Frequently asked questions on
Rothamsted International-African Fellows Programme Fellowships
How do I apply for a Fellowship?
Applications are in two stages; Pre-proposal forms available on this web site should be completed and returned to the Rothamsted International office by electronic mail. If a Pre-proposal is considered to satisfy scientific criteria and an appropriate European partner is found, then a full proposal will be requested.
What are the selection criteria for an application?
Applicants must be "mid-career" scientists who may or may not have a PhD (see Selection Criteria documents).
How can I identify and contact a suitable European partner for my project?
Ideally, collaboration already exists with a European partner, but in other cases Rothamsted International can assist in identifying suitable partners. Applicants can also suggest suitable partners from scientific articles or internet web searches. However, applicants are advised to check whether contact details given in publications or on internet web pages are still up to date.
What is the deadline for an application?
Deadlines for pre-proposals will be given on this web site. Deadlines for full proposals will be given to individual applicants. Full proposals will be assessed by a review panel and final decisions will be sent to applicants within four weeks.
How will the European institute and partner scientist be decided?
Rothamsted International will contact and assess the suitability of European partners.
Can I submit an application at any time regardless of deadlines?
Pre-proposals can be submitted at any time but will only be considered for the next available deadline. Late submissions will automatically be entered for the next deadline.
Do I need to take an English or any other language test?
There is no legal requirement, but you need to have a working knowledge of the language in the country of your European partner.
Will it allow me to do field work in my home country?
No, at present we cannot cover field work in Africa.
Can it help pay for my first degree or diploma, Master's thesis or PhD?
No, Fellowships cover research and skills acquisition but cannot cover assistance for formal qualifications.
What type of visa do I need for the Fellowship?
Visa and passport requirements are the responsibility of the applicant and his/her institute or place of work. Rothamsted International can provide a letter of support for visa applications. Visa and passport details must be faxed or sent by courier to Rothamsted International before travel arrangements are finalised.
What if I need visa and permits to visit other countries during my Fellowship?
Rothamsted International and your European partner will assist you where it is reasonable to do so, but any private arrangements you wish to make are your own responsibility. Neither Rothamsted International or the European partner will be liable for any losses you may incur because you could not obtain appropriate visa authorisation.
Can I extend my visit at the European research institute after the Fellowship?
No, all African scientists are expected to return to their home country at the end of the Fellowship.
What does the Fellowship cover financially?
Travel, accommodation and a personal allowance are provided along with costs for laboratory consumables. Fellows are not employees of Rothamsted International or the European Partner Organisation, and a Fellowship award is not an offer of employment.
How will I receive the money?
Different options will be used depending on arrangements between Rothamsted International and the finanical office of the European partner concerned.
Where will I stay?
Accommodation details will be up to the European partner and cannot be the responsibility of Rothamsted International.
Can I bring my family?
No, this Fellowship programme does not make any provision for family dependants to accompany parents to Europe.
How will the Fellowship be monitored?
You will have regular discussions with your Project leader and also give brief summaries of the research to Rothamsted International staff during your stay.
What do I need to do before I return home?
A final report and poster on your project must be given to Rothamsted International. On completing a Fellowship, scientists are required to return to their home country.
Who will help me if I have problems?
Initially, you will need to talk with your colleagues at the institute in which you are working, starting with a mentor who should be assigned to provide advice during your Fellowship. You should also contact any of the staff at Rothamsted International by email or telephone so that we are aware of your situation, and we will help where it is possible.
