Secretariat by the degree awarding institutions ;

Support letter from the university in which the applicant is registered confirming registration status ;

Two letters of reference from the academic officials ;

Research proposal on one of the fields of study described above.

Declaration of co-funding from other sources.

How to apply Send applications to Ms. Enyonam Norgbey at e.norgbey@cgiar.org no later than April 20, 2007.

Send transcripts to :

Ms. Enyonam Norgbey P.O. Box 30709 Nairobi 00100 Kenya

Source : NEPAD News, march 30, 2007