The Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation (HFG) is inviting applications for its prestigious African Fellow Awards, a competitive fellowship program designed to support emerging African scholars conducting innovative research on violence and aggression across the African continent.
Formerly known as the Harry Frank Guggenheim Young African Scholars Program, the fellowship recognizes outstanding PhD researchers whose work contributes to understanding the causes, manifestations, consequences, and prevention of violence. Approximately a dozen fellows are selected during each award cycle and receive funding, mentorship, research training, and international exposure to advance their academic careers.
About the African Fellow Awards
The Harry Frank Guggenheim African Fellow Awards support scholars whose research addresses pressing issues related to violence and conflict in Africa. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches and welcomes applications from the social sciences, natural sciences, and related fields that can generate evidence-based insights into reducing violence and promoting peace.
The Foundation prioritizes projects that not only enhance scholarly understanding but also offer practical relevance for policies and interventions aimed at mitigating violence and aggression.
Research projects must have a direct connection to the African continent and demonstrate clear academic merit and societal relevance.
Research Themes Supported
The Foundation is interested in a broad range of violence-related topics, including but not limited to:
• War and armed conflict
• Crime and criminal violence
• Terrorism and violent extremism
• Family and intimate-partner violence
• Climate instability and competition over natural resources
• Racial, ethnic, and religious conflict
• Political violence, extremism, and nationalism
• Social and structural drivers of violence
• Conflict prevention and peacebuilding initiatives
Projects investigating the root causes and mechanisms of violence are strongly encouraged. Historical studies may also be considered when they provide meaningful insights into contemporary forms of violence and conflict.
Fellowship Benefits
The African Fellow Awards provide extensive support over a two-year period.
Successful fellows receive:
• A $10,000 fieldwork research grant
• Participation in an in-person research methods workshop in Africa
• Mentorship from leading African and Africanist scholars
• Sponsorship to attend and present research findings at an international conference
• Editorial guidance and publication support
• Access to a specialized writing workshop designed to help fellows publish in international peer-reviewed journals
• Opportunities to join a growing network of African researchers studying violence and conflict
The program is designed not only to support research but also to strengthen participants’ academic writing, publication records, and professional networks.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
• Be 45 years old or younger at the time of application
• Be currently enrolled in an accredited PhD program at an African higher-education institution
• Be living in Africa during the fellowship period
• Conduct research directly related to violence, aggression, conflict, or peacebuilding within the African context
Importantly, applicants may be citizens of any country provided they are enrolled in a qualifying PhD program at an African institution and reside on the continent.
Application Process
Applications are submitted through the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation’s online grant portal.
Applicants are generally required to:
• Create an online application account
• Submit a research proposal related to violence and conflict in Africa
• Provide supporting academic documentation as outlined in the application guidelines
• Demonstrate the significance and policy relevance of the proposed research
The Foundation also provides detailed application guidance and advice documents to help applicants prepare competitive submissions.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
• Academic quality and originality of the research proposal
• Relevance to understanding violence and aggression
• Potential contribution to policy and practice
• Methodological rigor and feasibility
• Applicant’s scholarly promise and research potential
• Relevance of the project to contemporary African challenges
The Foundation gives particular attention to projects that can generate actionable knowledge capable of informing efforts to reduce violence and conflict.
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 1 December |
| Application Deadline | 1 March (11:59 PM ET) |
| Fellowship Duration | 2 Years |
| Research Methods Workshop | Following selection |
The fellowship operates on a periodic application cycle, and applicants should carefully review the current guidelines before preparing their submissions.
Why Apply?
The Harry Frank Guggenheim African Fellow Awards are among the most respected research fellowships available to Africa-based PhD scholars studying violence and conflict. Beyond the financial support, the program provides access to international mentors, publication assistance, conference participation, and a powerful network of researchers working on some of the most urgent challenges facing Africa and the world.
For emerging scholars seeking to produce impactful research while building a strong international academic profile, the African Fellow Awards offer an exceptional platform for professional development and scholarly excellence.
Key Fellowship Details
• Organization: Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation (HFG)
• Program: African Fellow Awards
• Duration: 2 years
• Research Grant: $10,000
• Eligible Applicants: PhD candidates at African universities aged 45 or younger
• Research Focus: Violence, conflict, aggression, peacebuilding, and related themes in Africa
• Application Opens: 1 December
• Application Deadline: 1 March
• Additional Benefits: Mentorship, conference sponsorship, methods workshop, publication support
