The PAMI Africa Center of Excellence (ACE) aims to train a critical mass of materials scientists and engineers to add value to the minerals and materials resources of West and Central Africa. This is being achieved by engaging teams of mathematicians, physicists, chemists, biologists, materials scientists and engineers in interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary research and education. The ACE is housed at the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Abuja, a Pan-African private research university established in 2007 in response to a request from several African Heads of States. It is part of a network of the Nelson Mandela Research Institutes. AUST currently offers graduate level programs by a combination of course work and cutting edge research.
International Partner Institutions
Rsif International Partner Institutions (IPIs) are advanced universities, research institutes/centers or companies (public or private) that are willing and competent to offer research internship opportunities for Rsif PhD Scholars from Africa studying at universities in Africa Host Universities (AHUs).
Advanced/international research centers and civil society partners and private sector firms in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and universities in South Africa, may also qualify as IPIs.
Please see Family-Friendly and Gender-Related Services offered at Rsif IPIs here.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU)
BGU, founded in 1969, is a multi-disciplinary research university of international stature. The university strives for excellence in research and teaching, scientific innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration and applied research that impacts people’s lives wherever they are. BGU ranks among the top 100 global universities for the number of US utility patents awarded annually and was ranked number 39 among the world’s top technological universities. Be’er Sheva hub in the Negev Desert was identified as one of the seven up-and-coming hubs of technology and life sciences, thanks to BGU and the Advanced Technologies Park.
French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD)
French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) is a public research institution that supports an original model of equitable scientific partnership and interdisciplinary, citizen, sustainability science committed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Find out more here
Ghent University
Ghent University is a public research university located in Ghent, Belgium. It was established in 1817 by King William I of the Netherlands. Ghent University is one of the biggest Flemish universities, consisting of 44,000 students and 9,000 staff members. The University also supports the University Library and the University Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals in Belgium. It is one of the greatest beneficiaries of funding from the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO).
Ghent University is acknowledged as an international top player in research. By striving for excellence, strategic clustering and the efficient support of a wide range of research niches, Ghent University aims to stay in this league.
Hanyang University, Erica Campus
Hanyang University, Erica Campus, located in Ansan, South Korea, is a prestigious institution renowned for its emphasis on engineering, technology, and innovation. As a prominent branch of Hanyang University, it offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong focus on research and development. The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and promotes a collaborative environment that fosters interdisciplinary learning and practical application of knowledge. It is well-regarded for its commitment to producing highly skilled graduates who are equipped to meet the demands of the global workforce.
The Erica Campus is a key player in advancing technological and scientific research, with a strong emphasis on industry partnerships and collaborative projects. It actively engages in various research initiatives that address contemporary challenges in engineering and technology, contributing to both academic and industrial advancements. The university’s strategic focus on innovation and its integration of cutting-edge technology make it a valuable partner in fostering research and development collaborations, aligning with its mission to drive progress and impact in the global arena.
Hanyang University, Seoul Campus
Hanyang University, Seoul Campus, is a leading institution in South Korea, renowned for its excellence in research, education, and innovation. Located in the heart of Seoul, the campus offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including engineering, business, social sciences, and the humanities. With a strong emphasis on integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills, Hanyang University is committed to cultivating future leaders who can contribute effectively to both local and global communities.
The Seoul Campus is distinguished by its advanced research facilities, vibrant academic community, and extensive network of industry partnerships. It plays a pivotal role in advancing research across multiple fields, with a focus on fostering innovation and addressing global challenges. The university’s collaborative approach and commitment to academic excellence make it a prominent partner in driving research and development initiatives, aligning with its mission to lead in education and contribute to societal progress.
Hereon
The Helmholtz Center Hereon conducts cutting-edge international research for a changing world: around 1,100 employees create knowledge and innovations for more resilience and sustainability. The scientific spectrum of the Hereon includes high-performance materials, processes and environmentally friendly technologies for mobility and new energy systems. In addition, biomaterials are researched for use in medicine and to increase the quality of life. With the help of research and consulting, the Hereon meets the challenges of climate change in a solution-oriented manner and enables sustainable management and protection of the coastal and marine environment through a comprehensive scientific understanding. Understanding it fundamentally, applying it practically – the interdisciplinary research spectrum covers a unique spectrum.
