Frequently asked questions

AfIRI welcomes researchers, students, professionals and institutions from across the world to collaborate with the Institute. Its activities and research engagements span multiple academic disciplines, with a particular focus on research relating to Africa.

Research Fellowships are open to early-career researchers who hold a doctoral degree or equivalent qualification from an accredited institution and have a research interest or specialisation in Africa-related issues.

Associate Research Fellowships are open to emerging researchers who have an interest in Africa-related research but do not yet hold a doctoral degree. Eligible applicants may include postgraduate students and doctoral candidates and other researchers developing their academic and research careers.

Yes. Associate Research Fellows may apply for Research Fellow status upon obtaining a doctoral degree or an equivalent recognised terminal qualification, provided they meet the applicable eligibility and selection requirements.

Research Fellows and Associate Research Fellows are expected to maintain an active association with AfIRI and contribute to its research and professional development activities. Their responsibilities include:

• Participating in AfIRI research activities, seminars, workshops and other academic events.
• Contributing to collaborative research initiatives and projects, where possible.
• Supporting the Institute's research dissemination, knowledge-sharing and capacity development activities.
• Identifying and facilitating opportunities for research collaboration, networking and institutional partnerships.
• Upholding AfIRI's research values, professional standards and commitment to advancing Africa-related research.

Prospective applicants should complete the application form and submit it, together with their curriculum vitae (CV) and a one-to-two-page research statement, to info@afiri.institute. The research statement should outline the applicant's research interests, experience and potential contributions to AfIRI. Successful applicants will be notified by email.

Yes. AfIRI welcomes collaborations with universities, research institutes, professional organisations, development agencies and other institutions locally and internationally. The Institute is particularly interested in partnerships that advance research, knowledge exchange, capacity development and professional growth across academic disciplines, with an emphasis on Africa-related issues.

Yes. AfIRI provides and administers internal research grants and fellowships for eligible researchers whose research interests and proposed projects align with the Institute's priorities. The Institute also shares information about external scholarships, research grants and other funding opportunities offered by international organisations, foundations and funding agencies. Details of available opportunities and application requirements will be communicated through AfIRI's official platforms.

Yes. AfIRI welcomes applications from researchers worldwide, regardless of nationality or geographical location, provided their research interests and proposed work focus on Africa-related issues and they meet the relevant fellowship eligibility requirements.

Yes. AfIRI offers consultancy and professional services on a fee-paying basis. Fees vary depending on the nature, scope and requirements of the service. Interested individuals, research groups and institutions are encouraged to contact AfIRI to discuss their needs and obtain further information about applicable fees.

Yes. AfIRI provides opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students to participate in mentoring, research training and professional development programmes. These initiatives may cover areas such as research design, academic writing, grant proposal development and career development. Announcements about upcoming programmes, eligibility requirements and application procedures will be shared through AfIRI's websites and official social media platforms.

Institutions interested in partnering with AfIRI are encouraged to contact the Institute through info@afiri.institute. AfIRI welcomes proposals for research collaboration, joint grant applications, research training programmes, mentoring initiatives, knowledge exchange and other mutually beneficial activities. Interested institutions may outline their areas of interest and proposed forms of collaboration for further discussion.