Applications are now open for the University of Pretoria Tuks Young Research Leader Programme. The TYRLP is an initiative of the University of Pretoria in partnership with the Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP), Inclusive Innovation, and the Robert Bosch Stiftung. It serves early career researchers in basic and applied sciences, engineering, social sciences, arts and the humanities. The programme aims to grow early career academics at UP in the areas of thought leadership, team development, engagement, and collaboration, to enable them to solve the complex issues that face society. A further aim is to form a community within the University of like‐minded young researchers who possess qualities that will contribute to UP becoming a leading research-intensive University, in line with the projected UP 2025 vision.
The leadership programme:
- Identifies early career academics who have demonstrated leadership potential and an interest in developing key leadership skills;
- Supports them to apply the acquired skills to projects that are relevant to the development of their academic careers and its impact;
- Creates a network of early career academic leaders at UP, spanning across disciplinary boundaries;
- Advances a curriculum for academic leadership development, which can be utilised by others.
Programme structure The programme follows a highly interactive approach to training, including the application of skills to a leadership project, peer support, and mentorship. Fellows will attend a two-day intensive on‐site programme at Future Africa Campus. The process involves an approach that cycles between theory, application, and reflection. Participants will be challenged to work collaboratively to design initiatives that advance a new paradigm for their science.
The training will cover elements of:
- Core elements of collective leadership
- Creative and systems thinking
- Development of effective networks
- Stakeholder engagement for change
- Maximizing the efficiency and impact of collaborative efforts
- Advanced dialogue and communication skills
- Effective problem-solving and decision-making
Expected commitment
The TYRLP is seeking candidates who are committed to developing science leadership at UP. The training itself requires the time commitment of a two-day training session. Furthermore, fellows will be expected to develop their leadership skills and engage with other fellows and the ASLP team for peer support following the training.
Selection Process:
The selection process will consider individual qualities but also focus on ensuring a diversity of culture, subject background (natural and social sciences, humanities), and gender among the fellows. The following criteria are used as a guide for the nomination and selection of fellows:
- A research fellowship with one year of experience or a faculty position at UP
- Outstanding scientific potential and outputs
- A desire to nurture a culture of research excellence
- Internationally influential, but South Africa and Africa focused
- A desire to work collaboratively on inter‐ and transdisciplinary problems
- An appetite for multiple stakeholder engagement and research communication
- Commitment to participate in all the activities of the fellowship
Timeline
- Key dates: 22 April 2024
- 24 May 2024: Deadline for applications
- 20-21 June 2023 TYRLP Workshop
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the University of Pretoria Tuks Young Research Leader Programme