Tuesday, December 17, 2013

The Guest Scholarship Programme for post-doctoral research in Sweden

The programme aims at strengthening and developing research relevant to capacity building and fighting poverty in programme countries. An estimated 20 scholarships will be offered for the academic year 2014/2015.

The scholarship application call for the academic year 2014/2015 is now open. Application deadline is 24:00 CET, Wednesday, 15 January 2014.

Countries


The programme is targeted at candidates from the following countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Target group


The programme provides researchers with a PhD degree with an opportunity to conduct research at Swedish universities and research institutes. Priority will be given to applicants with a PhD degree from 2009 or later.

Duration of scholarship


The scholarships will be granted for long-term visits (6, 9 or 12 months) during the academic year 2014/2015 (1 September 2014 to 31 August 2015).

Fields of research


The following disciplines only are eligible during this call for applications:
  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Natural Sciences
  • Technology
  • Environmental Science related to Agricultural Sciences or Natural Sciences or Technology
The next call for applications for the academic year 2015/2016 will be open for the following disciplines only:
  • Business and Social Sciences
  • Health and Medicine
  • Environmental Science related to Social Sciences

Scholarship benefits


The scholarship amounts to SEK 18,000 per month. The scholarship includes one travel grant of SEK 15,000 and insurance coverage. The scholarship cannot be prolonged or extended.

SI Network for Future Global Leaders


All Swedish Institute scholarship holders are invited to become members of the SI Network for Future Global Leaders; a network which offers unique opportunities during and after the stay in Sweden. Together with other talented people from all around the world, the scholarship holder is invited to take part in a variety of events, exchange ideas and create networks which benefit both career and personal development.

Who is eligible?


The scholarships are intended for holders of a PhD degree within any of the above-mentioned disciplines eligible for 2014/2015 for full-time research in Sweden. The applicant is not eligible for this scholarship if any of the following is true:
  • Has already lived in Sweden for two or more years when the scholarship period is due to begin.
  • Already has a Swedish permanent residence permit.
Applicants who have previously been awarded a scholarship from SI for study or research at a Swedish university will not be given priority.

Selection criteria and areas of priority


Applications are evaluated by the Swedish Institute and an academic board. The primary evaluation of the application takes into account the applicant’s academic background and personal motivation, research quality and expertise in the project field of the host department. Also the strength of the research proposal with regard to its scientific quality, originality, methodological approach, and relevance is evaluated. In the final selection of candidates SI will consider the distribution of scholarships with regards to academic fields, universities, purpose of study, nationality and gender.

The application should clearly state how your research project can contribute to the development in your country.

Insurance


Scholarship holders are insured by the Swedish State Group Insurance against illness and accident during the scholarship period.

Scholarship limitations

  • The scholarship is designed to cover living costs for the scholarship holder. There are no grants for family members. No funding for bench fees is provided.
  • The granted scholarship period cannot be altered or extended. In case of a postponed arrival date, the scholarship period can be decreased accordingly.

How to apply


Please read the application instructions here.

Application deadline


The scholarship application call for the academic year 2014/2015 is now open. Application deadline is 24:00 CET, Wednesday, 15 January 2014.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Africa Biosciences Challenge Fund 2014 Research Fellowships: Call for Applications

