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Senior Scholars Research Grant Competition

Background

The Organisation for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA) is a regional non-governmental research organisation based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Its mission is to develop and promote the emergence of a distinctive African tradition in the study, research and training in the social sciences.

The senior scholars research grant program was initiated to retain the research capacity built in the Eastern and Southern African region and to redirect the contribution of senior scholars from consultancy work to high quality research that has both policy relevance and academic significance.

This program provides senior scholars with an opportunity to carry out research that is on a par with international standards. OSSREA therefore invites senior scholars based in academic and research institutes in Eastern and Southern Africa to apply for the research grant.

• Conflict management, resolution and post conflict reconstruction

• Information technology, culture and society

• Gender roles, democracy and development

• Resource management and food security

• Poverty, economy and society

• Health, economy and society

• Environment

• Regional integration

• Religion and society

• Governance issues in multi-ethnic societies

• Candidates who wish to apply for the grant should fulfil the following criteria to be eligible:

• An academic researcher holding a senior rank or position

• A PhD degree in the social sciences

• At least 10 years of university level teaching

• At least 10 years research experience

• High publication profile

An application letter should be submitted together with the following supporting documents:

• Copies of academic credentials;

• Evidence of teaching experience and current position from employer;

• A detailed and up to date curriculum vitae;

• Evidence of previous experience in the proposed field of research (sample of publications);

• A research proposal of 15 pages focusing on any one of the themes listed above. The proposal should have sections on background, objectives, literature review, methodology, scope of the research, limitation of the research, significance of the research, lucid and detailed budget breakdown that reflects on the proposed research instruments, and a bibliography;

• Proposals that are co-authored are accepted PROVIDED that the proposals are written by only two authors that fulfil the eligibility criteria indicated above;

• Proposals, which focus on issues of regional significance, are highly encouraged;

• Proposals co-authored by scholars in two different countries and focusing on regionally significant issues are also highly encouraged.

• The cost for each item both in local and US dollars;

• Activities entailed in the research and the estimated cost per activity.

For example:

• If travelling to a certain destination is required, then the destination, the mode of transportation, number of people travelling as well as the distance and number of trips should be clearly indicated,

• Specific details of stationary required including the unit cost for each item;

• Number of research assistants and individual responsibilities together with details of fees to be paid.

OSSREA plans to award the grant to successful scholars during the current year. The total budget of each candidate’s research proposal should not exceed USD 20,000. The proposal should clearly indicate the cost breakdown of the activities entailed and the resources required.

Each grantee is expected to:

• Finalise the research and present the output 12 months after the signing of the grant award;

• Report quarterly on the progress of the research;

• Present the major findings of the research at a forum that will be organised by OSSREA;

• Submit the research report in the form of a publishable monograph/book.

A jury of senior scholars will select the successful applicants after thoroughly examining the research proposals.

The application and research proposal should reach the OSSREA headquarters not later than 31^st July 2003. Inquiries and applications should be forwarded to:

The Co-ordinator
Senior Scholars Research Grant Programme
OSSREA
P.O. Box 31971
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tele.: 251-1- 55 11 63/553281
Fax: 251-1- 551399
E-mail: ossrea@telecom.net.et

Website: http://www.ossrea.net

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