CFPs: AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grants for Junior Researchers

The African-German Network of Excellence in Science (AGNES) offers Intra-Africa Mobility Grants for doctoral students in sub-Saharan Africa. Grants support 1–2 month research stays at host institutions in other African countries, fostering collaboration, skill development, and research relevant to regional development. Eligible candidates can apply online by 30 November 2025.

Overview of the AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Programme

The AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grants strengthen scientific capacity and networking of junior researchers in Africa. The programme enables doctoral students to conduct research at host institutions in other sub-Saharan countries, promoting cross-border collaboration, capacity-building, and development-focused research.

Funding Categories

The programme has two grant types: a General Grant open to both male and female researchers, and a Special Grant exclusively for female researchers. AGNES aims for 50% female participation across awarded grants.

Who is Eligible?

• Nationals of sub-Saharan African countries, with priority to under-represented countries such as Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, DRC, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, and others.

• Officially registered doctoral students.

• Must have published at least one article from their thesis in a SCOPUS or Web of Science-indexed journal.

• Must secure a host institution in another sub-Saharan African country with a mutually agreed research plan.

• Female candidates may apply for both grants but can receive only one; male candidates may apply only for the general grant.

What the Grant Supports

The grants fund research stays ranging from one to two months. They cover travel costs, living expenses, and a research allowance for the host institution. Research must form part of the applicant’s doctoral work, including laboratory work, bench research, library studies, or thesis writing, and must be justified as not feasible at the applicant’s home institution.

How to Apply

1. Secure a Host Institution – Identify and confirm a host in another sub-Saharan African country and agree on workspace and bench requirements.

2. Prepare Application Documents – Include a research proposal, CV in AGNES template, proof of doctoral registration, academic transcripts, evidence of published work, travel and living cost estimates, and the host’s invitation letter.

3. Submit Online – Complete the application on the AGNES portal by 30 November 2025.

4. Notification and Research Stay – Applicants will be notified after the January 2026 selection meeting. Research stays are scheduled between April and September 2026. Acceptance letters must be submitted within two weeks of approval, and progress reports are required within six months of completing the research stay.

Why It Matters

• Strengthens scientific networks across sub-Saharan Africa.

• Enhances doctoral research quality and relevance to regional development.

• Builds research capacity and fosters cross-border collaboration.

• Promotes gender equity through the female-only grant category.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete applications.

• Missing the application deadline.

• Failing to secure a confirmed scientific host.

• Proposing research feasible at the home institution.

• Neglecting to submit progress reports after the research stay.

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the Special AGNES grant? Only female doctoral researchers.
2. What types of research are eligible? Laboratory, bench work, library research, and thesis writing.
3. How long are the research stays? One to two months.
4. What expenses are covered by the grant? Travel, living costs, and a research allowance for the host institution.
5. Is prior publication required? Yes, one article from the thesis in a SCOPUS or Web of Science-indexed journal.
6. When is the application deadline? 30 November 2025.
7. Are progress reports mandatory? Yes, within six months after the research stay.

Conclusion

The AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grants provide sub-Saharan doctoral researchers with opportunities to develop scientific skills, collaborate internationally, and contribute to regional development. By supporting structured research stays and promoting gender equity, the programme strengthens Africa’s scientific community and enables high-impact doctoral research.