Call for Research Fellows: Advancing Climate Resilience with Artificial Intelligence in Africa

The Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN), in collaboration with the University of Nairobi and different ARUA facilities, and with assist from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), is happy to announce the Research Fellowship Program on Leveraging AI for Climate Resilience Solutions in Africa. This initiative goals to strengthen capability, analysis collaboration, and coverage engagement amongst African students, practitioners, and decision-makers addressing the local weather disaster by way of AI-enabled innovation.

Context and Rationale

Africa is among the many areas most susceptible to the impacts of local weather change, dealing with complicated environmental, social, and financial dangers. From meals insecurity to excessive climate occasions, the challenges demand strategic, evidence-based options. Artificial Intelligence (AI) gives highly effective instruments for enhancing local weather info programs, modeling danger, and enabling predictive capabilities important to resilience planning.

Yet, Africa faces key obstacles in realizing AI’s potential: restricted coaching in AI-related STEM fields and gender imbalances in each academia and AI careers. Addressing these gaps is important for advancing local weather motion on the continent.

The AI for Climate Resilience mission seeks to:

• Strengthen AI foundations in educational and coverage spheres

• Support capability constructing amongst early-career researchers and policymakers

• Advance gender fairness in AI and local weather motion

• Co-produce data with stakeholders throughout sectors

Fellowship Objectives

The Research Fellowship Program goals to:

1. Enhance understanding of AI purposes in local weather resilience in African contexts

2. Equip early-career professionals with abilities to apply AI and mathematical sciences in climate-related work

3. Foster a dynamic neighborhood of African researchers and policymakers

4. Support interdisciplinary collaboration and institutional partnerships

5. Generate case research, coverage briefs, and actionable data sources

6. Provide platforms for dissemination and coverage engagement

Fellowship Structure

The fellowship is designed as a complete, phased expertise that features:

• E-learning (3 months): Anchored on the University of Nairobi’s Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation (ICCA), the web modules cowl foundational AI subjects utilized to local weather points. Successful individuals will obtain a certificates and internship alternatives.

• Writing and Publishing Support: Fellows take part in writing workshops with mentors from ARIN, the University of Nairobi, and Taylor & Francis, geared toward educational and coverage publishing.

• Mentorship & Exchange (6–8 weeks): A guided mentorship program connects fellows with main teachers, practitioners, and policymakers to implement tasks and foster regional partnerships.

• Webinars & Simulations: Monthly digital engagements and case study simulations present hands-on problem-solving experiences associated to local weather and AI.

• AI for Climate Resilience Academy: Top performers are chosen as “AI for Climate Resilience Champions” and awarded scholarships to attend a two-week in-person academy that includes superior coaching and management growth.

• Small Grants for Case Studies: Champions are eligible for mini-grants to implement revolutionary, AI-based case research throughout Africa. Findings will likely be introduced at main boards like Africa Climate Week and COP30.

Thematic Areas

Fellows’ analysis and tasks should align with the next themes:

• AI for early warning and catastrophe danger discount

• AI in climate-smart agriculture and meals programs

• Nature-based options and AI-enabled ecosystem monitoring

• AI and concrete resilience (e.g., warmth islands, air high quality)

• Governance and ethics of AI in local weather decision-making

• Gender, youth, and inclusivity in AI-based local weather initiatives

• Policy frameworks and capability for AI in local weather governance

Fellows may pursue policy-oriented initiatives resembling integrating AI into local weather adaptation methods, regulatory frameworks, and repair supply fashions.

Eligibility Criteria

The program is open to early- and mid-career people based mostly in Africa. Applicants should:

• Hold a postgraduate diploma (Master’s or PhD) or have important coverage or programmatic expertise

• Demonstrate robust curiosity in utilizing AI for local weather resilience

• Possess glorious analytical, writing, and communication abilities

• Be affiliated with a analysis, educational, authorities, or coverage establishment in Africa

• Be dedicated to interdisciplinary analysis and coverage affect

The preliminary cohort will embrace 100 fellows, starting with the e-learning program. A choose group will progress to superior coaching and obtain grants.

Fellowship Duration and Deliverables

• Duration: 6 to 9 months

• Expected Outputs:

  • Research report or peer-reviewed article

  • Policy temporary or weblog summarizing key findings

  • Active participation in regional or world data boards

Application Process

Interested candidates ought to put together and submit:

1. Letter of motivation outlining {qualifications} and relevance to the fellowship

2. Two-page idea word describing the proposed analysis or coverage mission

3. Curriculum Vitae (most 3 pages)

4. Letter of assist from a number establishment or supervisor

Application deadline and hyperlink:
Submit documents via this application form

Deadline: 30 June, 2025

This fellowship represents an important alternative to form Africa’s local weather resilience by way of the lens of AI. It helps inclusive analysis, fosters south-south studying, and positions African voices on the forefront of world local weather governance and innovation.

For extra alternatives, please go to the web site of Opportunities For Youth.