WCRP Launches Global South Fellowship Program with Focus on Africa

Proposals should be supported by a host institution that will ensure the candidate can work full-time on the fellowship project during the agreed period.

The World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) has announced a new Global South Fellowship program, specifically targeting early to mid-career researchers from Africa. This initiative aims to enhance climate research in the region by supporting researchers in developing their own WCRP-related projects.

Global South Fellowship Program

This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for researchers from the Global South to boost climate research activities within their regions. The WCRP, co-sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), UNESCO, and the International Science Council, coordinates research on critical scientific questions about the climate system. The research under WCRP supports the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and other environmental conventions.

Focus of the Fellowship

The fellowship invites research proposals from early to mid-career researchers from the African continent for the 2024 call. Proposals should be supported by a host institution that will ensure the candidate can work full-time on the fellowship project during the agreed period.

Key Objectives and Examples of Proposals

Successful proposals should address:

Critical gaps in African climate research.

Enhancement of climate action for and in Africa.

Building a community of practice.

Creating a lasting legacy for future climate research in Africa.

Examples of potential research topics include:

Developing a community of practice for the climate-policy interface.

Addressing climate literacy or the non-congruence of climate information for policymakers and stakeholders.

Proposals should aim to be transformative, laying a foundation for African researchers to lead future WCRP projects. They should also include connections to relevant WCRP core activities where applicable.

Application and Legacy

The WCRP encourages applications that not only address current scientific challenges but also foster long-term growth and leadership in climate research within Africa. This fellowship represents a significant step towards building a robust climate research community in the Global South and enhancing global climate action.

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