STIAS Iso Lomso Fellowship for African Researchers 2024
Unveiling Tomorrow: The STIAS Iso Lomso Fellowship for African Researchers 2024
In the dynamic realm of academia, opportunities that promise to shape the future of scholarly pursuit are few and far between. Enter the STIAS Iso Lomso Fellowship for African Researchers, a beacon beckoning the brightest minds across the continent to embark on a transformative journey towards academic excellence.
The phrase "Iso Lomso," resonating with the richness of isiXhosa, translates to 'the eye of tomorrow,' encapsulating the essence of forward-thinking and laying the groundwork for future scholarly endeavors.
A Journey of Academic Discovery
Tailored for African scholars who have earned their doctoral degrees within the last seven years and currently hold academic positions at universities or research institutions on the continent, the Iso Lomso fellowships span a remarkable three-year attachment to the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS).
This unique opportunity serves as a crucible for scholars to mold and conduct a long-term research program aligned with their academic passions, steering them towards the pinnacle of recognition in their respective fields.
At the heart of the Iso Lomso fellowship experience are the STIAS residencies, acting as the primary means of support. These residential periods, a delicate interplay between the fellow, their home institution, and STIAS, span between six weeks and five months per residency.
The inaugural residency, spanning a more extended period, is slated for the year 2025, followed by two subsequent residencies traversing the academic landscape until 2027.
Where Knowledge Meets Tradition: Stellenbosch University
Nestled in the historical oak-lined town of Stellenbosch, South Africa, Stellenbosch University provides the esteemed backdrop for the Iso Lomso Fellowship.
Boasting a vibrant academic community of 29,000 students and 3,000 permanent staff members across five campuses, this institution is a crucible of knowledge, fostering an environment where academic curiosity thrives.
The picturesque university town, cradled amongst the Boland Mountains in the Western Cape winelands, creates a unique ambiance that attracts both local and international students, contributing to the rich tapestry of global academic exchange.
Aim and Benefits of the STIAS Iso Lomso Fellowship
The aim and benefits of the STIAS Iso Lomso Fellowship extend beyond the mere provision of resources. While in residence, fellows receive a comprehensive support package that includes an economy return flight, comfortable accommodation within walking distance from the institute, individual offices equipped with essential amenities as well as a monthly stipend catering to daily living costs.
The fellowship further facilitates access to the vast resources housed within the Stellenbosch University library, including electronic databases and a high-speed internet connection.
Participation in the regular STIAS fellows' program is a cornerstone of the Iso Lomso Fellowship experience. This program encompasses a spectrum of intellectual engagement, from daily communal lunches to weekly fellows' seminars, STIAS public lectures, and social events, creating a dynamic space for interdisciplinary dialogue and scholarly exchange.
Additionally, recognizing the diverse responsibilities scholars might bear, the fellowship extends a childcare subsidy for fellows accompanied by young children during their residency, further solidifying the commitment to inclusivity and support.
Requirements for STIAS Iso Lomso Fellowship for African Researchers 2024
- However, such a transformative opportunity requires specific eligibility criteria. To be considered for the 2024 call, applicants must;
- be nationals of any African country
- born after January 1, 1981
- candidates must hold an affiliation at a research or higher education institution in an African country and maintain this connection for the foreseeable future.
- Essential prerequisites include obtaining a doctoral degree from a recognized higher education institution worldwide after January 1, 2016, and having completed a post-doctoral fellowship or an equivalent post-PhD research program.
- Prospective fellows must be in a position to embark on their first residency at STIAS during 2025.
The selection process for the Iso Lomso Fellowship adheres to rigorous criteria, reflecting the commitment to academic excellence and the advancement of knowledge.
Applications will be evaluated based on the applicant's academic prowess, the originality and scholarly strength of the proposed research project, the project's potential for innovation and generating new insights, and its interdisciplinary nature.
During the final selection phase, additional considerations will be given to factors such as gender representation, diversity of nationalities and disciplines, as well as the candidate's participation in previous or ongoing research projects and international experiences.
This holistic approach ensures that the Iso Lomso Fellowship not only cultivates individual brilliance but also contributes to a diverse and enriched scholarly community.
Application Deadline and How to Apply
Aspiring scholars seeking to embark on this transformative journey must mark February 15, 2024, on their calendars, as it serves as the deadline for application submission.
The application process is streamlined and easily accessible, with a dedicated portal providing all the necessary information for prospective fellows to initiate their application journey.
In conclusion, the STIAS Iso Lomso Fellowship beckons to African scholars, inviting them to cast their gaze towards the future, to lay the foundations for tomorrow. As the eye of tomorrow opens, it illuminates a path paved with opportunities, intellectual growth, and a commitment to advancing knowledge on the African continent.
The fellowship is not merely a program; it is a transformative experience that propels scholars towards becoming established leaders in their fields, contributing to the broader tapestry of global academic excellence.
Through the Iso Lomso Fellowship, the STIAS extends an invitation to scholars to be architects of their academic destiny, fostering a future where the pursuit of knowledge knows no bounds.
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