Deadline: June 30, 2025.

The African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI) has announced its call for submissions for the 2025 edition of the African Phosphorus Fellowship – an awards program created to encourage scientific programs relevant to improving our understanding of phosphorus (P) management in African agro-ecosystems.

As part of APNI’s EXCEL Africa Initiative, the African Phosphorus Fellowship confers awards of $5,000 (U.S. Dollars) to up to five early-career scientists working in either a National Agricultural Research and Extension System (NARES) Institution or African University.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

1. Applicants must be full time scientists working at an African NARES institution or university. Applications from scientists in Post Doctorate positions are also eligible for this award. Only applicants who have completed their Ph.D. program will be considered. 
2. Applicants must submit a creative proposal that addresses current knowledge gaps or synthesizes existing information leading to improved P management. Of particular interest are proposals that can address P management in combination with at least one of APNI’s high priority topics below:
   1. 4R Nutrient Stewardship (e.g., matching crop growth dynamics with P applications based on adjustments in source, rate, time, or placement)
   2. Carbon farming (e.g., biomass turn over and P applications)
   3. Soil health (e.g., residue management and soil P status, innovative P use and cropping system diversification, P management and dynamics in no-till systems, management of P in problem soils such as high P-fixing soils)
   4. Precision farming (e.g., innovations in addressing P variability at field scale) 
3. Evidence of any scientific partnerships and institutional collaboration will be reviewed favourably. Female scientists are especially encouraged to apply.

APPLICATION

In order to complete the application process, you will need to submit the following in either English or French:

1. A description of how the Fellowship will lead to improved understanding of P management in agricultural systems. This should outline any new research, data synthesis, or travel that will be supported with the Fellowship funds. Include sufficient detail that will permit evaluation of its originality, innovative approach, and relevance.
2. Electronic copy of two letters of support, one of which must be from the applicant’s supervisor. Letters must be signed and written on official letterhead and include the phone number and e-mail address of the letter writer.
3. A resume that includes date of birth, academic degrees, and any relevant publications dealing with P behaviour in soil, water or plants.
4. A short report will be required at the end of the award period that describes how the funds were used to support the outcomes of the proposal.
5. Upload all documents during the online application process. The application is only available on-line at: www.apni.net/P-Fellowship-apply 

Find more information on the OFFICIAL LINK