CODESRIA Research Grants on University Ecosystems 2027
The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) has opened a call for proposals for research grants focused on higher education, gender, academic freedom and associational life in African universities.
Supported by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, the initiative aims to strengthen research and knowledge production on the changing university landscape across Africa. Researchers are invited to undertake interdisciplinary studies examining how universities can promote equity, inclusion, academic freedom, institutional accountability and the public good.
About the CODESRIA Research Grant
The programme recognises universities as important spaces where governance, social transformation, gender equality and intellectual life intersect. Selected researchers will be expected to generate high-quality knowledge that can contribute to academic publications and policy dialogue across Africa.
The call focuses on two broad and interconnected themes: Gender and University Associational Life in Africa and Academic and Intellectual Freedom.
Research Theme 1: Gender and Associational Life
CODESRIA is seeking research that examines the experiences of students, academics and staff within changing African higher education environments.
Researchers may investigate gender inequalities, institutional cultures, governance structures and participation in university associations. Areas of interest include barriers affecting women’s leadership and academic progression, gender-based violence, campus safety and wellbeing, and the experiences of minority groups.
The programme also encourages research that can produce practical recommendations for policy reform, advocacy and institutional transformation.
Research Theme 2: Academic and Intellectual Freedom
The second major theme explores the challenges facing academic and intellectual freedom in African universities.
Proposals may examine political interference, institutional governance, donor influence, academic autonomy and other factors affecting the ability of universities and academics to conduct research, debate ideas and contribute to public life.
CODESRIA also highlights the connection between academic freedom and associational life. Strong student and faculty associations can provide spaces for dialogue, collective action and accountability, while weakened associations can limit the practical exercise of academic freedom.
Priority Research Areas
Proposed studies may use theoretical and conceptual approaches, empirical case studies, policy analysis or advocacy-oriented research. Priority areas include:
- Academic and intellectual freedom
- University governance, autonomy and accountability
- Funding models, equity and quality
- Digital transitions, artificial intelligence and emerging teaching innovations
- Research ecosystems and epistemic justice
- Gender, minority inclusion and social justice
- Neoliberalism, globalisation and institutional autonomy
- Private universities and TVET institutions
- Universities’ contribution to the SDGs and Agenda 2063
- Graduate outcomes and changing labour markets
- University-community partnerships involving government, industry and civil society.
Grant Duration and Expected Outputs
Selected fellows will receive support for 15 months. During this period, researchers will conduct original research, participate in knowledge-exchange and peer-learning activities, and contribute to public dialogue and policy engagement.
Researchers must produce at least one publishable manuscript, such as a journal article and policy brief or equivalent. They will also be required to submit periodic progress reports and a final consolidated output.
Eligibility
Applicants must be affiliated with a recognised African higher education or research institution. African scholars based in the diaspora may also apply in collaboration with colleagues affiliated with an African institution.
CODESRIA particularly encourages applications from women scholars, early-career academics and researchers at less-resourced universities.
Both individual and collaborative proposals are eligible. Collaborative teams should consist of 3–5 members, with interdisciplinary, inter-institutional and multi-country teams strongly encouraged. Applicants with outstanding or pending deliverables from previous CODESRIA-funded projects are not encouraged to apply.
Application Requirements and Funding
Applicants must submit a recent CV, a research proposal synopsis of up to 4,000 words, a draft budget and proposed scholarly and non-scholarly outputs. The proposal should include the research question, literature review, conceptual or theoretical framework, methodology and work plan.
The proposed budget should range from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000. Applicants must also provide a formal institutional affiliation or endorsement letter.
Deadline
Applications must be submitted electronically through the CODESRIA application platform by 16 January 2027. Late applications will not be considered.
This CODESRIA research grant offers African scholars an opportunity to contribute evidence and ideas to important debates about the future of universities, academic freedom, gender equality and institutional transformation across the continent.
