This comes after the recent selection of the first round of AWARD fellows. After a very competitive selection process, only 60 fellows were selected from over 900 applicants in nine African countries. The AWARD Steering Committee, with representation from East, West and Southern Africa and chaired by a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation representative, selected the winners, based on their potential to contribute to the lives of smallholder farmers and rural women.

“Finally, with the AWARD program, we are raising the visibility of women in agricultural research. Women have always been the backbone of Africa’s agriculture but, ironically, women scientists working in agricultural research and development have been invisible. AWARD has changed that,” said Margaret Kroma, AWARD project manager.

The three to nine months research placements are designed to amplify the expertise and knowledge of the fellows in their respective fields of research. The fellows will be exposed to world-class facilities, innovative science approaches as well as the invaluable guidance from mentors. The University of Pretoria with its superb facilities and being one of leading research universities in South Africa and on the African continent is an ideal place for the AWARD fellows to advance their careers.

The AWARD Steering Committee will make the final selection of successful proposals. The AWARD Team will consult with the successful fellow, her mentor, the host institution of the fellow’s choice, and the AWARD Steering Committee.