ANNOUNCEMENT
The Fourteenth OSSREA Research Competition on Gender Issues for Eastern and Southern Africa
The Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA) is pleased to announce the Fourteenth Research Competition on Gender Issues. Proposals may be submitted by researchers from any of the disciplines of the Social Sciences, with a focus on gender issues (i.e., in the areas of Food production; Food cycle technology; Entrepreneurship; Management; Framework and policy for integration of women in development; Sexuality and biological labor reproduction; the informal sector; the professions; Political mobilization; Liberation struggle and revolution; Industry and the services sector; History; Women's movements; etc.). Grants under this program are given to conduct field research anywhere in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Objectives
The primary objective of the Competition is to encourage local scholars to conduct research which will contribute to the elucidation and understanding of gender issues as they relate to development. A secondary objective is to encourage the availability of research findings for policy-makers as well as for teaching purposes.
Eligibility and application Procedures
While the Competition is open to both women and men, women are strongly encouraged to apply. All applicants must be currently employed, enrolled in or otherwise affiliated with a national institution which conducts research. They must hold at least a Master’s degree from an accredited academic institution. However, female applicants not affiliated with research institutions but that have a BA degree and prior research experience will be considered for the Competition. The applicant's institution must endorse the research to be undertaken and be willing to provide some support to the applicant. Proposals prepared for the fulfillment of the requirements for a degree will not be accepted.
Applications by candidates who have won in either of two immediately preceding research competitions will not be considered. Also, individuals who have won twice in previous OSSREA competitions are not eligible.
A complete proposal should contain the following:
1. A synopsis of the proposed research, including:
Title, (b) Background, (c) Problem statement, (d) Study purpose/Research question, (e) Study objective,(f) Hypotheses, (g) Study significance,(h) Study scope, (i) Conceptual/Theoretical framework, (j) Literature review,(k) Methodology, (l) References, (m) Work plan, and (n) A break-down of the budget required to accomplish the proposed research, both in local currency and its equivalent in US Dollars.
2. A current curriculum vitae of the applicant, including age, educational level, gender, nationality and a detailed address (P. O. Box, Tel., Fax & E-mail).
3. A letter of endorsement from the institution of affiliation and official clearance from the relevant government authority (in countries where this is applicable).
4. The size of the proposal should be limited to a maximum of 10-15 pages with 1.5” line-spacing. Applications that exceed this page limit will not be considered at all.
Budget
The budget for the proposed research should not exceed US$5,000 and may be used to cover actual research costs (e.g., local travel and subsistence, supplies, acquisition of documents, photocopying, and, in the case of female applicants, for child care expenses where deemed necessary). This will be subject to the approval of the Jury. Allocation for equipment (PC, tape recorders, etc.) and contingency are unacceptable.
Not more than 20% of the total grant may be used for payment of honorarium to the grantee or for travel outside the region of the proposed research.
Selection Procedures and other Conditions
Research grants will be awarded on the recommendation of a panel of scholars from Eastern and Southern Africa. The panel will review all proposals, with the names of the applicants removed. Experts outside the region may be asked to review proposals and their comments will be taken into consideration in the final recommendations.
Successful applicants will be expected to take up their awards within three months from the date of notification. Normally, the award will be good for a period no longer than one year, by which time a final report and a statement of accounts for the grant fund expended should have been submitted to OSSREA.
Award holders will be required to deposit copies of their research reports or publications with the relevant university library, sponsoring academic department or the national archives in the country where the research was conducted, in addition to submitting to OSSREA one hard copy and another copy on a floppy disk.
Application deadline
Grant applications and proposals should be submitted to OSSREA by express mail before July 30, 2002. Completed applications and inquiries should be addressed to:
14th OSSREA Research
Competition on Gender Issues
OSSREA
P.O. Box 31971
Addis Ababa|
Ethiopia
Tel.: 251-1-551163
The 16th OSSREA Social Science Research Competition for Eastern and Southern Africa
The Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA) is offering a limited number of research grants in the Social Sciences. Proposals may be submitted by researchers from any of the disciplines in the social sciences involving applied social and economic analysis of contemporary development issues. Grants under this program are given for conducting field research anywhere in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Objectives
The objectives of the Competition are to encourage local scholars to conduct research in the social sciences, to strengthen teaching in the social sciences through the joint participation of faculty and students in field research, and to enhance the subsequent availability of research findings for teaching purposes.