Closing date for applications: February 28th 2014

The Biosciences eastern and central Africa - International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, located in Nairobi, Kenya, is a shared agricultural research and biosciences platform that exists to increase access for African researchers to affordable, world-class research facilities. In addition, the BecA-ILRI Hub provides research-related services and capacity building opportunities to eastern and central Africa and beyond. 
The Africa Biosciences Challenge Fund (ABCF), managed by the BecA-ILRI Hub, provides fellowships to scientists and graduate students from African national agricultural research organisations and universities to undertake biosciences research-for-development projects at the BecA-ILRI Hub. The purpose of the ABCF fellowship program is to develop capacity for agricultural biosciences research in Africa, to support research projects that ultimately contribute towards increasing food and nutritional security or food safety in Africa, and to facilitate access to the BecA-ILRI Hub by African researchers.
 We seek applicants with innovative ideas for short to medium term research projects (up to 12 months) that can be undertaken at the BecA-ILRI Hub. Projects must be in the areas of food and nutritional security or food safety in Africa. 
Scientists and graduate students conducting research in the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply:
  • Improved control of priority livestock diseases including African swine fever (ASF); contagious bovine and caprine pleuropneumonia (CBPP and CCPP); peste des petits ruminants (PPR); Rift Valley fever (RVF); East Coast fever (ECF); capripox virus diseases of ruminants;
  • Harnessing genetic diversity for conservation, resistance to disease and improving productivity of crops and livestock (livestock focus: African indigenous breeds, particularly of goats, chickens, and cavies and other micro-livestock);
  • Molecular breeding for important food security crops in Africa;
  • Plant transformation to address food insecurity in Africa;
  • Plant-microbe interactions;
  • Tissue culture and virus indexing for production of virus-free planting materials in Africa;
  • Orphan crops including amaranth, baobab, taro, wild mushrooms, enset;
  • Crop pests, pathogens and weed management research, including biological control;
  • Food safety, including addressing aflatoxin and other mycotoxin contamination in food and feeds;
  • Nutritional analysis of food and feeds;
  • Rapid diagnostics for crop and livestock diseases;
  • Genomics and metagenomics, including for microbial discovery;
  • Studies on climate-smart forage grasses and mixed livestock-crop systems;
  • Microbial technology for improving adaptation of staple food crops and grasses to biotic and abiotic stresses;
  • Soil health in agricultural systems;
  • Special opportunities also exist to connect with leading international scientists linked with the BecA-ILRI Hub in the following areas: wheat rusts, insect pests, nitrogen fixation. (For these opportunities please apply by Dec 31st 2013)
  • Other special opportunities exist to connect with CGIAR Research Programs on Livestock & Fish and Agriculture for Nutrition & Health to explore how their proposed research might fit into the on-going efforts to improve pro-poor food systems in Tanzania (smallholder dairy), Uganda (smallholder pigs), Egypt (aquaculture) and Ethiopia (small ruminants). Such collaboration would allow the candidate’s research to contribute more directly to an impact-oriented research-for-development agenda, and offer additional opportunities for joint activities. For more information, please contact: Dr. Amos Omore a.omore at cgiar dot org (Tanzania dairy); Dr. Danilo Pezo d.pezo at cgiar dot org (Uganda pigs); Dr. Malcolm Dickson m.dickson at cgiar dot org (Egypt aquaculture); Dr. Barbara Rischkowsky b.rischkowsky at cgiar dot org (Ethiopia small ruminants).
 We particularly welcome applications from women candidates. 
 Applicant requirements
  • National (passport holder) of a BecA-ILRI Hub target country: Burundi, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda. In exceptional cases we may consider applicants from other African countries.
  • A researcher at a national agricultural research organization or university in a BecA-ILRI Hub target country
  • Currently engaged in research in food and nutritional security or food safety in Africa, or in a research area with relevance to agriculture in Africa
  • MSc or PhD in biosciences, agriculture or related subject. In exceptional cases we may consider applicants with a bachelor’s degree.
  • Good working knowledge of written and spoken English
  • Completed online application form
  • A signed letter of approval for your application from the head of your institute.
Costs covered by the fellowship 
  • Research at the BecA-ILRI Hub
  • Travel
  • Medical insurance
  • Accommodation
  • Living allowance
Please note that fellowships do not cover the cost of fieldwork or research at the applicant’s home institute.
Timeline
  • Closing date for applications: February 28th 2014.
  • We will begin to notify early applicants from Dec 1st 2013. The notification process will be completed byApril 30th 2014.
  • Implementation of projects: from January 2014
CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE: https://beca.fluidreview.com 
 The ABCF Research Fellowship programme is supported by the Australian Government through a partnership between Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the BecA-ILRI Hub; and by the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture (SFSA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), and the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida).
Thank you in advance for considering this opportunity. We look forward to hearing from you.
Email: Beca-Hub at cgiar dot org 
DOWNLOAD APPLICATION GUIDELINES HERE:
Attachments: Download this file (Application Guidelines.pdf)Application Guidelines.pdf[ ]129 Kb

Thursday, September 12, 2013

How students can save money while learning

By YVONNE KAWIRA
More by this Author

Let us face it. University students spend a great deal of money.

With over 50,000 students who sat last year’s Form Four exam qualifying to join local universities, there is a need to spend wisely in order to avoid extra charges and help save your money.

Food, books, numerous assignments demanding printing and notes to photocopy — these expenses could leave one in a “too much month left at the end of the money” situation.

If students know how to save or make a penny while in college, then they could make substantial savings.

Quite often, new students end up wasting or mismanaging their funds in their first year of school before learning the hard way to be wise spenders.

Reducing Expenses

According to a Students Organisation of Nairobi University (SONU) leader Isa Mohamed Faradere, there are a number of ways in which students could use to keep their expenses at bare minimum.

