Deadline: 31 July 2024

Applications are now open for the Moses Mapesa Research Grant 2024 from the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) . The Moses Mapesa Research Scholarship supports African doctoral and master's students in the field of natural and cultural heritage.

The prize will support research projects centred on the following topics related to a World Heritage Site or a provisionally listed site in Africa:

• Traditional Management Systems,
• Risk management and preparation,
• Heritage in conflict and post-conflict situations,
• Heritage management and conservation,
• Heritage and Climate Change,
• Heritage and Economy/Entrepreneurship,
• Heritage and Sustainable Development,
• Promoting and raising awareness of heritage,
• Heritage and Digital Technologies,
• Heritage and Law.

Grant

• The grant amounts will vary depending on the research proposals, with a maximum award of US$ 5,000. The field research must be carried out within a period of no more than 9 months from the signing of the contract (May 2025 to February 2026).

Eligibility

Open to students who are:

• Currently or will be enrolled in a PhD or Master's programme by 2025  (Masters 2 for French-speaking countries)  at an African university and carrying out dissertation research in the field of natural or cultural heritage at an African World Heritage Site;
• Fluent in English, French or Portuguese;
• Citizens of a Member State of the African Union that is party to the World Heritage Convention.

Application

All applicants must send the following application pack:

• The completed application form (co-signed by the supervisor)
• A letter of motivation from the candidate (1 page maximum)
• Candidate's updated curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages),
• Candidate's current academic transcript,
• Research proposal (maximum 2 pages) including the following:
  • Full name, affiliated university, country, degree level, research title and related World Heritage Site or provisional site listed
  • Description of the research (goal/objectives, research question/s, relevance, significance, justification and scope)
  • Research methodology (approach, timeframe, analysis),
  • Bibliography
  • Budget (indicate funds from all sources, specifically indicating the fieldwork items for which the subsidy would be earmarked, with justifications as to why this is necessary)

How to apply

• The application form (English, French and Portuguese versions) can be requested by sending an email to  bridgetd@dbsa.org
• Completed applications should be sent by e-mail (as an attachment) to  info@awhf.net  (with a copy to  bridgetd@dbsa.org ) before the deadline. Hard copies and supporting documents can be sent to the following address:  The African World Heritage Fund, 1258 Lever Road, Headway Hill, Midrand 1685, South Africa.

The deadline for submission is 17:00 (GMT) on 31 July 2024. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their proposals before the deadline. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.