Research Topic
The Competition is open to proposals focusing on any topic in the social sciences. However, special consideration will be given to proposals focusing on the following themes:
Ethnic Conflicts in the Region and Their Resolution;
Regional Economic Cooperation; and
Environmental Issues and Their Relations to Development.
All applicants must be currently employed, enrolled in or otherwise affiliated with a national institution which conducts research. They must hold at least a Master’s degree from an accredited academic institution. The applicant's institution must endorse the research to be undertaken and be willing to provide some support to the applicant. Proposals prepared for the fulfillment of the requirements for a degree will not be accepted.
Applications by candidates who have won in either of two immediately preceding research competitions will not be considered. Also, individuals who have won twice in previous OSSREA competitions are not eligible.
A complete proposal should contain the following:
A synopsis of the proposed research including:
Title, (b) Background, (c) Problem statement, (d) Study purpose/Research question, (e) Study objective, (f) Hypotheses, (g) Study significance, (h) Study scope, (i) Conceptual/Theoretical framework, (j) Literature review, (k) Methodology, (l) References, (m) Work plan, and (n) A break-down of the budget required to accomplish the proposed research, both in local currency and its equivalent in US Dollars.
A current curriculum vitae of the applicant, including age, gender, educational level, nationality and a detailed address (P. O. Box, Tel., Fax & E-mail).
3. A letter of endorsement from the institution of affiliation and official clearance from the relevant government authority (in countries where this is applicable).
4. The size of the proposal should be limited to a maximum of 10-15 pages with 1.5” line-spacing. Applications that exceed this page limit will not be considered at all.
Budget
The budget for the proposed research should not exceed US$5,000 and may be used to cover actual research costs (e.g., local travel and subsistence, supplies, acquisition of documents, photocopying, etc.). This will be subject to the approval of the Jury. Allocation for equipment (PC, tape recorders, etc.) and contingency are unacceptable.
Not more than 20% of the total grant may be used for payment of honorarium to the grantee or for travel outside the region of the proposed research.
Selection Procedures and other Condition
Research grants will be awarded on the recommendation of a panel of scholars from Eastern and Southern Africa. The panel will review all proposals, with the names of the applicants removed. Experts outside the region may be asked to review proposals and their comments will be taken into consideration in the final recommendations.
Successful applicants will be expected to take up their awards within three months from the date of notification. Normally the award will be good for a period no longer than one year, by which time a final report and a statement of accounts for the grant fund expended should have been submitted to OSSREA.
Award holders will be required to deposit copies of their research reports or publications with the relevant university library, sponsoring academic department or the national archives in the country where the research was conducted, in addition to submitting to OSSREA one hard copy and another copy on a floppy disk.
Application Deadline
Grant applications and proposals should be submitted to OSSREA by express mail before July 30, 2002. Completed applications and inquiries should be addressed to:
16th Social Science Research Competition
OSSREA
P.O. Box 31971
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel.: 251-1-551163
Fax: 251-1-551399
VIIth OSSREA Congress December 2002 Khartoum, Sudan Call for Papers
Organisation for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA) will hold its Seventh Congress in Khartoum, Sudan, in December 2002. The Congress will consist of three major activities: business meeting, special panel, and scientific conference. The theme of the conference is “The quest for social peace in Africa: Transformations, democracy and public policy”. The main objectives of the conference are: to provide African scholars and intellectuals with the opportunity to discuss ongoing transformations and social processes as they impinge on the current quest for peace-building and peace-keeping; to review and determine how scientific knowledge and research can assist in the understanding and resolution of crises and conflicts; and to influence in a positive direction these transformations in Africa.
In this regard, the conference papers should reflect the spirit of concern with the future of both the social science enterprise and the African condition itself. What role can social science play in the generation of knowledge on the problems of security and the consolidation of social peace? Which theories, concepts, and methodological approaches can best serve the purposes of appraising and understanding the processes fuelling social conflict as well as those sustaining social peace in Africa? These and many other related issues need to be addressed at Africa-wide, sub-regional and country-specific levels of scientific investigation under the following sub-themes of the conference.