“Some students have formed groups of five individuals who contribute Sh3,000 each and set that aside for food. This eases the burden of covering the cost of food alone,” said Mr Mohamed.

If students know how to save or make a penny while in college, then they could make substantial savings. PHOTO|FILE.   NATION
Mr Sheud Nurow, a student pursuing a business degree at the University of Nairobi, agrees and adds that printing and researching could be a lot cheaper if one learnt to use the back-to-back mode of printing.

“You can also instruct the person printing to compress your work and print in a back-to-back style — reducing two pages to one,” he notes.

Other students have become enterprising, making money from printing assignments for their colleagues.

There are many other ways in which a student can save money.

For example, through student discounts. One of the many benefits of being a student is that you get money off on many deals, including movie tickets, trips, and electronic devices.

African Spice Safaris, for example, offers special rates for students from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

When organising events or buying anything, it is important to review student’s offers first and take advantage of discounts.

“We arrange special itineraries for student and school education trips, visits, excursions, safaris, and holidays,” says a statement on the company’s website.

Offers like movie tickets are sold to students at lower prices, but one needs to produce a student ID card to benefit.

WEZESHA
Launched in 2010 and instituted by the World Bank in partnership with the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Board of Kenya, the WEZESHA initiative enables university students to buy laptops at Sh9,600 less than their retail price.

Some 42 universities have registered to participate in this initiative which will see learners buy laptops from FoneXpress/Orange, Safaricom, PC World/Airtel, WinComp Services Limited, and Ravenzo/Yu shops and outlets at subsidised prices.

According to Mr Mohammed, there are other ways for a student to save money. For instance, he says one pays less by eating at the university cafes and canteens, but that it is even cheaper to prepare one’s food.

“It is cheaper to cook your own food, although it is time-consuming, but if you cook one meal in the morning, you can store it for supper,” he said, adding that some students from the university have come up with brilliant ways of making money while studying.

“We have students who make chapati and mandazi and sell them to fellow students. This makes work a lot easier for us,” he noted.

Private universities
In private universities, there are programmes that could save money or lead to less spending.

Daystar University corporate affairs manager Charles Kilonzo told Money that the school has programmes that help students cater for school fees while at the same time enable one to acquire skills.

“We have a programme called Work Study that sees students earn up to Sh40,000 per semester in terms of school fees.

This is meant for needy students who have expressed an interest and have proved that they cannot raise enough money to cover their fees,” said Mr Kilonzo.

He said students are posted to departments that correspond with their line of study to ensure that they gain skills that expose them to what to expect in the job market.

“Marketing students who are posted in my department, for example, get hands-on experience on how to handle clients, marketing, and exhibition functions as well as newspaper analyses after which I get to review their work and recommend them for school fees,” he said, adding that these programmes do not interfere with the school timetable as the main priority is the student’s studies.

It is important to ensure that even as one looks to save money, this should not be done at the expense of one’s study. Therefore, balancing one’s timetable is crucial.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Full Scholarships PhD Positions at the University of Nairobi and University of Copenhagen

PhD POSITION 1
 
Study Area:
 
Development Studies, Ecological Economics, Environmental and Resources Economics, Agricultural and Resource Economics. Specialization in institutional analyses of agri-environmental policy instruments and Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the African Context (CAADP).
 
Qualifications:
Master’s degree in social sciences, Agricultural Economics, Environmental and Resource Economics and related fields. Preferable experience in studying green inclusive agricultural policy and market instruments such as geographical indication instruments (GIs) and marketing of origin/local foods. Specialization in use of geographical information systems as providers of data and knowledge forming a basis for Environmental Services, Valorisation systems, including landscape labels
 
University:
University of Nairobi (starting September 2013) and summer semester (2014) at the University of Copenhagen
 
Supervisors:
Dr. John Mburu (Kenya) and Dr. Henrik Egelyng (Denmark)
 
PhD POSITION 2
 
Study Area: 
Specialization in quantitative ecological economic analysis of agri-environmental systems and environmental services (Pollination) provided by (smallholder stewarded) agricultural systems – with a view to articulate the “visibility” of Pollination services by use of quantitative analyses and modeling.
 
Qualifications: 
A Masters degree in ecological sciences (or agricultural [ecological] economics) and experience with quantitative analysis of biophysical material flows, ecological systems and visibilisation of biodiversity functions (in particular yield and quality effects/functions of pollinators/market and non-market values of pollination services).
 
University:
University of Nairobi (starting September 2013) and summer semester (2014) at the University of Copenhagen
 
Supervisors:
Dr. Mary Gikungu (Kenya) and Dr. Bosselmann and Dr. Hansted (Denmark).
 
