Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards 2015: African Women

The African Union (AU) honors outstanding African scientists through the Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards for fields that include agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, and energy innovation (among others).

The program seeks to recognize outstanding science at the continental level for which it awards a prize of US$100 thousand. It also makes regional scientific awards to African women of US$20 thousand each.

 The application deadline for regional scientific awards for African women is 30 October 2015. The application deadline for the continental scientific award is 15 November 2015.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://hrst.au.int/en/content/african-union-kwame-nkrumah-scientific-awards-%E2%80%93-2015-edition

Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) 2016 competition

DEADLINE: 31 October 2015.

The IPA is an initiative of the African Innovation Foundation (AIF) that was established in 2011. It aims to mobilize African innovators and entrepreneurs by providing US$ 150 000 for market-oriented solutions that support African-led development. Through the IPA, the AIF acknowledges and encourages the endeavours of African innovators and entrepreneurs, and works to raise their profiles on the development agenda.  Each nominee also receives a voucher of US$ 5000 to further develop their innovations.

But beyond the prestigious cash prize, IPA 2016 is set to break further ground, opening up new opportunities for innovation enthusiasts across Africa.  All nominees will receive additional post-prize support to the value of US$5 000 to take their innovations to a higher level. Thanks to increasing interest and buy-in from the African innovation pool, AIF will introduce further post-prize opportunities for 10 young Africans and 10 women whose innovations are addressing pressing challenges in Africa. Other incentives include training and pitching opportunities, association with the AIF brand, and local, regional and international media coverage, as well as networking opportunities with potential investors.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://innovationprizeforafrica.org/aif-announces-ipa-2016-call-for-applications/

The Explorers Club 2016 Grants

Deadline for applications is 5:00PM EST, October 19, 2015

The Explorers Club is proud of its history but also looks toward the future, recognizing the importance of new ideas and avenues of exploration. The Club is deeply committed to supporting the fieldwork of serious researchers and, as part of its public service commitment, offers the following grants:

The Youth Activity Fund Grant supports high school students and college undergraduates. Its goal is to foster a new generation of explorers dedicated to the advancement of the scientific knowledge of our world.

Awards range from $500 to $5,000. We recommend keeping your budget realistic. The average award is approximately $1,500. Only a few grants may be awarded at the $5,000 level.

The Exploration Fund Grant is for graduate, post-graduate, doctorate and early career post-doctoral students. It provides grants in support of exploration and field research for those who are just beginning their research careers.

Awards range from $500 to $5,000. We recommend keeping your budget realistic. The average award is approximately $2,500. Only a few grants may be awarded at the $5,000 level.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://grants.explorers.org/

Conrad Foundation: Spirit of Innovation Challenge 2016

DEADLINE: October 19, 2015.

The Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge is now open for registration!  The Challenge is an annual multi-phase competition that challenges high school students (ages 13-18) from across the globe to use STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), innovation and entrepreneurship to develop technologies and solutions to real-world needs.

The Conrad Challenge was founded by Nancy Conrad in honor of her late husband, astronaut, innovator and entrepreneur, Charles “Pete” Conrad, Jr. The 2015-2016 Challenge marks the 10th competition.

Participants work together in teams of two to five members to develop solutions in one of four categories: Aerospace & Aviation, Energy & Environment, Cyber Technology & Security and Health & Nutrition.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://www.conradchallenge.org/

Eisenhower Fellowships: 2016 Africa Program

DEADLINE: October 15, 2015
 
Eisenhower Fellowships seeks a diverse mix of applicants, ages 32-45, from a wide range of professional sectors. EF provides a unique leadership development opportunity for individuals who have a demonstrated track record of significant professional and community achievements and who seek to tackle big challenges in the future.  Competitive candidates articulate goals for the fellowship program and propose steps to achieve them.  EF seeks ascendant leaders who are committed to making the world more peaceful, prosperous and just, and who are committed to a lifelong engagement with EF’s network of 1,400 active leaders around the world.
Candidates from the seven countries listed below should apply directly to Eisenhower Fellowships

1. Ghana
2. Kenya
3. Nigeria
4. Rwanda
5. South Africa
6. Tanzania
7. Zimbabwe

Candidates from other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa will be considered if they have a track record of regional impact and are nominated by a member of the Africa Leadership Steering Committee or a member of the Eisenhower Fellowships' global network. Nominated candidates should apply by using the online application.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.efworld.org/africaprogram