Sub-Theme 1: Transformations
Economic transformations and crises
Ideological transformations
Demographic transformations
Sub-Theme 2: Sources of Conflicts
Problems of State and nationhood
External dimensions of conflict
Public responses to conflict
Sub-Theme 3: Conflict Prevention
Management and Resolution
Early warning and preventive diplomacy
Peace-making and peace-keeping
Post-conflict resolution
Post-conflict reconstruction
The role of the international community, the OAU, and other African organisations
The issue of ownership
Sub-Theme 4: Democratisation
Internal context: the crisis of governance, the rise of social movements, ideological and cultural changes
External context: the impact of the end of the Cold War, political conditionality, etc.
Problems and prospects of democratisation
Sub-Theme 5: Public Policy
Public policy-making in Africa: History, pattern, administration and management
External influence: economic restructuring and adjustment, and impact at family, household, community, workplace and state levels; needs and delivery; urbanisation and poverty; poverty and rural development
Public policy, state and society: public policy formulation and delivery; citizenship, rights, political and social movements; emergence of civil society and other interest groups
Abstracts: Titles and abstracts of proposed papers can either be submitted to the Liaison Officers of OSSREA or sent directly to the OSSREA Secretariat; abstracts should not be more than one page long, should clearly state the nature of the problem, the methodology, and the findings/conclusions.
Deadline for abstracts: 30 June 2002
Authors whose abstracts are selected will be informed of the decision in July 2002.
Paper: Papers of approved abstracts should be: computer typeset using MS Word 2000, strictly conform with the OSSREA Style Guide (available in the Jan. 2002 issue of the EASSRR); printed on A4 paper with 1.5” line-spacing and 1.0” of space left on both margins; not more than 20 pages in length; and submitted both in hard copy and on diskette.
Deadline for papers: Papers should reach the OSSREA Secretariat before 30 September 2002. Address inquiries and documents to:
OSSREA
P.O. Box 31971
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tel. 251-1-551163/553281
Fax: 251-1-551399
E-mail: ossrea@telecom.net.et
Training in Social Science Research Methodology
The Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA) is a regional non-governmental research organization with its headquarters based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
OSSREA has recognised the need for upgrading the research skills of its members so as to build the teaching and research capacity of institutions in Eastern and Southern African countries. To this end, OSSREA's Research Methodology Institute has started offering short-term training in social science research methodology.
Course Content
emerging thinking in social science research
ethical issues in social science research
mainstreaming gender and environmental issues
developing research proposals
choosing study approaches and designs
planning and managing social science research
writing a research report
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum: BA degree in the social sciences
Between 20 - 40 years of age
At least 2 years of experience in social science research
Application Requirements
Detailed and up-to-date curriculum vitae
Copies of the degree/s from an accredited university or equivalent institution
Evidence of previous experience in research
Endorsement letter from the applicant's employer, which certifies the relevance of such training to the institution's research activities.
Trainee Selection
A jury will examine the applications and select appropriate candidates for the training. The short-listed applicants will then be notified.
Training Period
The training will be conducted from 16-27 September 2002.
Training Cost
OSSREA will cover travel, accommodation and subsistence expenses during the training period for a limited number of the short-listed candidates. Priority will be given to applicants based in educational and research institutions.
However, other eligible candidates will be asked to find sponsors. Details of the institutional fees can be obtained by contacting the OSSREA Secretariat:
Tel. 251-1-551163/553281
Fax: 251-1-551399
E-mail: ossrea@telecom.net.et
Application Deadline
The application and supporting documents should reach OSSREA headquarters not later than 30th June 2002. The application should be sent to:
Co-ordinator Research Methodology Institute
OSSREA
P. O. Box 31971
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Young Scientists from Developing Countries: IFS Can Support Your Research
Capacity building and support for scientists in developing countries
Developing country scientists often have a tough time getting their research projects off the ground, but exactly how serious is the situation and in what ways?
The International Foundation for Science (IFS) recently concluded a study to get a clearer picture of the actual conditions that face researchers in Africa. In a questionnaire, scientists identified the main factors holding back their research work. Research funding, of course, comes at the top of the list.
The next biggest problem for developing country scientists is the lack of basic research equipment, including its availability and ability to keep it in working order. The third major obstacle is the lack of access to scientific literature and participation in networking activities. IFS helps developing country scientists solve these problems.
