Queen Elizabeth Scholars-West Africa (QES-WA) - Call for Applications

McGill University, University of Ghana (Accra), and Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo (Ouagadougou) are collaborating on a 3-year Queen Elizabeth Scholars – West Africa (QES- WA) training program  (NetLinks).  The program targets Canadian and West African citizens who are doctoral students (completed courses and qualifying exams), post-doctoral fellows, and early career scientists who work with farmers, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and/or local institutions to develop solutions to enhance equity and sustainable inclusive growth in rural communities.  The Netlinks team specializes in nutrition, health, institutional relations, and agriculture.  

NetLinks is a 5-week on-site professional development program at the University of Ghana’s Nutrition Research and Training Centre in Asesewa (Eastern Region), Ghana.  The program includes: 

1. Training on leadership, ethics, communications/social media, gender equity, research methods, data management, and grant management;
2. A collaborative stage with a non-academic partner institution, located in Canada or an eligible African country, for at least 11 days of the 35 days of the program.  The activities will be in-person and/or virtual.  The partner may be a for-profit business, a non-governmental organization, or an independent research institution and will be chosen a priori in consultation with the scholar; 
3. Engagement activities with local communities; and 
4. Networking with other QES-WA scholars and program trainers.               

Doctoral, post-doctoral and early career researchers who are citizens of Canada or specific West African countries are encouraged to apply. 

Please review the attached program overview for application instructions and eligibility criteria.