The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) invites applications for the 2025 Meaning-Making Research Initiative (MRI), with a special focus on supporting female scholars. This initiative is part of CODESRIA's ongoing commitment to advancing social science research in Africa and promoting gender diversity within the academic community. Details in this article.
About CODESRIA and the MRI Initiative
CODESRIA's Mission
Founded in 1973, CODESRIA is dedicated to fostering research in the social sciences and humanities across Africa and its diaspora. Through its initiatives, the organization aims to deepen the understanding of African social phenomena, contributing to equitable opportunities, rights, and well-being across the continent.
The Meaning-Making Research Initiative (MRI)
Launched in 2017, the MRI serves as CODESRIA's flagship research support program. It integrates multiple research frameworks to encourage innovative studies addressing African futures. By emphasizing comprehensive analysis of African realities, the MRI has supported groundbreaking research on critical themes, including democratization and economic reform.
MRI projects focus on alternative and innovative approaches to presenting research beyond traditional formats like books or journal articles. The initiative strengthens the integration of African scholars into CODESRIA’s intellectual and governance activities.
Special Call for Female Scholars
Objective
This year’s MRI places a special emphasis on increasing the participation of female researchers. Despite significant progress, women remain underrepresented in Africa’s academic and research landscape. This call seeks to:
Empower female scholars to contribute to African research agendas.
Introduce innovative approaches to understanding African social realities.
Foster epistemological diversity by challenging historical assumptions.
CODESRIA's Commitment to Gender Equity
Since the early 1990s, CODESRIA has prioritized gender inclusion through initiatives like the Gender Institute and Gender Symposium. This special call reinforces CODESRIA’s Strategic Plan (2023-2027) by further advancing female scholars' involvement in research and governance activities.
Eligibility Criteria
General Requirements
Projects must align with CODESRIA’s 2023-2027 thematic priorities and cross-cutting issues.
Research must address key aspects of African social realities, emphasizing diversity, including gender.
Proposals should demonstrate theoretical ambition and innovative methodologies.
Strict adherence to originality is required; plagiarism will not be tolerated.
Team Composition
Applications are open to groups only (no individual awards).
Groups must consist exclusively of female scholars or have a female-majority team (with justification for male members).
Teams should include 3-5 members, promoting linguistic, intergenerational, and interdisciplinary diversity.
Members can be from one or multiple countries, with cross-country collaboration encouraged.
Funding and Support
CODESRIA will provide up to USD 25,000 per project. Grants cover a strict 16-month duration and include participation in launch and completion workshops.
Thematic Priorities and Cross-Cutting Issues
Thematic Priorities
1. The State and Democratization in Africa
Focus on power dynamics, governance models, and citizenship.
2. Transformations in African Economies
Analyze economic policies, informal economies, and development challenges.
3. Ecologies and Society in Africa
Study interactions between ecological systems and social dynamics.
Cross-Cutting Issues
History, Memory, and Archive
Gender
Generations
Rurality and Urbanity
Application Guidelines
For your applications you'll need to prepare the following documents:
1. Research Proposal: A maximum of 10 pages with sections including an introduction, research question, methodology, theoretical significance, and budget summary.
2. Annotated Deliverables Plan: One-page annotated table of contents or plan for two scholarly articles.
3. Cover Letter: Include names, contact details, and institutional affiliations of all members.
4. CVs of all members.
5. Institutional Affiliation Letters: Provide a letter for each team member.
Submission Process
Qualified candidates must submit their applications as Word documents via CODESRIA’s online submission portal
🗓️ Application Deadline: February 20, 2025
ℹ️ Important Notes
Previous MRI grant recipients are not eligible to apply.
Applicants may submit only one proposal.
Applications from consultants or consulting firms will not be considered.
🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK
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