The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Next Einstein Initiative (AIMS NEI) is pleased to announce a new Fellowship Program for Women in Climate Change Science (WiCCS). Climate change – including global warming – poses significant threats to humanity. Documented impacts of global warming include an increased frequency and severity of heatwaves across the globe; and frequent droughts, which are exacerbating food insecurity and health problems in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa.

Women tend to suffer more than men from the impacts of climate change, especially in poor communities where their livelihoods are more dependent on climate-sensitive natural resources. However, women have historically had fewer opportunities than men to make significant contributions to the fight against climate change. The WiCCS Fellowship Program seeks to foster increased participation by women in the search for science-based solutions to climate change.

Between 2017 and 2021, about four fellowships will be awarded each year to outstanding female scientists based anywhere in the world. Each WiCCS Fellow can apply for up to USD 35,000 to execute at an African host institution, an innovative project that has the potential to contribute significantly to solving specific climate change-related challenges. A unique aspect of the program is that fellows can use part of these funds to cover non-project related cost such as transportation, accommodation and subsistence for up to 3 dependents. The Program is part of a broader effort by AIMS NEI to build the intellectual capital required to address the myriad challenges to Africa’s development arising from climate change.

The Program was made possible by a grant from the International Development Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada, www.idrc.ca, and financial support from the Government of Canada, provided through Global Affairs Canada (GAC), www.international.gc.ca

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