The African Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics (APDD) Individual Research Fellowship (IRF) 2026 is open to African researchers, policy analysts, and practitioners based in Africa. The fellowship supports independent, policy-relevant peacebuilding research across the continent.
Application Deadline
- Applications open now (for July 2026 – March 2027 fellowship cycle).
Tell Me About The Fellowship
The APDD Individual Research Fellowship (IRF), run by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) and funded by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, supports African scholars, policy analysts, and practitioners conducting independent research on peacebuilding and conflict dynamics. It enhances the visibility of African scholarship globally while producing evidence‑based knowledge for policymakers and practitioners.
Fellowship Components
- Field Research: 6 months of fieldwork + 3 months of analysis/writing (total 9 months).
- Workshops: Two mandatory workshops (July & January) across Africa to refine methods, present findings, and network.
- Knowledge Production: Contributions to APDD Working Paper series, African Peacebuilding Policy Review, Kujenga Amani, and peer‑reviewed journals.
- Networking & Mentorship: Fellows join a visible network of African peacebuilding scholars, with mentorship from senior academics.
Type
- Research Fellowship | Peacebuilding | Africa
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Be African citizens residing in Africa.
- Academics: Hold a full‑time faculty/research position at an African university/research institution, with a PhD obtained after January 2016.
- Policy analysts/practitioners: Based in Africa at regional/governmental/NGO/media/civil society institutions, with a Master’s degree obtained before January 2021 and at least 5 years of peacebuilding experience.
How Are Fellows Selected
- Based on research relevance, academic merit, and contribution to peacebuilding knowledge.
- Applications reviewed by SSRC and APDD panels.
Which Countries are Eligible
- All African countries (applicants must be citizens and residents).
Where Will the Fellowship Be Taken
- Across Africa (field research in applicant’s chosen region + APDD workshops in July and January).
How Many Fellows
- Up to 9 fellowships awarded in 2026.
What is the Benefit of the Fellowship
- Maximum award: US$12,000 per fellow.
- Funding supports field research, analysis, writing, and dissemination.
- Mentorship, networking, and publication opportunities.
How Long Will the Fellowship Last
- 9 months (July 2026 – March 2027).
Required Documents
- Fellowship application form (via APDD portal).
- Research proposal.
- Academic transcripts (for academics).
- Proof of professional experience (for practitioners).
- CV.
- References.
How to Apply
- Review the APDD Fellowship Application Guidebook.
- Prepare required documents.
- Submit application via APDD online portal.
- For inquiries: [email protected].
Visit the Application Webpage for Details
