The Harry Frank Guggenheim African Fellow Awards support emerging scholars conducting research on violence and aggression affecting the African continent. The fellowship aims to strengthen research that advances understanding of the causes and manifestations of violence and contributes evidence that can inform policies to reduce it.
Researchers from the social sciences, natural sciences and related disciplines are encouraged to apply, provided their proposed projects directly address violence in Africa.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive:
- A US$10,000 grant to support fieldwork research.
- Participation in an in-person research methods workshop in Africa.
- Mentorship from experienced African and Africanist scholars.
- Sponsorship to present research findings at an international conference.
- Editorial guidance and publication support through a writing workshop.
Eligible Research Areas
Proposals may examine topics including:
- War, crime and terrorism.
- Family and intimate-partner violence.
- Climate instability and competition over natural resources.
- Racial, ethnic and religious conflict.
- Political extremism and nationalism.
- Other forms and causes of violence relevant to contemporary African contexts.
Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate a clear connection between research findings and policies intended to reduce violence.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be aged 45 or younger.
- Be enrolled in an accredited PhD programme at a higher-education institution in Africa.
- Be living on the African continent.
- Propose research directly related to violence in Africa.
Applicants may be citizens of any country, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
Application Process
Applicants should create an account through the Foundation’s online application system and prepare a research proposal demonstrating the project's relevance, originality and potential policy contribution. Applicants should consult the official guidelines for the full documentation requirements.
How to Apply
Application deadline: 1 March 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
View the official HFG African Fellow Awards information and application links