Call Of Mentess: INGSA-Africa Science Advice Skills Development Program (SASDP-5) 2026 – 5th Cohort
INGSA-Africa, the Africa Regional Chapter of the International Network for Government Science Advice, is delighted to announce the launch of the fifth cohort of the Science Advice Skills Development Program (SASDP-5). This program aims to build the capacity of early and mid-career African scientists across the continent for the effective practice of science advice. Following the success of our inaugural mentoring program in 2022 and second, third and fourth cohorts in 2023/2024.2024/2025 and 2025/2026 respectively, we are eager to continue this momentum. Fifty-eight scientists, from 19 countries in Africa, have been mentored so far, by mentors from the African continent and beyond. The reports of the previous cohorts can be found on our website.
The Science Advice Skills Development Programme (SASDP) aims to support early- and mid-career African scientists and researchers in strengthening their capacity to engage in science advice, translating research, evidence, and expertise into inputs that can inform policymaking.
About the Science Advice Skills Development Program
The Science Advice Skills Development Program is designed to strengthen the capacity of early and mid-career African researchers interested in science advice and policymaking.
The programme helps participants develop the skills needed to communicate scientific evidence effectively, engage with policymakers, and contribute to evidence-informed decision-making across Africa.
Program Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen the capacity of African researchers in science advice.
- Bridge the gap between scientific research and policymaking.
- Improve participants’ ability to communicate scientific evidence for policy.
- Build skills in evidence-informed policy analysis.
- Facilitate networking among mentees, mentors, and the INGSA-Africa community.
- Promote collaboration between researchers and policymakers across Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be an early or mid-career African scientists or researchers working on the African continent.
- Applicants must have obtained a PhD within the past 10 years.
- They must demonstrate a strong interest in science advice and policy engagement. A solid scientific track record in the applicant’s area of expertise is required.
Preference will be given to those whose work relates to Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development in Africa with sub-areas such as:
- Health,
- water,
- energy,
- food security,
- biodiversity,
- natural resource management,
- indigenous knowledge,
- Digital technologies
- Al innovations, amongst others.
Program Benefits
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Build practical science policy skills.
- Learn how to translate research into policy recommendations.
- Receive one-to-one mentoring from experienced science advisors.
- Expand professional networks across Africa and internationally.
- Improve science communication skills.
- Gain experience preparing science advice documents.
- Strengthen their ability to contribute to evidence-informed policymaking.
Application Process
Application to become a mentee should be made using the online application form:
https://forms.gle/4NrSqmeQi3LxXq1y9 only, by 17 August 2026. All sections of the
application should be filled in. Required documents to support the application are a
recent CV and a recommendation letter from a science organization (university/research center/national academy of science), if a nominated applicant.
Application Deadline 17, August 2026
METHOD OF APPLICATION
interested and qualified candidates should use link below to apply.
Read more information visit here
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