Applications:
Cover letter, CV and Msc certificates, only by email to both john.mburu@uonbi.ac.ke and mgikungu@yahoo.com

Monday, August 5, 2013

Research Training Fellowship for Developing Countires Scientists: Call for Applications 2013-2014

Application Closing Date: Monday 14 October 2013.
The Centre for Science and Technology of the Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre) is inviting applications from eligible scientists of the developing countries for RTF-DCS for the financial year 2013–14 (April 2013 to March 2014).
There are 20 fellowships for a duration of 6 months, in the following fields of research:

1. Agricultural Sciences
2. Biological and Medical Sciences
3. Chemical Sciences
4. Physical Sciences and Mathematics
5. Earth Sciences
6. Engineering Sciences
7. Materials, Minerals and Metallurgy
8. Multi-disciplinary and Other Areas
Eligibility
  • Applicant should possess at least a Master’s Degree in any Natural Science subject or an equivalent degree in Engineering or Medicine and allied disciplines.
  • Applicant should be working in a National R&D or Academic Institution in his/her home country.
  • The application should be endorsed by the Head of his/her institution confirming that if selected, he/she will be sanctioned leave for the Fellowship period and will join his/her duties back in the institution on completion of the Fellowship in India.
  • The upper age limit for the applicant is 40 years on the last date for submission of application.
  • Researchers of Indian Nationality are not eligible for the Fellowship.
About Centre for Science and Technology of the Non-Aligned and Other Developing countries (NAM  S & T Centre)
As an instrument for the promotion of South-South Cooperation in Science and Technology, the Centre for Science and Technology of the Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre)  initiated a Fellowship scheme titled ‘Research Training Fellowship for Developing Country Scientists (RTF-DCS)’ in 2012, which is sponsored by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. The Fellowship aims at capacity building of young researchers of the developing countries in science and technology by giving them opportunities to affiliate themselves with premier academic and research institutions in India with full financial support including their international travel, and local hospitality, etc.
Objectives
  • To promote mobility of scientists and researchers from the developing countries into India and provide them opportunity to work at Indian R&D/academic institutions to upgrade their research skills and expertise.
  • To facilitate exchange of information and contacts between the scientists and researchers of India and other developing countries and create a network for building research collaborations.
Click here for a downloadable brochure for placement on noticeboards or for more information on application process and selection criteria, visit http://www.namstct.org/

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference, September 24-27, 2013. Nairobi, Kenya

About the ESTC


The Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC), organized by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), is a unique annual conference focused on the advancement of sustainability goals for the tourism industry. Offering invaluable learning and networking opportunities, the ESTC is a leading international meeting place where innovative minds gather to discuss ideas and solutions that inspire change. Promoting policies and practices benefiting businesses and communities, the ESTC helps to reinforce the role of tourism in building a more sustainable future.

ESTC Highlights
›› Innovative Sessions on Sustainability as a Market Driver
›› Network with Key Industry Players in Travel & Tourism
›› Latest Sustainability Tools, Solutions & Best Practice Ideas
›› Industry-Focused Round Tables, Workshops & Exhibits
›› Social Events Highlighting Local & Global Opportunities
›› Inspiring Keynote Speakers, Eye-Opening Stories

 

THE ESTC13 CONFERENCE

In 2013, the ESTC will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 24-27, and will bring together 500 professionals from around the world. With a strong focus on highlighting and promoting ecotourism's role in sustainable development, the ESTC13 aims to strengthen the industry’s commitment to the recent UN resolution, "Promotion of Ecotourism for Poverty Eradication and Environment Protection", which recognizes ecotourism’s positive impact on sustainable community development efforts. The conference program will feature ideas, opportunities and solutions for the tourism industry to support conserving natural areas, alleviating poverty, empowering women, enhancing education, and improving the health and well-being of local communities.

Join Us In Kenya For:
  • B2B and Professional Networking: The ESTC is the meeting place for industry trend-setters and decision-makers, designed to help you build and harness relationships.
  • The Best and the Brightest of Ecotourism: The ESTC's technical program features the industry's foremost "brain trust" of innovation and sustainability in tourism.
  • Your Chance to Be Part of the Solution: Through global partnerships and local networks, the ESTC helps harness the momentum for positive change in the tourism industry.
ESTC13 Key Themes:
  • Conservation & Communities
  • Plans, Policies, and Partnerships for Destinations
  • Tools, Solutions, and Strategies for Businesses
  • Tourism and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

 

DOWNLOADABLE DOCUMENTS

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

http://www.ecotourismconference.org/ and http://soilisalive.blogspot.com/p/conferences.html for links to more upcoming conferences.