As part of an international network and as part of the Helmholtz Association, Hereon supports institutions from politics, business and society in shaping the future by transferring its expertise. Founded in 1956, the center is the largest non-university research institution in Schleswig-Holstein. In addition to the headquarters in Geesthacht and the location in Teltow near Berlin, Hereon has branch offices in Hamburg, Kiel, Berlin and Garching near Munich. The research center has an annual budget of around 130 million euros.
IMT Mines Albi
A school of the ministry of industry, the higher national school of mines of Albi-Carmaux (Institut Mines-Télécom (IMT) Mines Albi is part of the Mines-Telecom Institute, which is today the first group of schools of engineering and management in France. IMT Mines Albi is also an associate member of the Federal University of Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées and partner to a large number of institutions and prestigious universities in France and abroad. These privileged partnerships make it a welcoming ‘grand école’ and research centre, rich in opportunities, and in economic and professional development prospects.
The school is moving forward to transform the concepts, technologies and practices of the future. At the forefront of industrial issues on the international stage, it acts as a local scientific and economic driver. The specificity of the IMT Mines Albi is to combine four missions in a virtuous circle that promotes innovation: i) Training engineers, ii) Conducting research and innovating, iii) Contributing to local and national economic development, and iv) Promoting scientific, technical and entrepreneurial culture.
Institutes of Green-bio Science & Technology – Seoul National University (GBST-SNU)
The Seoul National University Institutes of Green-bio Science & Technology is a place that presents direction of green bio-integrated research through on-site education and research. It contributes to development by maximizing growth potential among universities, research institutes and related companies as a cluster of academy, research, and industry cooperation in clean areas.
PASET-RSIF scholars stand to learn a lot about specialized research technology for the research fields of agriculture, food, environment, bio energy and medicine; from one of the world’s leading research facilities leading the research of life sciences.
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
TheInternational Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is a non-profit, non-political organization that conducts agricultural research for development in the drylands of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Covering 6.5 million square kilometers of land in 55 countries, the semi-arid or dryland tropics has over 2 billion people, and 644 million of these are the poorest of the poor.
ICRISAT and its partners help empower these poor people to overcome poverty, hunger and a degraded environment through better agriculture. ICRISAT is headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana State, in India, with two regional hubs (Nairobi, Kenya and Bamako, Mali) and country offices in Niger, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ethiopia and Mozambique.
ICRISAT envisions a prosperous, food-secure and resilient dryland tropics. To achieve this, its mission is to reduce poverty, hunger, malnutrition and environmental degradation in the dryland tropics. It approaches this through partnership-based international agricultural research for development that embodies Science with a Human Face.
Iowa State University of Science and Technology
Iowa State University of Science and Technology, commonly known as Iowa State University (ISU), is a prominent public research university located in Ames, Iowa. Established in 1858, ISU is renowned for its robust programs in science, technology, engineering, and agriculture. The university’s dedication to innovation and research excellence has made it a leader in various fields, particularly in engineering and the biological sciences. ISU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a diverse student body, fostering an environment of academic rigor and collaborative learning.
ISU’s commitment to research and development is evident through its numerous research centers and institutes, which focus on addressing global challenges and advancing knowledge. The university is home to the Ames Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy research facility, and the Bioeconomy Institute, which explores sustainable solutions for the production of bio-based products. Iowa State’s strong industry partnerships and emphasis on technology transfer ensure that its research has a tangible impact, driving innovation and economic growth both locally and globally.
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
KIT combines the traditions of a renowned technical university and a major large-scale research institution in a very unique way. In research and education, KIT assumes responsibility for contributing to the sustainable solution of the grand challenges that face the society, industry, and the environment. For this purpose, KIT uses its financial and human resources with maximum efficiency. The scientists of KIT communicate the contents and results of their work to society. Engineering sciences, natural sciences, the humanities, and social sciences make up the scope of subjects covered by KIT.
Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER)
Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) is a public scientific research institute under the government of the Republic of Korea. Since its establishment in 1977, KIER has focused on energy technology research and development (R&D), greatly contributing to the energy security of the country. Particularly, KIER is committed to R&D in the areas of new and renewable energy, energy efficiency and materials, and climate change.
KIER has been cultivating partnerships with global leading technology research institutions through international exchanges and joint R&D projects in order to promote Korea’s top-tier cutting edge technology research and development in energy sector. By developing ground-breaking technologies for the industrial community through technological convergence, KIER aims to spearhead the development of future energy.
Its partnership with PASET-RSIF promises strengthened Research, Design, and Development and transfer of knowledge in the fields of Energy Saving Technologies; new and renewable energy; and climate change.
Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)
KIST was established in 1966 with support from the Korean and U.S. governments as a multidisciplinary R&D institute to lay the foundation for Korean economic development. It has since become a pioneer in science and technology research. KIST also runs a Master’s and doctoral degree program at its International R&D Academy to nurture scientific and technological talent from all over the world.
KIST and RSIF’s collaboration is based on academic and scientific research cooperation, as well as capacity development. Areas of cooperation include training PhD and post-doctorate students; exchanging researchers and faculty; facilitating joint innovation projects in priority development areas; and promoting joint publications and research. In its current phase, KIST will offer sandwich PhD programs to RSIF scholars by hosting them for up to two years and co-supervising their research. It will also undertake collaborative R&D projects covering all thematic areas within the PASET framework, potentially necessitating partnerships with organizations in the private sector.
Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT)
Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) is the national chemical research institute for the Republic of Korea and was established in 1976. The Company focuses on the chemical technologies industry. KRICT’s divisions include Green Chemistry, Advanced Materials, Bio-Organic Science, Research Support, and Large Government-run projects. KRICT is a member of the National Research Council of Science & Technology.
The key research fields pursued by the institute are development of eco-friendly chemical process technology, development of high value-added green chemical materials, acquisition of new substance pipelines for disease treatment, and development of green convergence chemical technology to act as future growth engines. With a commitment to improve the chemical industry, KRICT has established the green management philosophy to undertake research in these areas.
The PASET-RSIF Ph.D. students will be participating in research and development projects that will contribute to the improvement of their national economies by further developing and exploiting technologies into new products, processes, applications, materials or services.
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is an institution oriented towards applied research and innovation. I t intends to place itself among the universally recognized universities in these fields. Committed to economic and human development, UM6P puts research and innovation at the service of development on the African continent. This positioning allows it to consolidate Morocco’s forward-looking position in these areas through the implementation of a unique partnership approach and the strengthening of the training offer in skills relevant to Africa’s future.
The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University’s main mission being to develop knowledge, science and technology, the UM6P aims to: (1) Ensure the development of skills and knowledge through comprehensive training focused on research, innovation and entrepreneurship. (2) Promote research and tackle the greatest scientific and technological challenges of the future, through living labs intended for real-scale practical applications.
North Carolina State University (NCSU)
North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a leading public research university known for its strengths in engineering, agriculture, life sciences, and textiles. Founded in 1887, NCSU is part of the University of North Carolina system and serves a diverse student population with a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The university emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to engage in hands-on projects, internships, and co-op programs that prepare them for successful careers.
NCSU is home to numerous research centers and institutes, such as the Center for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics and the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center, which drive innovation and address real-world challenges. The university’s strong industry partnerships and focus on technology transfer foster an environment where research leads to practical applications, benefiting society and contributing to economic growth. NCSU’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement further enhances its role as a leader in higher education and research.
Rochester Institute of Technology
Founded in 1829, Rochester Institute of Technology is a diverse and collaborative community of engaged, socially conscious, and intellectually curious minds. Through creativity and innovation, and an intentional blending of technology, the arts and design, we provide exceptional individuals with a wide range of academic opportunities, including a leading research program and an internationally recognized education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Beyond our main campus in Rochester, New York, RIT has international campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. And with over 19,000 students and more than 135,000 graduates from 50 states and over 100 nations, RIT is driving progress in industries and communities around the world. At RIT, we are always on to something amazing.
