Call for Application: 2025 APA Sustainability Fellowship Program

Theme: Integrating AI, Climate Policy, and Sustainability Research for Transformative Impact in the Global South.

Background

The need for skilled researchers in the Global South is vital for fostering sustainable development, particularly in addressing pressing issues such as climate change. Despite their rich potential, many early-career researchers in this region encounter challenges due to inadequate training, limited access to resources, and a lack of mentorship opportunities in sustainability research.

The APA Sustainability Fellowship Program (ASFP) aims to equip early-career researchers in the Global South with practical skills, thereby strengthening local capacity and resilience. By fostering leadership in climate action, the program empowers researchers to drive sustainable practices and make meaningful contributions to the fight against climate change.

With that background, the ASFP calls for applications that aims:

• To empower researchers with essential practical skills in sustainability research, integrating advanced tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Intellectual Property (IP).
• To focus on pivotal themes, including the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) and the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA). These thematic pillars will guide our fellows in making meaningful contributions to global policy processes and advocacy strategies, which ACTS is currently advancing.
• To engage fellows in blue economy & climate-focused monthly webinars, case study simulations, mentorship programs, co-publishing opportunities, joint grant applications, and workshops that emphasise actionable research.
• Stimulate the fellows to generate evidence-based solutions tailored to their communities’ needs and further develop strategies for effectively communicating their findings to policymakers and stakeholders, ensuring that their research translates into real-world impact.

Structure of the ASFP

ASFP is structured around a combination of extensive networking and training opportunities. Over six months, successful fellows will engage in a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance their skills in sustainability research, focusing on the practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving effective climate action.

In addition to participating in and organizing monthly webinars, fellows will take part in a series of targeted short courses tailored to their needs. These courses will cover essential topics such as AI applications in sustainability, advocacy, data collection and analysis, project management, intellectual property, grant writing, and publishing skills. Furthermore, they will receive lectures on effective research methodologies and best practices in data utilization.

During the fellowship, fellows will develop collaborative research proposals focusing on community-level sustainability initiatives. These proposals will be carried out under the guidance of seasoned scientific mentors, who will provide ongoing support throughout the program.

A team of advisors from the African Centre for Technology Studies will offer continuous assistance and supervision. By the end of the fellowship, participants are expected to complete one article, host virtual webinars, conduct a case study simulation to disseminate their research findings, and complete at least one joint proposal at a concluding meeting scheduled for November 2025.

Value of the ASFP:

• Exclusive Sponsorship Opportunities

Trainees receive a 20% discount on our highly sought-after one-week summer schools, designed to provide immersive learning experiences. Access our short courses at a 50% discount, featuring demand-driven topics such as Climate Change Modelling, Climate Finance, Communication for Scientists and Non-Scientists, and Intellectual Property.

• Leadership and Governance Experience

Develop essential leadership skills in climate resilience, positioning yourself as a key contributor to sustainable development.

• Research and Professional Development

Collaborate on a joint research proposal, and if awarded funding, be actively involved as a consultant in the project.
Receive support to publish your research articles, ensuring visibility and contribution to the global knowledge base.

Get some support to attend international and regional conferences, expanding your knowledge and professional presence.

• Networking and Peer Engagement 

Cultivate a robust professional network with sustainability researchers and experts through exclusive engagements.  Become part of the APA Fellowship Alumni, connecting with highly esteemed researchers and thought leaders in climate adaptation and resilience.  Engage in peer mentorship with a diverse group of researchers and fellows sharing similar career aspirations and goals. Elevate your learning by joining our exchange programme. Collaborate on innovative ACTS projects, gain hands-on experience, enhance your skills, and expand your network in a dynamic environment.

• Becoming a Well-Rounded Researcher

Build expertise across multiple domains, positioning yourself as a well-rounded researcher equipped to address climate change challenges.  Gain direct exposure to multidisciplinary collaboration, bridging science, policy, and community engagement.  Enhance your ability to translate research into actionable impact, ensuring your contributions drive meaningful change in sustainability and climate adaptation.

Fellowship Commitments and Expectations

• Publish at least one piece in the climate change space, such as a blog, informational brief, or policy insight, to share knowledge and drive awareness.
• Dedicate a minimum of three hours per week to fellowship activities, ensuring meaningful engagement and professional growth.
• Support your small working group leaders, contributing to team coordination, research efforts, and project execution.
• Take an active role in organizing and facilitating webinars, helping to drive discussions on climate resilience and sustainability.
• Join the mentorship program as either a mentee or mentor, fostering knowledge exchange and career development.
• Lead a 30-minute case study simulation by the end of your sixth month in the fellowship, demonstrating your ability to apply knowledge in real-world contexts.

Application Requirements:

The Sustainability Fellowship Programme recruits Early-Career and Seasoned Researchers from diverse sectors in the Global South and North to contribute to evidence-based research, policy, and action.

Fellows serve for 6 months and become alumni, fostering ongoing mentorship and cross-learning.

To be eligible for this call, applicants must:

1. Possess a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in fields such as Environmental Science, Information Technology, Intellectual Property, Sustainable Development, Public Policy and Advocacy, or related disciplines. Research interests should align with ACTS thematic areas, including ACAII, Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Security (AFNS), Climate Resilient Economies (CRE), Gender, Youth and Inclusive Development (GYID), and Science, Technology & Innovation, Knowledge and Society (STIKS).
2. Exhibit a strong research focus on sustainability issues, particularly those related to the interconnected challenges of environment, society, technology, policy, and economy
3. Demonstrate the ability to contribute to academic and policy publications such as journals, blogs, and working papers
4. Show capability to collaborate across disciplines to tackle the complexities of sustainable development.
5. Senior Researchers will be selected based on their strategic expertise and potential contributions to mentorship.
6. Be able to commit to a 6-month programme requiring engagement three times a week.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed in the following:

• Environmental and social commitment: Demonstrated dedication to solving climate-related and sustainability issues, with an emphasis on equity and inclusion.
• Innovation and problem-solving: Ability to develop and apply new methodologies, tools (including AI), or frameworks to address sustainability challenges.
• Leadership and collaboration: Proven or potential ability to lead teams, influence peers, and engage stakeholders across sectors.
• Equity and inclusion: Experience and awareness of social equity in research or practice, with a particular focus on underrepresented groups.
• Communication skills: Clarity in articulating research goals, findings, and societal impact to academic and non-academic audiences alike.

Application Review Process

Applications are reviewed in two stages by a diverse panel of APA alumni and ACTS College of scholars representing different regions, disciplines, and backgrounds. The review committee ensures inclusivity by tracking demographic representation through every review stage.

Shortlisted candidates will participate in a virtual interview panel in late May, where they will discuss their research, leadership potential, and proposed contributions to the Fellowship. Final selection decisions will be communicated by 2nd June.

Application Fee

The application fee for the programme is $600. To support your journey, we are excited to offer a 20% partial scholarship on expenses related to mentorship, in-country workshops, and webinars, limited to the first 20 applicants. Take advantage of this opportunity to significantly reduce your investment and focus on your growth and learning experiences!

Application Process and Timelines

1. Application opens: 10^th April
2. Application closes: 10^th May
3. Trainees’ Confirmation: 2^nd June
4. Fellowship starts: 9^th June
5. Fellowship ends: 28^th November

CLICK HERE FOR THE APPLICATION LINK

Download

• Call for Application ASFP 2025