Applications are now open for the second cohort of the Carleton University Queen Elizabeth Scholarship for Advanced Scholars from West Africa (QES-AS-WA). The program Wurin ta na yin rubutu – Her own room to write, which runs until October 2024, is open to West African women in the final stage of their PhD program, postdoctoral researchers, and early career academics affiliated to institutions, to participate in a research acceleration experience.
Wurin ta na yin rubutu – Her own room to write is supported and funded by the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship – Advanced Scholars West Africa program which focuses on Sustainable Development Goal 5 (gender equality) and (gender equality) as a crosscutting or mainstream goal in one or more of the following areas: climate resilience and sustainable food systems; education and innovation systems; ethics in development research; health equity; inclusive governance; and sustainable inclusive growth.
Carleton University’s program is contributed to by Universities Canada, with funding from International Research Development Centre (IDRC) through the Rideau Hall Foundation. The first cohort drew scholars from Cameroon, Ghana and Nigeria.
Program Details
This program is designed to provide an opportunity of between 35 and 180 days in which two thirds of the time is spent at Carleton University to strengthen research capacity under the supervision of a Carleton University faculty member.
A third of the time will be committed to gain field research experience through placement with NGO partners that have offices in Canada and or in West and Central Africa.
The scholarship provides for research supervision, focused seminars, experiential learning through a research proposal that aligns with the research interests of the placement opportunities (see Placement Partners), leadership, and network building.
Requirements
Women, and citizens of a West African country: and
Must be either a Doctoral Researcher, Post-doctoral Researcher or Early Career Researcher
Requirements
Upon completion of the research, the QE Scholar will be expected to share the knowledge they have gained with their home institution and community. They are also required to write a Scholar Narrative Report and to join the QES-AS network through Universities Canada. Publications resulting from the QES-AS will be also hosted on the IDRC’s institutional digital library. Scholars will also be required to stay in touch and to contribute to building a growing network of QE Scholars
Benefits
This next round of the awards will run between April and October 2024 and is subject to the acquisition of visas by the awardees. The scholars can choose from two award lengths, namely, short-term awards 35-60 days to, and mid-term 61-180 days.
The scholarship funds cover mobility expenses, accommodation, research placement expenses, and travel and health insurance. Scholars must be registered for their PhD at a West African university; postdoctoral fellows/researchers or early career PhD scholars must be working at a West African university.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the submission of applications is Wednesday, September 20th, 2023. For more information about the application process, please visit our website. The application package can be found under the application tab. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.