The African Peacebuilding Network (APN) Research Fellowship

The African Peacebuilding Network (APN) Research Fellowship is a highly competitive program that supports African scholars, researchers, policy analysts, and practitioners working on conflict and peacebuilding issues at universities and research institutions; or regional, governmental, and nongovernmental agencies or organizations based in Africa.

The fellowship provides funding for six months of field-based research, as well as the opportunity to participate in two mandatory workshops organized by the APN.

The APN Research Fellowship is designed to support research that is policy-relevant and that has the potential to inform peacebuilding practice in Africa.

The fellowship is also intended to strengthen the capacity of African scholars and practitioners to conduct high-quality research on conflict and peacebuilding issues.

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible for the APN Research Fellowship, applicants must:

• Be African citizens currently residing in an African country.

• Hold a PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant field, such as social sciences, humanities, law, or international relations.

• Have at least three years of experience working on conflict and peacebuilding issues in Africa.

Application Process

The application deadline for the APN Research Fellowship is typically in February or March. Applicants are required to submit the following materials:

• A completed application form.

• A research proposal (no more than 10 pages).

• A curriculum vitae.

• Two letters of recommendation.

Selection Criteria

APN Research Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis, based on the following criteria:

• The quality and originality of the research proposal.

• The applicant’s qualifications and experience.

• The potential impact of the research on peacebuilding in Africa.

Benefits

APN Research Fellows receive the following benefits:

• A stipend of $15,000 to support six months of field-based research.

• Travel expenses to and from the research site.

• Funding for research-related expenses, such as data collection and analysis costs.

• The opportunity to participate in two mandatory workshops organized by the APN.

FAQs

What are the research priorities for the APN Research Fellowship?

The APN is particularly interested in research that focuses on the design, implementation, and impact of peacebuilding mechanisms and processes in conflict-affected African countries and sub-regions.

However, the APN is open to research proposals on a wide range of conflict and peacebuilding topics, including:

• Conflict prevention and early warning.
• Peace mediation and negotiation.
• Peacebuilding and sustainable development. Transitional justice and reconciliation.
• Gender and peacebuilding.
• Youth and peacebuilding.
• Security sector reform.
• Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration. Peacebuilding and the environment.

What are the expectations for APN Research Fellows?

APN Research Fellows are expected to:

• Complete their research project within the six-month fellowship period.

• Submit a draft research paper to the APN for review before the end of the fellowship period.

• Participate in two mandatory workshops organized by the APN.

• Disseminate their research findings to a wider audience through publications, presentations, and other outreach activities.

What is the success rate for APN Research Fellowship applications?

The APN Research Fellowship is a highly competitive program. In 2023, the APN received over 500 applications for the fellowship program and awarded only 17 fellowships.

How can I increase my chances of being awarded an APN Research Fellowship?

To increase your chances of being awarded an APN Research Fellowship, you should:

• Submit a well-written and well-argued research proposal.

• Make sure that your research proposal is relevant to the APN’s research priorities.

• Highlight your qualifications and experience in your application.

• Obtain strong letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your academic and professional abilities.

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