Empowering African Scholars: Moses Mapesa Research Grant for Heritage Studies

The African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) has announced the 2024 Moses Mapesa Research Grant, aimed at supporting African doctoral and master’s students specializing in natural and cultural heritage. This grant honors Moses Mapesa’s legacy and contributes to the sustainable conservation and management of Africa’s invaluable heritage by supporting research, particularly fieldwork, on World Heritage sites and those on the tentative list in Africa.

Established in 2006, the AWHF, an intergovernmental organization, plays a crucial role in conserving and promoting Africa’s cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value. Despite Africa’s rich heritage, its sites are underrepresented on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and many face challenges in conservation and management. The AWHF, operating as a UNESCO category center, supports African State Parties in implementing the UNESCO World Heritage Convention adopted in 1972.

Grant Details

• Application Deadline: July 31, 2024
• Type: Postgraduate
• Grant Value: Up to USD 5,000
• Funding Type: Partially Funded
• Sponsor: African World Heritage Fund (AWHF)
• Gender: Open to Men and Women

Benefits

The grant provides funding for research proposals with a maximum award of USD 5,000. Research must be completed within 9 months, from May 2025 to February 2026, and focus on World Heritage or tentatively listed African sites. The areas of focus include:

• Heritage and Law
• Heritage and Digital Technologies
• Heritage Management and Conservation
• Heritage and Sustainable Development
• Heritage and Climate Change
• Heritage and Economics/Entrepreneurship
• Heritage Promotion and Awareness
• Heritage in Conflict and Post-Conflict Situations
• Risk Management and Preparedness
• Traditional Management Systems

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Academic Enrollment: Currently enrolled or planning to register in 2025 for a Doctoral or Master’s program (master’s 2 for Francophone countries) at an African university, focusing on natural or cultural heritage at an African World Heritage Site.
• Language Proficiency: Fluent in English, French, or Portuguese.
• Citizenship: Citizen of an African Union Member State that is a party to the World Heritage Convention.

Grant Requirements

Awardees must provide:

• Initial Research Description: Detailed research description at the beginning of the grant period, including proof of registration.
• Final Report: Comprehensive final report covering research results, dissertation, or thesis.
• Financial Report: Detailed financial report on grant fund utilization.

All documents must be presented in French, English, or Portuguese.

Evaluation and Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by an interdisciplinary and cross-regional selection committee based on:

• Eligibility of Applicant: Compliance with eligibility criteria.
• Application Package: Completeness of the application package (application form, CV, motivation letter, transcript, and research proposal).
• Research Quality and Relevance: Quality and relevance of the proposed research.
• Diversity: Gender, language, and geographic representation.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome by January 31, 2025.

Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

1. Completed Application Form: Co-signed by the supervisor.
2. University Transcript: Current transcript.
3. Updated CV: Limited to 2 pages.
4. Motivation Letter: Concise, 1-page maximum.
5. Research Proposal: 2 pages maximum, including:
   • Basic Information: Full name, affiliated university, country, degree level, and research title.
   • Research Description: Goals, objectives, research questions, relevance, significance, and scope.
   • Research Methodology: Approach, timeframe, and analysis methods.
   • Bibliography: Relevant sources.
   • Budget: Allocation of grant funds for fieldwork items with justifications.

How to Apply

1. Request Application Form: Email bridgetd@dbsa.org to obtain the form in English, French, or Portuguese.
2. Submit Application: Email the completed application form and supporting documents to info@awhf.net and bridgetd@dbsa.org before the deadline.

For more details, visit the AWHF website.

Empowering African Scholars: Preserving Heritage through the Moses Mapesa Research Grant

The Moses Mapesa Research Grant offered by the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) plays a pivotal role in advancing research opportunities for African doctoral and master’s students in the realms of natural and cultural heritage. This initiative is crucial as it provides significant financial support, up to USD 5,000 per awardee, tailored to the specific research proposals of successful applicants. By focusing on World Heritage and tentative listed sites across Africa, the grant encourages fieldwork, which is essential for gaining firsthand insights and data collection in these critical areas.

Moreover, the grant’s eligibility criteria prioritize students from African universities, ensuring that local scholars are empowered to study and contribute to the preservation and understanding of Africa’s rich heritage. The emphasis on fluency in English, French, or Portuguese and citizenship of African Union Member States enhances inclusivity and regional participation in heritage research.

The diverse range of research topics supported, from traditional management systems to climate change impacts and digital technologies, reflects the multidimensional nature of heritage preservation and management challenges in Africa. This broad scope not only encourages innovative approaches but also addresses pressing issues that affect the sustainability and resilience of heritage sites across the continent.

In terms of research grants available to Africans, the Moses Mapesa Research Grant stands out for its clear focus on empowering young scholars to undertake meaningful research that contributes directly to the conservation, management, and promotion of Africa’s natural and cultural heritage. By supporting these initiatives, the AWHF not only honors the legacy of Moses Wafula Mapesa but also fosters a new generation of experts who will play a crucial role in safeguarding Africa’s heritage for future generations. The structured application process and rigorous evaluation by an interdisciplinary committee ensure that funds are allocated to projects with the highest potential for impact and contribution to knowledge in the field.

Overall, this grant represents a significant opportunity for African researchers to expand their expertise, contribute to global heritage discourse, and drive positive change in their communities and beyond.