Social Science Research Council (SSRC)
Applications are open for the African Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics (APDD) Individual Research Fellowships 2027, an opportunity for African researchers, academics, policy analysts and practitioners to conduct independent research on peacebuilding, conflict, governance and development across the continent. The programme is administered by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) and supports research that can strengthen scholarship, inform policy decisions and improve peacebuilding practice.
The fellowship aims to increase the quality, visibility and practical relevance of African research. It encourages researchers to produce evidence that reflects African experiences and perspectives while contributing to regional and international discussions about conflict prevention, peacebuilding and development. The programme also helps connect researchers with policymakers, practitioners, senior academics and research institutions.
For the 2027 fellowship cycle, successful applicants can receive an award of up to US$12,000 to support an approved research project. Fellows undertake field based research, analysis and writing over a period of up to nine months. The programme combines independent research with professional development, mentorship and opportunities to share findings with wider audiences.
The APDD Individual Research Fellowship was established to strengthen independent African peacebuilding research and make research based knowledge more accessible to policymakers, practitioners and research centres. Through the programme, the SSRC supports work that can contribute to understanding conflict, improving governance, and identifying approaches to sustainable peace and development.
Fellows are expected to undertake a substantial individual research project. The planned research period includes approximately six months of field based research, followed by three months of analysis and writing. The 2027 cohort is expected to begin research no later than July 2027 and complete the project by March 2028.
The programme is open to researchers across academic disciplines. However, applicants should demonstrate a sound understanding of relevant social science literature, research tools and methodologies. Projects should address an issue related to peacebuilding in Africa and offer a clear contribution to scholarship, policy or practice.
Research findings are expected to reach audiences beyond academic institutions. Fellows may contribute working papers, policy briefs, journal articles, essays, blogs, opinion pieces, books or podcasts. The programme also encourages fellows to share their work through APDD publications and digital platforms.
• Research funding of up to US$12,000 for an approved individual research project.
• Support for fieldwork, research activities, analysis and writing included in the approved project budget.
• Mentorship from experienced senior scholars working in peacebuilding and related fields.
• Participation in two mandatory APDD workshops, planned for July 2027 and January 2028.
• Workshop related travel, accommodation, meals and other necessary participation expenses arranged and covered by the programme.
• Opportunities to refine research questions, research design and methodology.
• Opportunities to present research findings and develop publications for academic and policy audiences.
• Access to a professional network of African researchers, academics, policy analysts and practitioners.
• Opportunities for peer learning, collaboration and professional development.
• Greater visibility for research contributing African perspectives to regional and global peacebuilding discussions.
The fellowship welcomes proposals from different disciplines, provided that the proposed work addresses peacebuilding in Africa and demonstrates appropriate social science research foundations.
Relevant areas may include:
• Conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
• Governance and state society relations.
• Peacebuilding policy and practice.
• Conflict dynamics and their implications for development.
• Community responses to conflict and insecurity.
• Evidence based approaches to peace and development.
• Research that connects academic knowledge with policy decisions and practical peacebuilding interventions.
Applicants should consult the official application guidebook for the programme’s thematic priorities. Original and innovative proposals are encouraged, particularly those that address important questions not adequately covered by existing research.
Applicants must meet the requirements for either the academic category or the policy analyst and practitioner category.
General requirements
• Applicants must be African citizens currently residing in an African country.
• Applications must be submitted by individuals rather than research teams.
• Applicants must have a relevant professional position or institutional affiliation in Africa.
• Applicants must propose research focused on an issue related to African peacebuilding.
• Applicants must be able to undertake the approved research within the fellowship period and participate in the required programme activities.
Academic applicants
• Must hold a PhD at the time of application.
• The PhD must have been obtained no earlier than January 2017.
• Must hold a full time faculty or research position at a university or research organisation in Africa.
• Must maintain full time employment at an eligible African institution throughout the fellowship.
• Applicants whose PhDs have not been awarded by April 2027 will not have their cases prioritised for academic eligibility.
Policy analysts and practitioners
• Must be based at a regional or subregional institution, government agency, nongovernmental organisation, media organisation or civil society organisation in Africa.
• Must hold a master’s degree obtained before January 2022.
• Must have at least five years of proven research and professional experience in peacebuilding related activities.
There is no specified age limit. However, the programme gives preference to early and mid career academics and experienced practitioners and policy analysts. Previous unsuccessful applicants may apply again if they meet the eligibility requirements. Previous recipients of the former APN Individual Research Fellowship are not eligible.
Applicants should prepare the following materials for submission through the online application portal:
• Completed online application form.
• Research proposal and bibliography.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Proposed research timeline.
• Proposed research budget.
• Two references.
• Language evaluation documents, if required.
• A copy of the relevant university degree.
The research proposal should clearly explain the research problem, questions, conceptual or theoretical approach, methodology and expected contribution. Applicants should demonstrate how the project relates to peacebuilding in Africa and explain how the proposed research will be completed within the fellowship period.
All required application materials should be submitted by the deadline. References and any required language evaluations may be submitted separately, but they must also arrive by the application deadline. Academic transcripts are not required at the initial application stage.
Applicants should consult the official 2027 application guidebook for the full proposal requirements and page limits.
Applications are expected to demonstrate the quality and relevance of the proposed research, the applicant’s capacity to complete the project and the potential contribution to African peacebuilding knowledge.
Important considerations include:
• Relevance to peacebuilding issues in Africa.
• Originality and significance of the proposed research questions.
• A clear and well developed conceptual or theoretical framework.
• Appropriate research methods and a credible plan for collecting and analysing data.
• Feasibility of the proposed research timeline and budget.
• Potential contribution to scholarship, policymaking or peacebuilding practice.
• The applicant’s relevant professional experience and ability to complete the project.
Selected fellows must submit progress reports and research outputs during the fellowship. Funding is paid directly to fellows in three instalments, subject to submission and approval of the required reports. The award cannot be used for unrelated personal expenses, university overheads or salary support.
Social Science Research Council (SSRC)
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