Telecom SudParis
Telecom SudParis is one of the top French engineering schools of higher education and research that award engineering degrees in France. It produces engineers with skills in information and telecommunication science and technology and expertise in economic, social and environmental fields. Telecom SudParis has a research centre in the field of Information and Communication Science and Technology. Telecom SudParis is part of Institut Mines-Télécom and Institut Polytechnique de Paris.
The International Cooperation Group of Brazilian Universities (GCUB)
GCUB, founded in 2008 in Brasilia, is a non-profit academic, scientific and cultural association of civil society comprising of 89 Brazilian Universities. GCUB’s programs and projects are aimed at undergraduate and graduate students, researchers and professors from all areas of knowledge. Through these programs, students can improve their studies and share values and visions with people from different cultures. This academic mobility also provides knowledge of different educational and research systems, and different paths of academic training.
GCUB’s mission is to promote academic, scientific and cultural relations between its associated institutions and international partners, through the realization of programs, projects and actions of international, bilateral and multilateral cooperation. GCUB’s activities are developed in partnership with International Organizations, Universities, University Networks, Councils of Rectors and Governmental Bodies from more than one hundred countries, located in five continents.
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is one of 15 centers of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and is the only centre dedicated entirely to animal agricultural research for the developing world. ILRI is co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, and has regional or country offices in 14 other locations in Africa, and Asia. The Institute works through extensive partnership arrangements with research and development institutions in both the developed and developing parts of the world.
ILRI’s mission is to improve food and nutritional security and to reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock ensuring better lives through livestock. The institute’s research for development agenda covers a range of areas from laboratory-based biosciences to field-based research.
The Seoul National University Global Research & Development and Business Center (GRC)
GRC is a state-designated institute under Seoul National University, Seoul Korea. GRC has a global R&DB cooperation platform based on an international Science & ICT Innovation professionals network which has been firmly and actively established through the International Technology Professional Program (ITPP) since its start in 2003. As of 2019, GRC’s international ICT professionals network consists of more than 300 Science & ICT policy professionals from over 70 countries. GRC aims to reinforce the future of Science & ICT innovation on a global level with its experience and resources. GRC is actively and continuously building strategic national, regional and global partnerships with various stakeholders in the development of value-added Science and ICT innovation.
Université Côte d'Azur
Université Côte d’Azur is a Scientific, Cultural and Professional Public Establishment whose headquarters are located at 28 avenue Valrose, Grand Chateau, in France.
Since 1 January 2020, Université Côte d’Azur has been officially recognized as an experimental university. This new academic status helps develop a bold and independent strategy based on breaking down the barriers between education, research and innovation; developing agility and responsiveness through the increased autonomy of the units and the ability to harness the amazing potential for diversity represented by its 17 members. Université Côte d’Azur includes 17 major academic establishments around the historic university core to create one of France’s top 10 research-intensive universities.
University of Bristol
Bristol is one of the most popular and successful universities in the UK, ranked 55th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2024.University of Bristol is at the cutting edge of global research by creating innovations in areas ranging from cot death prevention to nanotechnology. Our research tackles some of the world’s most pressing issues in areas as diverse as infection and immunity, human rights, climate change, and cryptography and information security.
We aim to bring together the best minds in individual fields, and encourage researchers from different disciplines and institutions to work together to find lasting solutions to society’s pressing problems.
We are involved in numerous international research collaborations and integrate practical experience in our curriculum, so that students work on real-life projects in partnership with business, government and community sectors.
University of Greenwich
The University of Greenwich, Natural Research Institute (NRI) is a specialist research, development and education with a focus on food, agriculture, environment, and sustainable livelihoods. NRI’s mission is to generate, apply and share knowledge and develop skills for a sustainable world.
NRI runs undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes and has approximately 50 PhD students at any one time, many of whom are from overseas. NRI has BSI-accredited ISO9001 quality management systems supporting effective operational and financial management.
University of Lisbon (ULisboa)
University of Lisbon (ULisboa), the largest, most prestigious university in Portugal and one of Europe’s leading universities, is a public research university located in Lisbon. ULisboa brings together various areas of knowledge and has a privileged position for facilitating the contemporary evolution of science, technology, arts and humanities. The quality of teaching, research, innovation and culture of ULisboa is attracting an ever-increasing amount of talent from around the world.
