CODESRIA Research Grants on University Ecosystems 2027

Overview

The CODESRIA Research Grants on University Ecosystems 2027 invites proposals from researchers to examine higher education, gender, academic freedom, and associational life in African universities. Funded by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, the programme supports knowledge production centred on epistemic justice, inclusivity, and the public good. Selected fellows receive 15 months of support to conduct original research, engage in knowledge-exchange workshops, produce publishable manuscripts and policy briefs, and participate in public dialogue.

Who can apply

Applicants must be affiliated with a recognized African higher education or research institution. African scholars based in the diaspora may apply if they collaborate with colleagues at an institution based in Africa. Women scholars, early-career academics, and individuals connected to less well-resourced universities across the continent receive active encouragement to apply. Proposals may be submitted by individuals or by collaborative teams consisting of three to five members, with interdisciplinary, inter-institutional, and multi-country teams strongly encouraged. Applicants who have outstanding or pending deliverables from previous or ongoing CODESRIA-funded projects are discouraged from applying.

What you get

Selected fellows receive financial support for a project duration of 15 months. The draft budget for proposed projects can range from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000. In addition to financial backing, participants take part in peer-learning forums and knowledge-exchange workshops, with the expectation of producing high-quality outputs suitable for publication in reputable academic outlets and use in continental policy dialogues.

Requirements

Applicants must submit a recent curriculum vitae for the principal investigator or for all members in the case of team applications. A proposal synopsis of up to 4,000 words is required, which must include a well-defined research question or problem statement, familiarity with recent literature, a conceptual or theoretical framework, a concise research methodology and work plan with timelines, a draft budget ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000, and a list of proposed scholarly and non-scholarly outputs. Additionally, applicants must provide a formal letter of affiliation or endorsement from a recognized research or higher education institution.

Key dates

The deadline for submitting applications is January 16, 2027.