Monday, June 24, 2013

International training of trainers on IWRM

Facilitating water stewardship from a basin perspective
One of the difficulties to use water wisely is the division of responsibilities between different authorities. This often results in fragmented and competitive approaches in the use of rivers, lakes, wetlands and other water resources. Yet for current and future water security it is vital to maintain and restore wetlands as a critical water infrastructure. Read more

Application
Interested candidates can apply to Centre for Development Innovation, Wageninen UR for admission to the training.
Course date:     16 June - 04 July 2014
Deadline NFP:   01 October 2013
Deadline:          05 May 2014

For more information and registration follow this link.
Register in time
NFP Fellowships

For this course there is a limited number of fellowships available from Nuffic - the Netherlands Fellowship Programme (NFP) for nationals of certain countries. In order to apply for this NFP fellowship, you have to register through the Nuffic Scholarship Online (SOL) system. SOL opens on August 01.

Applications for NFP fellowships should be submitted before 01 October 2013. You will be informed by Nuffic whether your application has been accepted. More information on the NFP fellowships.

Please note that if you intend to apply for a NFP fellowship, you must also register for this course at CDI. A complete application consist of both a registration for this course and a submited application for a NFP Fellowship.
Courses at CDI, proven concept & state-of-the-art science and methodology
Over the last decade, more than 20,000 participants have gained access to the latest insights from research and best practices from around the world. Beginning in September 2013, all participants of our courses offered in Wageningen (the Netherlands), will use tablets as a learning tool to further increase the potential of their course.

International course on Integrated pest management and food safety

The challenge of combining pesticide use and ensuring safe food
In recent decades, consumers have become increasingly concerned about the quality and safety of their food. Public and private standards for pesticide residues have become stricter than ever before. But while there are plentiful technical solutions, the application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is still a struggle for many farmers. Read more

Application
Interested candidates can apply to Centre for Development Innovation, Wageninen UR for admission to the training.

Course date:     19 May - 06 June 2014
Deadline NFP:   01 October 2013
Deadline:          07 April 2014

For more information and registration follow this link.
Register in time
NFP Fellowships

For this course there is a limited number of fellowships available from Nuffic - the Netherlands Fellowship Programme (NFP) for nationals of certain countries. In order to apply for this NFP fellowship, you have to register through the Nuffic Scholarship Online (SOL) system. SOL opens August 01.

Applications for NFP fellowships should be submitted before 01 October 2013. You will be informed by Nuffic whether your application has been accepted. More information on the NFP fellowships.

Please note that if you intend to apply for a NFP fellowship, you must also register for this course at CDI. A complete application consist of both a registration for this course and a submited application for a NFP Fellowship.
Courses at CDI, proven concept & state-of-the-art science and methodology
Over the last decade, more than 20,000 participants have gained access to the latest insights from research and best practices from around the world. Beginning in September 2013, all participants of our courses offered in Wageningen (the Netherlands), will use tablets as a learning tool to further increase the potential of their course.

International course on competing claims and natural resources

Managing conflict over the use of natural resources 
Conventional approaches tend to perceive either the state, or the community, or the market as being capable of offering easy solutions to resource conflicts. Practice, however proves different. To deal with conflicting interests and power imbalances, you will need a competing claims approach on natural resources. This two week course provides you with tools for natural resource management, based on extensive research. You will apply them directly to case studies provided by participants. Read more

Application
Interested candidates can apply to Centre for Development Innovation, Wageninen UR for admission to the training.

Course date:     03 - 14 March 2014
Deadline NFP:   01 October 2013
Deadline:          20 Jan 2014

For more information and registration follow this link.
Register in time
NFP Fellowships

For this course there is a limited number of fellowships available from Nuffic - the Netherlands Fellowship Programme (NFP) for nationals of certain countries. In order to apply for this NFP fellowship, you have to register through the Nuffic Scholarship Online (SOL) system. SOL opens August 01.

Applications for NFP fellowships should be submitted before 01 October 2013. You will be informed by Nuffic whether your application has been accepted. More information on the NFP fellowships.

Please note that if you intend to apply for a NFP fellowship, you must also register for this course at CDI. A complete application consist of both a registration for this course and a submited application for a NFP Fellowship.
Courses at CDI, proven concept & state-of-the-art science and methodology
Over the last decade, more than 20,000 participants have gained access to the latest insights from research and best practices from around the world. Beginning in September 2013, all participants of our courses offered in Wageningen (the Netherlands), will use tablets as a learning tool to further increase the potential of their course.