Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer Research Grant (Pre-Proposals) | Deadline: 27 May 2020

We are delighted to announce the call for pre-proposals for the Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer Research Grant.

This grant was initiated last year and established to honour the late Mrs. Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer and continue her extensive contribution to and passion for Africa, the environment, and science.

The JWO Grant seeks to support an emerging researcher from Africa, who will lead innovative research focused on the natural environment, including, but not limited to: environmental science, conservation, geology and archaeology. The research should address a real-world, African issue of current and future importance.

A grant of $150,000 will be awarded to the successful applicant to support a research project or programme of up to three years. The grant recipient will be announced at the Oppenheimer Research Conference. The funds will be distributed in agreed tranches, based on satisfactory progress as measured against agreed milestones.

Grant Eligibility

The lead applicant should be an emerging academic¹, who was born in Africa² and is affiliated to an African institution³.

¹ applicant must hold a degree (PhD, equivalent or higher qualification), and should have no more than seven years work and/or research experience post-degree.

² can be residing outside of the continent

³ academic institution, research institution, government institution, NGO, for-profit organisation

Grant Guidelines

Consideration will be given to empirical research that:

>         Advances the frontiers of knowledge within the chosen field.

>         Identifies and proposed solutions to African challenges.

>         Exhibits scientific rigour and excellence.

>         Contributes to human capital development (e.g. mentorship, support, and professional development opportunities) for the next generation of researchers.

>         Demonstrates the potential to create impact both during and beyond the grant period.

>         Defines a clear plan for disseminating research outcomes both inside and outside the scientific community.

The JWO Grant will not support:

>         Desktop studies.

>         Scoping reports.

Applicants are advised to clearly define the concept within the 2-page pre-proposal limit. This concise note should address a real-world problem and suggest tangible solutions. The note should demonstrate scientific rigour and excellence and define a clear plan for disseminating research outcomes.

For more information and to submit your pre-proposal, please click HERE.

Important Upcoming Dates

Grant Cycle Milestones	Timeline for 2020
Online pre-proposal applications open	29 April
Pre-proposal application deadline	27 May (17h00)
Full-proposal invitation	8 July
Full-proposal application deadline	12 August (17h00)
Successful grant recipient notification	9 September
Successful grant recipient award	Oppenheimer Research Conference 2020