Thousands in developing countries doing research with IFS support
Since IFS began activities in 1972, it has supported more than 3,000 scientists with research grants in some 100 developing countries. Flexibility and effectiveness are key features of IFS operations; IFS focuses its support on individuals – young scientists, at the beginning of their research careers.
IFS relies on a broad network of world-renowned experts who provide a scientific evaluation of all proposals, which includes suggestions on how the project could be improved. This procedure also applies for unsuccessful applications. Grantees appreciate the non-bureaucratic procedures and the personal help by staff and scientific advisers. As IFS grantees have expressed it: “IFS treats us as individuals rather than numbers”.
Who qualifies for an IFS research grant?
Applicants have to be citizens of and carry out research in a developing country. Besides being younger than 40 (younger than 30 for Chinese applicants) and at the beginning of their research career, they should have an academic degree of not less than an MSc or the equivalent.
Country eligibility for support is based on the list of countries with a GNP per capita of less than the average of the group of Upper Middle Income Countries according to the World Development Report form the World Bank. Specifically excluded are countries in Eastern and Central Europe, including Turkey and Cyprus, as well as countries belonging to the former Soviet Union. A list of eligible countries can be found on the IFS website.
The geographic distribution of grants awarded has been equal, with one-third going to scientists in each of the following three regions: Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean. In recent years, about 40% of the grants have been awarded to female scientists.
What kind of support does IFS provide?
Direct financial support is in the form of research grants (up to USD12,000 and renewable twice) that enable researchers to purchase equipment, expendable supplies, literature, etc. The grantee’s institution provides his or her salary and basic facilities. Here are other important services provided by IFS to its grantees:
· Purchase and delivery of equipment on behalf of grantees by IFS Purchasing Department
· Promotion of scientific networks and links for grantees to other scientists, especially IFS Scientific Advisers
· Access to literature searches
· Travel support for grantees to attend scientific meetings or to visit other institutions for training
· Training courses for the writing of a research grant proposal
· An award scheme providing recognition for scientific achievement associated with research supported by IFS
What kind of research is supported?
IFS supports developing country scientists’ research relating to the renewable utilisation of biological resources. Small grants and supporting services are provided for projects in areas such as agriculture, forestry natural products and aquatic resources, as well as for research on sustainable utilisation and conservation of natural ecosystems.
Proposals for research projects may address biological, chemical and physical processes as well as social and economic relationships important in conservation, production, and renewable utilisation of the biological resource base. See examples in the header.
Applicants should explain the relevance of their proposed research in relation to environmental and socio-economic conditions in the region. Proposals should be of a high scientific standard.
How to apply for an IFS research grant
Application forms (in English or French) are available from the IFS Secretariat or can be downloaded form the web: www.ifs.se. Decisions, based on the recommendations of the IFS Scientific Advisers, are made twice a year.
IFS encourages long-term associations
By supporting young scientists, IFS is best able to focus its efforts in order that grantees may become lead scientists and science leaders. An IFS research grant is, however, only the beginning of a long-term relationship. IFS continues to offer scientific and intellectual support to its grantees, and seeks out their advice and support in efforts to strengthen scientific capacity in developing countries.
IFS Mission Statement
The need
Scientific research provides an important input for sustainable management of biological resources. Scientific knowledge is central for rural, urban, industrial, and policy development, which will lead to improvement of people’s livelihoods.
The mission
IFS shall contribute towards strengthening the capacity of developing countries to conduct relevant and high quality research on the sustainable management of biological resources. This will involve the study of physical, chemical, and biological processes, as well as relevant social and economic aspects, important in the conservation, production and renewable utilisation of the natural resource base.
The strategy
IFS shall identify, through a careful selection process, promising young scientists from developing countries with potential to become future lead scientists and science leaders. They will receive support in their early careers to pursue high quality research in developing countries on problems relevant to the mission, which will help them to become established and recognised nationally and internationally. Additional supporting services will be provided to researchers in scientifically weaker institutions and countries. IFS shall act in collaboration with Member Organisations and other national, regional, and international institutions utilising the complementary strengths of such partnerships.
For further information:
IFS
Grev Turegatan 19
SE-114 38 Stockolm, Sweden
Tel. 46-8 545 81800
Fax: 46-8 545 81801
E-mail: info@ifs.se
Web: www.ifs.se