CODESRIA
The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) has opened applications for its Research Grants on University Ecosystems 2027. Supported by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, the initiative seeks research proposals that examine the changing landscape of African universities, with particular attention to gender equality, academic freedom, university governance, and the quality of academic and associational life.
The programme aims to strengthen research and knowledge production that can inform academic debates, institutional reforms, and public policy across Africa. Researchers will have a 15 month period to conduct original studies, participate in knowledge exchange activities, develop scholarly outputs, and engage in policy discussions.
Applicants must be affiliated with a recognized African higher education or research institution. Individual researchers and collaborative teams may submit proposals, with proposed research budgets ranging from US$5,000 to US$15,000.
CODESRIA is a pan African social science and humanities research organization headquartered in Dakar, Senegal. Established in 1973, the organization supports African scholarship, promotes intellectual exchange, and advances research addressing the continent's social, political, economic, and institutional challenges.
The Research Grants on University Ecosystems programme recognizes that universities are not simply places for teaching and learning. They are also important spaces for knowledge production, public debate, social transformation, democratic participation, and the advancement of equality.
Across Africa, higher education institutions face evolving challenges involving funding, governance, institutional autonomy, digital transformation, academic working conditions, and access to leadership opportunities. Questions surrounding gender inequality, the participation of minority groups, and restrictions on academic freedom also influence the quality of university life.
Through this call, CODESRIA seeks to support interdisciplinary research that examines these issues and generates evidence that can contribute to more inclusive, accountable, and intellectually vibrant universities.
Proposals should address the programme's two broad, interconnected themes: gender and associational life in African universities, and academic and intellectual freedom.
This theme focuses on gender relations, institutional cultures, participation, leadership, and the experiences of students, academic staff, and other university employees.
Although universities are expected to promote diversity and equal opportunity, women and minority groups may continue to experience barriers to academic progression, leadership, safety, and participation in campus life.
Potential areas of investigation include:
• Gendered experiences of university students, faculty members, and staff.
• Institutional cultures and governance structures viewed through a gender perspective.
• Barriers affecting women's participation, leadership, and academic advancement.
• Gender based violence, campus safety, and student and staff wellbeing.
• The participation of minority groups in academic and institutional life.
• Policy reforms and institutional practices that can strengthen equality and inclusion.
Research under this theme should seek to improve understanding of the challenges facing university communities and identify practical approaches to institutional change.
The second major theme concerns the conditions that enable or restrict independent research, teaching, intellectual debate, and academic participation.
Academic freedom is closely connected to university autonomy, institutional governance, and the ability of scholars and academic associations to discuss ideas, challenge established positions, and contribute to public life.
Researchers may examine political interference, administrative restrictions, institutional pressures, funding arrangements, or other factors that affect academic independence.
The programme also encourages research into the relationship between academic freedom and the strength of student and faculty associations. These associations can provide spaces for collective discussion, representation, accountability, and participation in university decision making.
Key benefits and opportunities include:
• Research support: A proposed project budget ranging from US$5,000 to US$15,000.
• 15 month research period: Time to conduct original research aligned with the programme's priorities.
• Knowledge exchange: Participation in knowledge exchange workshops and peer learning forums.
• Scholarly publication: An opportunity to develop research for publication in reputable academic outlets.
• Policy engagement: Opportunities to contribute findings to public dialogue and policy discussions.
• Research collaboration: Opportunities to strengthen connections with researchers working on related issues.
• Institutional impact: A platform for generating evidence that may inform university policies and practices.
Applicants should review the following eligibility requirements before preparing a proposal.
• Institutional affiliation: Applicants must be affiliated with a recognized African higher education or research institution.
• African scholars in the diaspora: Scholars based outside Africa are encouraged to apply in collaboration with colleagues affiliated with an institution based in Africa.
• Women scholars: Applications from women researchers are particularly encouraged.
• Early career academics: Researchers at the early stages of their academic careers are encouraged to apply.
• Researchers at less well resourced institutions: CODESRIA welcomes applications from scholars working at universities with comparatively limited resources.
• Individual proposals: Individual researchers may submit applications.
• Collaborative proposals: Research teams should comprise three to five members.
• Interdisciplinary and international collaboration: Teams involving multiple disciplines, institutions, or African countries are strongly encouraged.
Applicants must prepare a complete application package containing the following materials.
Submit a recent CV highlighting the principal investigator's academic qualifications, research experience, and relevant publications.
For collaborative applications, CVs for every team member should be included.
The proposal synopsis must not exceed 4,000 words. It should clearly explain the research project and demonstrate its relevance to the programme's priorities.
The synopsis should include:
• A clearly defined research question or problem statement.
• A discussion demonstrating familiarity with recent literature and relevant debates.
• A conceptual or theoretical framework guiding the research.
• A concise research methodology and work plan, including timelines.
• A draft research budget.
• A list of proposed scholarly and non scholarly outputs.
Applicants should explain how the research will contribute to understanding African universities and identify the potential implications of the findings for policy, academic practice, or institutional reform.
Prepare a draft budget between US$5,000 and US$15,000. The budget should correspond to the proposed activities and demonstrate how the available resources will support the research plan.
Include a formal letter confirming affiliation with, or endorsement by, a recognized higher education or research institution.
Applicants should allow sufficient time to obtain this letter and any other institutional approvals needed for submission.
Follow these steps to submit an application.
CODESRIA
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