New initiative to boost African leadership skills

The Global Young Academy, an international society of young scientists, has launched an initiative to support African academics aiming to take leading roles in projects. The Africa Science Leadership Program, or ASLP, will be run by the University of Pretoria in South Africa in partnership with the academy.

The ASLP has been conceived to support early to mid-career academics in developing leadership skills. It addresses researchers in basic and applied science, engineering, social sciences, arts and the humanities. The initiative is part of the academy’s overall strategy to support young academics in developing regions and thus contribute to capacity building.

“Enabling young researchers in Africa to lead international, collaborative and transdisciplinary projects which focus on the challenges of their region is essential,” says academy co-chair Eva Alisic. “We anticipate that this programme will attract and prepare some of the best academics from all over Africa to become researchers with an eye for societal impact.”

Funding for the project is provided by Germany’s Robert Bosch Stiftung, a foundation that goes back to the industrial company Bosch GmbH. It supports academia and research institutions, especially in the field of health, and fosters international exchange.

The ASLP is to start with a first group in June and will run annually for an initial period of three years. It is expected to help develop other leadership programmes across the continent. Former co-chair Bernhard Slippers has been the driving force behind the programme.

Academy membership is based on excellence in scientific achievement and commitment to service. The academy is hosted at the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, in cooperation with the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. Core funding is provided by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Michael Gardner Email: michael.gardner@uw-news.com