University of Maryland
The University of Maryland (“UMD”) is a public land-grant research university located in College Park,
Maryland, USA. Founded in 1856 as the Maryland Agricultural College, UMD is the flagship institution of
the University System of Maryland. It is also the largest university in both the state and the Washington,
D.C. capital region, with more than 41,000 students representing all fifty states and 134 countries, and a global alumni network of over 388,000. Its twelve schools and colleges together offer over 200 degree granting programs, including 102 undergraduate majors, 115 master’s programs, and 84 doctoral programs. UMD is a member of the Association of American Universities, the Big Ten intercollegiate
athletic conference and its Big Ten Academic Alliance, and the Universitas 21 consortium of global
research universities.
University of Michigan (U-M)
University of Michigan (U-M) is the oldest, public comprehensive research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan with a mission to serve the people of the State of Michigan and the world through pre-eminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art and academic values and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future. U-M has ranked first among public universities in the United States of America in terms of research expenditures at least since 2010 and has strength in research and training in all the PASET focus areas.
The African Studies Center (ASC) at U-M was founded in 2008 to serve as the conduit for U-M’s Africa focused research, teaching, partnerships and programming.
University of Pretoria (UP)
UP is one of South Africa’s top five research universities and has research at the apex of the University’s long-term strategic plan and aspires to be the leading research-intensive university in Africa. UP values its international visibility and the impact of its research and innovation on socio-economic development in South Africa and the region, and deliberately balances its focus on research and innovation with partnerships that create an environment that is conducive to scholarly pursuits. The institution has experience and capacity in executing high-quality, collaborative, transdisciplinary food security related research.
UP’s internationalization approach outlined in the Africa-Global University Project (AGUP) leverages the University’s strong research foundation to attract and develop the best scholars and find solutions facing Africa and beyond. This approach puts increased focus on training a new generation of scientists including postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows who in turn have the potential to drive Africa’s innovation thrust. In that context, The University of Pretoria has established the Future Africa initiative as a platform to develop leadership in transdisciplinary research in Africa. Future Africa will position itself as hub for African and global research networks to address the ‘wicked’ challenges that hamper transformation towards a prosperous, equitable and sustainable future in Africa. The Future Africa initiative fosters a new generation of science leaders and provide a link for them to research networks across the continent and the world. This platform will connect scientists from different fields to meet, work together and exchange ideas to develop new research projects that are specifically aimed at addressing the challenges that hamper transformation towards a prosperous, equitable and sustainable future for Africa. As one of Africa’s leading universities, the University of Pretoria is well placed to develop the future leaders of science in Africa.
University of Zagreb
The University of Zagreb, founded in 1669, is the oldest and largest university in Croatia and a prominent institution of higher education in Southeastern Europe. Located in the capital city of Zagreb, the university boasts a rich history and a tradition of academic excellence. It offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across its 31 faculties, 3 art academies, and various departments, catering to over 70,000 students. The university is renowned for its comprehensive education and research, particularly in the fields of science, engineering, humanities, social sciences, and the arts.
The University of Zagreb is committed to fostering innovation, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary research. It collaborates with numerous international institutions and participates in various global research projects, enhancing its role as a key player in the European Higher Education Area. The university also places a strong emphasis on community engagement and the practical application of knowledge, contributing significantly to the social and economic development of Croatia. With its extensive academic offerings and a focus on research and international cooperation, the University of Zagreb continues to be a leading center for education and scholarly activity in the region.
VIRGINIA TECH
VIRGINIA TECH is a public land-grant university serving the Commonwealth of Virginia, the United States of America, and the world community. The discovery and dissemination of new knowledge are central to its mission. Through its focus on teaching and learning, research and discovery, and outreach and engagement, the university creates, conveys, and applies knowledge to expand personal growth and opportunity, advance social and community development, foster economic competitiveness, and improve the quality of life. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) creates, integrates, and shares knowledge to enhance life sciences, food, and agricultural systems; the economic prosperity and life quality of the greater community, stewardship and health of land, water, and air for future generations; and student learning through diverse, hands-on, experiential opportunities.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
WPI is a mid-size private college in Massachusetts. It was founded in 1865 to create and convey the latest science and engineering knowledge in ways that are most beneficial to society. Today, WPI holds firm to its founding mission to provide an education that balances theory with practice. It was recently ranked #1 in the nation for quality and accessibility of professors, highlighting the school’s commitment to combining scholarly research with classroom instruction.
