VACS Capacity Scholars

Web Survey form 4 Fellows: VACS Capacity Scholars

Terms of Reference Eligibility and Selection criteria

Terms of references 

A VACS scholar is a graduate student who holds a bachelor's or master’s degree and will participate in a cohort of scientists in Africa to deliver against the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soil (VACS) to foster resilient agrifood systems across Africa by: a) boosting productivity of opportunity crops; b) improving nutrition through developing and deploying diverse, climate-resilient cropping systems; c) building healthy soils; and (d) strengthening capacities of researchers in Africa. Scholars will participate in learning and research towards an advanced degree, either a MSc or PhD degree.  Scholars will be enrolled in a Higher Education institution recommended by the VACS Capacity program for candidates not already enrolled. The research undertaken by the scholar is expected to contribute towards innovative solutions for the VACS priority crops.  Scholars will be drawn from all sectors (public, private, research, and universities).

Scholarships will be awarded for a minimum of 2 years and will cover costs for; scholar bench fee, visa/study permit, registration/tuition fees, research, medical insurance, stipend/living expenses, travel, and support to attend one meeting per year.

Mandatory Eligibility 

To be eligible to participate in the VACS Capacity program as a scholar, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country
  • Applicant must be familiar with instruction in English.
  • The applicant holds a bachelor’s degree (for MSc applicants) or MSc degree (for PhD applicants) in a relevant field of study.
  • The applicant's research proposal must focus on a VACS priority crop.

Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for awarding VACS Capacity scholarships are to meet program aims, which are to build a critical mass of scientists with a strengthened capacity to future-proof African farming systems through improved genetics and cropping systems and fill existing gaps in the improvement of VACS opportunity crops.  

The following criteria will serve as the basis for ranking the applications of eligible candidates.

  • Quality of performance record of candidates, including academic performance, publications, and other evidence of scientific achievement.
  • Originality, feasibility, and potential contribution of the planned research in the field of interest.
  • Integration with a product-focused cultivar or breeding program development that addresses a VACS priority crop and serves smallholder farmers.
  • Strength of recommendation from former or current academic supervisor/advisor

 Gender and social inclusion goals of VACS, including diversity of participants considerations.

Application Form for MSc/PhD Scholars

1. Name of Applicant:*
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(including university degrees to date). (Attach University transcript and degree Certificate).
9. Upload certificates*
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Provide contact information for referees (3)

10.1a Contact information for referees (1)*
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10.2a Contact information for referees (2)*
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10.3a Contact information for referees (3)*
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University

11. Indicate one of the following options*
“For options (a) and (b), attach a letter of admission/acceptance to the University or proof of current registration
11.1 please attach a letter of admission/acceptance to the university or proof of current registration*
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13. Admission date *

Research Focus

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22. Endorsement *
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(attach a letter of support from your home institute)
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