2024 A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme.

The A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Program is an esteemed initiative aimed at advancing biodiversity research and conservation efforts in Africa. Established by the A. G. Leventis Foundation, a philanthropic organization committed to sustainable development in Africa, this fellowship program seeks to support early-career researchers and conservationists from African countries.

The fellowship program provides financial support and resources to outstanding individuals who are pursuing research or conservation projects focused on African biodiversity. Fellows receive funding to conduct fieldwork, collect data, and carry out research activities in their respective areas of expertise. The program also offers opportunities for fellows to collaborate with leading institutions, experts, and organizations in the field of biodiversity conservation.

One of the key objectives of the A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Program is to strengthen capacity and expertise in biodiversity research and conservation across Africa. By supporting talented individuals and providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to pursue their research and conservation goals, the program aims to build a diverse and skilled workforce capable of addressing the complex challenges facing Africa’s biodiversity.

Furthermore, the fellowship program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing, encouraging fellows to work across disciplines and engage with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and academia. By fostering collaboration and partnerships, the program seeks to maximize the impact of fellows’ research and conservation efforts and promote sustainable biodiversity management practices.

In addition to financial support, the A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Program offers professional development opportunities, mentorship, and networking events to help fellows enhance their skills, expand their networks, and advance their careers in biodiversity research and conservation. Fellows have the opportunity to participate in workshops, conferences, and training sessions, where they can learn from experts in the field and exchange ideas with their peers.

The A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Program plays a crucial role in supporting the next generation of African leaders in biodiversity research and conservation. By investing in talented individuals and empowering them to make meaningful contributions to biodiversity conservation in Africa, the program is helping to safeguard the continent’s rich natural heritage for future generations.

This new Fellowship programme, launched in September 2024, is run by Professor Milner-Gulland, Tasso Leventis Professor of Biodiversity in the Department of Biology, and her team in the Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science. It offers NGO, government and business employees working on biodiversity conservation, as well as researchers in academic institutions, the opportunity to engage with researchers based at the University of Oxford, and to benefit from the training, resources and opportunities the University has to offer.

The scheme offers the chance to spend up to three months at Oxford, attending training courses, networking and creating collaborations, writing papers, and developing ideas. It also offers remote support, training and networking opportunities before and after the time spent in Oxford. Successful applicants can spend their Fellowship in any Department of the University as long as their project is within the sphere of conservation.

Benefits

The programme has three core aims:

To support conservation practitioners in the local and international NGO sectors, government officials who are designing and implementing conservation policies, and businesses developing and implementing corporate biodiversity strategies to build their skills, capabilities and networks and thereby enhance their ability to contribute to conservation in their home country;
To ensure that Oxford’s research is informed by, and meaningful for, real-world conservation issues, and is carried out in collaboration with in-country end-users;
To build long-term relationships between Oxford researchers and conservation practitioners, strengthening Oxford’s ability to make a real-world difference.

Requirements For The A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Program

If you are a senior member of staff, who would benefit from the opportunities offered by taking part in our programme and stepping away from your NGO, government, or business environment and commitments for a short period of time, to develop new strategic approaches, write up their ideas, or build partnerships, then this scheme may be right for you.
Alternatively, if you are at a relatively early stage in your career, and would benefit from the academic possibilities offered by the University of Oxford and the ICCS group you are also particularly welcome to apply. Particularly if you would benefit from learning new skills, analysing and writing up your datasets, and building an international network.