WPI’s 14 academic departments offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts, leading to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
The university’s curriculum features a flexible, rigorous program that is project-based and globally engaged, aimed at quality experience and a positive impact for the communities it partners with. WPI faculty members work with students on interdisciplinary research seeking solutions to important and socially relevant problems, both on campus and at more than 50 project centers throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.
Graduate research programs include robotics, materials science, cybersecurity, and learning sciences and technology. WPI invests in research in critical areas, seeking solutions to important and socially relevant problems in such diverse fields as fire protection engineering, life sciences and bioengineering, energy and data science.
World Vegetable Centre
WorldVeg, legally known as the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC), is an international non-profit institute for vegetable research and development with headquarters in Taiwan and regional centers in Benin, Mali, Tanzania, India and Thailand. The Center mobilizes resources from the public and private sector and works in partnership across the research to development continuum to realize the potential of vegetables for healthier lives and more resilient livelihoods. WorldVeg’s improved varieties, production and postharvest methods help farmers increase vegetable harvests, raise incomes in poor rural and urban households, create jobs, and provide healthier, more nutritious diets for families and communities.
African Host Universities
AFRICAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (AUST)
Center: Pan African Materials Institute (PAMI)
Theme: Minerals, mining and materials engineering
BAYERO UNIVERSITY KANO (BUK)
Center: Africa Centre of Excellence in Dryland Agriculture (CDA)
Theme: Climate change
Bayero University is a vibrant institution with a wealth of academic experience combined with a great spirit and a commitment to excellence with a vision to lead in Research and Education in Africa. The PhD program in Natural Resources Management and Climate Change is offered at the Africa Centre of Excellence in Dryland Agriculture (CDA). The main objective of the CDA is to specialize as a regional Centre of excellence in dryland agriculture delivering quality training and applied research in response to the needs of the dryland region. The priorities of the CDA is to develop more effective multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional research to strengthen capacities to critically examine environmental dynamics of the drylands and be able to sustainably manage natural resources in the drylands of sub-Saharan Africa.
HARAMAYA UNIVERSITY
Center: The Africa Center of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation
Theme: Climate change
Haramaya University is a pre-eminent institution of higher learning in Ethiopia. It pioneered the field of agricultural sciences and the provisioning of the tripartite functions of education, research, and extension in the country.
The early establishment of the university has a notable historical perspective. An agreement was signed between the Governments of Ethiopia and the United States of America (USA) on 16 May 1952, commissioning Oklahoma State University to initiate and operate an agricultural college in the country that was based on the US Land Grant University model to dispense the functions of agricultural education, research, and extension nationally. To fulfill this mandate, the new college would also conduct research and extend its resultant technologies through a nationwide system of agricultural research and experimental stations that it would help to establish in the country. With these lofty goals and mission, the Alemaya College of Agriculture and the Mechanical Arts was established in 1954 near the town of
Haramaya at the small village of Baate. The institution operated as a College of Agriculture under Addis Ababa University up until 1986. Graduate study programs were launched in several fields of agriculture in the 1979/80 academic year with 29 students. In 1987, the college was promoted to the level of the university by the Ethiopian government and given the name Alemaya University of Agri-culture. In 1996, the Alemaya University of Agriculture was re-named Alemaya University with the opening of new faculties hosting new disciplines beyond agriculture, including health, education, and social sciences, at its Haramaya and Ha-rar campuses. In 2006, the name Alemaya University was changed to Haramaya University, with the name ‘Haramaya’ denoting the original local vernacular name of the nearby town where the institution was founded.
ACE for Climate SABC is a five-year project that aims at producing skilled human capital through research-based quality post-graduate programs and short-term, skill-based training courses.
