By Jerry Omulo – APA Fellow 2024
“In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they’re not.” — Albert Einstein. This quote resonates deeply for early career scholars like myself, who, after acquiring theoretical knowledge in higher education, must seek industry interactions to gain practical experience. The APA Sustainability Fellowship Programme provided that essential bridge between theory and practice, embodying the African Centre for Technology Studies philosophy.
Established in 2023, the ACTS Pathways Academy (APA) is a unique virtual institution leveraging 35 years of expertise from the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS). It offers accessible, flexible training to enhance skills and knowledge while fostering collaboration in science, technology, and innovation. The APA Sustainability Fellowship Programme, in particular, offers fellows invaluable hands-on research experience, proposal writing skills, and mentorship from seasoned researchers.
Throughout the fellowship, I benefited from the guidance of the ACTS team as we developed a policy brief that aims to influence policy direction on climate-resilient economies. Participants could write engaging articles, some of which have been published, contributing to broader conversations in our fields. Key learning experiences included adapting fundraising strategies in response to grant proposal advertisements and emphasizing the importance of proposal structure and content. My group focused on technological advancement through digital innovation and the knowledge economy, presenting our findings at an informative and interactive webinar. This experience underscored the significance of research collaboration and teamwork.
An enriching aspect of the fellowship was the APA summer school held in Diani, where we explored innovative ways to communicate scientific outputs effectively. The story of Mama Fatuma, a leader among seaweed women farmers, provided a captivating illustration of how policy interventions can enhance the communication of scientific research and positively impact local communities. Her work in turning seaweeds into shampoo showcases innovation and reflects the economic stability it brings to the farmers involved.
The APA Sustainability Fellowship Programme’s launch was marked by the dedication of experienced researchers from the ACTS Climate Resilient Economies (CRE) Programme . Fellows were encouraged to work as teams, allowing valuable networking opportunities. Through this fostered environment, I connected with peers like Renis, a Kenyan who now studies and resides in Sweden. My network expanded to include friendships with professionals from academia, industry, and government, locally and abroad.
The mentorship I received was exceptional. Experts provided insights on various topics, including publishing, data analysis, research methodologies, grant writing, and project management. I even had the chance to mentor others in project management, which solidified my learning experience. Throughout this programme, I proactively wrote articles for publication, generated blogs, and contributed to podcast productions and webinars. Notably, I facilitated a webinar session, further honing my communication skills.
Earlier this year, the ACTS Pathways Academy hosted a three-day training on Innovation and Intellectual Property in partnership with other programmes within ACTS. The motivational talks and engaging activities during this fellowship polished my experience in innovation and creativity and deepened my understanding of climate change. I had the opportunity to present my thoughts on communicating climate change effectively to an African child, a subject I felt passionately about.
The knowledge I gained through the APA Sustainability Fellowship Programme has profoundly impacted my professional responsibilities in resource mobilization through grants. I entered the fellowship with minimal grant writing knowledge but emerged with improved competency, efficiency, and effectiveness—a transformation that benefits my workplace immensely. As this was my first fellowship, I now feel more empowered and actively seek additional fellowship opportunities, enhancing my personal development and CV.
Looking ahead, I eagerly anticipate the next phase of the programme, including my membership in the APA Sustainability Fellowship Alumni Association. My experience at the programme has broadened my perspective significantly. I’ve interacted with scholars from various backgrounds and expertise levels, enriching my approach to climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation. This fellowship has been a remarkable journey of learning and growth, and I’m excited about the future.