INSTITUT INTERNATIONAL D'INGÉNIERIE DE L'EAU ET DE L'ENVIRONNEMENT (2IE)
Center: Sciences et Technologies de l’Eau, l’Energie et l’Environnement
Theme: Energy including renewables
A l’origine, un engagement politique collectif. Celui de quatorze Etats d’Afrique de l’Ouest et Centrale déterminés à doter leurs nouvelles structures gouvernementales, issues des indépendances, de cadres formés sur leur propre continent.
En 37 ans, de 1968 à 2006, les deux écoles fondatrices, EIER – École d’Ingénieurs de l’Equipement Rural et ETSHER- École des Techniciens de l’Hydraulique et de l’Equipement Rural, forment plus de 3000 ingénieurs et techniciens supérieurs dans les domaines du génie hydraulique et du génie rural.
Devenu en 2001 le groupe EIER-ETSHER, l’établissement incarne l’émergence d’une nouvelle Afrique, « une Afrique qui refuse le misérabilisme et qui croit en ses atouts sur tous les plans, une Afrique consciente de ses défis, et qui est déterminée à les relever ».
Ces défis, ce sont ceux de la démographie dont les chiffres explosent, de l’urbanisation galopante, d’une croissance économique sans précédent.
Pour y répondre, l’EIER-ETSHER se réforme et devient l’Institut International d’ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement, 2iE. La pose de la première pierre a lieu en 2006 en présence du Président du Burkina Faso, M. Blaise Compaoré, et M. Paul Ginies, Directeur général de 2iE à l’époque.
L’engagement fondateur de 2iE est celui de l’insertion professionnelle des jeunes diplômés, pour répondre aux nouveaux besoins des économies africaines.
KENYATTA UNIVERSITY (KU)
Center: School of Pure and Applied Sciences (SPAS)
Theme: Minerals, mining and materials engineering
Kenyatta University (KU) is a public university with over 70,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students studying at its campuses in different counties in Kenya. The main campus is based in Nairobi County. The PhD program in Materials Science is offered by the Physics Department at the School of Pure and Applied Sciences. The mission of the school is to provide high quality education based on modern scientific teaching and research techniques, and to produce highly trained scientists in various disciplines. The aim is to meet the ever-growing challenges of a dynamic world in pure sciences in order to offer practical solutions to difficulties affecting humanity. This PhD program is offered at the main campus and is supported by strong linkages to industry; collaborations with international universities and research institutes; and cross discipline linkages to provide excellent training for post graduate students.
MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
Center: Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
Theme: Food security and agribusiness
Established in 1922 as a humble technical school, Makerere University is one of the oldest and most prestigious English Universities in Africa. In January of that year, the school, which was later renamed Uganda Technical College, opened its doors to 14 day students who began studying Carpentry, Building and Mechanics.
The College soon began offering various other courses in Medical Care, Agriculture , Veterinary Sciences and Teacher Training. It expanded over the years to become a Center for Higher Education in East Africa in 1935. In 1937, the College started developing into an institution of higher education, offering post-school certificate courses.
In 1949, it became a University College affiliated to the University College of London, offering courses leading to the general degrees of its then mother institution.
With the establishment of the University of East Africa in June 29, 1963, the special relationship with the University of London came to a close and degrees of the University of East Africa were instituted.
On July 1, 1970, Makerere became an independent national university of the Republic of Uganda, offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses leading to its own awards. Makerere University offers not only day but also evening and external study programmes to a student body of about 35,000 undergraduates and 3,000 postgraduates (both Ugandan and foreign). It is also a very active centre for research.
SOKOINE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE (SUA)
Center: Africa Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans & Animals in Southern & Eastern Africa (SACIDS)
Theme: Food security and agribusiness
The SACIDS ACE aims to harness innovation in science and technology in order to improve sub-Saharan Africa’s capacity to detect, identify and monitor infectious diseases of humans, animals and their interactions in order to better manage the risk posed by them. It is hosted at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), which offers over 45 postgraduate degree programs and hosts the African Seed Health Centre and a virtual Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance. SUA is the only university in Tanzania to offer agricultural degree programs, including in animal science and veterinary medicine. SUA’s research, outreach and consultancy services are driven by a qualified agricultural, veterinary and natural resource faculty of 452 staff, out of whom 50 percent have PhD qualifications.
THE NELSON MANDELA AFRICAN INSTITUTION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NM-AIST)
Center: Africa Centre of Excellence in Water Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy Futures (WISE-Futures)
Theme: Minerals, mining and materials engineering
The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha, Tanzania is one in a network of Pan-African Institutions of Science and Technology located across the continent. These institutions envision training and developing the next generation of African scientists and engineers with a view to profoundly impact the continent’s development through the applications of Science, Engineering and Technology. The PhD program in Materials Science and Engineering (MaSE) is in the school of Materials Energy Water and Environmental Sciences (MEWES) and works directly with the Centre of Water Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy Futures (WISE-Futures).
The Materials Science and Engineering (MaSE) programme provides students with a broader understanding of the field before they specialize in either: Structural materials; Electronic materials; Bio- and Polymeric materials; Nanomaterials; and Energy materials. Graduates of the programme will not only be able to deal with the development of materials, but also with the synthesis and processing of materials and manufacturing processes related to the production of engineered materials.
UNIVERSITÉ D'ABOMEY CALAVI
Center: Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication de l’Institut de Mathématiques et de Sciences Physiques
Theme: ICTs including big data and artificial intelligence
The University of Abomey-Calavi is the principal public university in the west African country of Benin. The university is located in the city of Abomey-Calavi in the south of the country. The school is composed of 19 institutions and six campuses.
UNIVERSITY FÉLIX HOUPHOUËT-BOIGNY (U-FHB)
Center: Africa Center of Excellence for Climate Change Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture (CCBAD)
Theme: Climate change
The CCBAD ACE will focus on preparing high quality graduates and applied researchers in the areas of climate change adaptation, biostatistics, and sustainable production including agronomic, genetic, breeding, pest and disease management. It is hosted at the state-owned University Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, one of the country’s premier universities with over 50,000 students. It comprises of 13 faculties and a research center, providing diplomas from 2-year undergraduate degrees to professional academic, medical, legal, and specialist degrees. It was the main campus of the nationwide University of Abidjan from 1964 to 1996, until it became an independent institution.
UNIVERSITY OF GASTON BERGER (UGB)
Center: Africa Center of Excellence for Mathematics, Informatics, and ICT (MITIC)
Theme: ICTs including big data and artificial intelligence
The MITIC ACE aims to develop a high quality workforce in the fields of mathematics and information and communications technology, offering masters and doctorate level studies with accompanying research activities aimed at innovations to improve economic productivity. The ACE is housed at the state-funded Gaston Berger University in St. Louis, Senegal, which is the second university to have been founded in Senegal. The University has eight teaching and research colleges, including a college for applied sciences and technology.
UNIVERSITY OF GHANA (UG)
Center: Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
Theme: Food security and agribusiness
The University of Ghana is the oldest and largest public university in Ghana. The PhD Program in Applied Agricultural Economics and Policy/Agribusiness is offered by the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness within the College of Basic and Applied Sciences. The Department of Agricultural Economics & Agribusiness aspires to be a centre of excellence in research and training in the areas of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Administration and Agribusiness.
Funders
Rsif is owned and led by African governments through PASET.
Rsif is the flagship program of The Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET), an African-led initiative with the goal of strengthening skills in the Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology to further socio-economic transformation in sub-Saharan Africa. Rsif focuses on transformative technologies that have a far-reaching positive impact on society. In 2018, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya was competitively selected as Rsif’s Regional Coordination Unit with mandate to manage the implementation of the Rsif and achieving benchmarks set by the PASET Governing Council. icipe works closely with the PASET Secretariat and reports to the PASET Executive Board.
USD 54 million has been raised to date for PhD scholarships and to catalyze Africa’s research and innovation agenda. Rsif is funded by African governments, the World Bank, the Government of Korea and the European Union through the ACP Innovation Fund.
Contributors to Rsif
Contribute to the Rsif
Contributors can fund any of the three windows of the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF):
(1) PhD training (2) Research Grants (3) Innovation Grants.
Funds can be channeled to the General Fund or the Endowment Fund. Investments through the endowment fund will generate returns and promote long-term sustainability.