Friday, May 28, 2010

ACLS WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT




The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS)
in cooperation with
The University of Ibadan

is pleased to announce a

Workshop on

PREPARING APPLICATIONS FOR THE AFRICAN HUMANITIES FELLOWSHIPS

Tuesday June 22, 2010

Fellowship competitions With financial support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, ACLS conducts annual competitions for support of scholars in the humanities. Grants will be made by an independent, international peer-review committee on the basis of proposals for work leading to the completion of a Ph.D dissertation or substantial progress on an early-career postdoctoral research project. Grants are intended to release fellows from teaching and other duties so that they can devote full-time to research and writing during the one-year fellowship period. There are approximately 40 fellowships awarded each year in all five countries ( Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda) combined.

CALL FOR DRAFT APPLICATION ESSAYS
Priority for admission to the application-preparation workshop will be given to those who submit a draft application essay in advance of the workshop.

To be eligible to apply for an AHP fellowship, you must be
-- in your final year of writing the dissertation (i.e. with at least one chapter written
Or
-- within five years of having received your Ph.D. degree.

Interested Participants should register for the workshop by SMS to 02-874-1045 or email to oip@mail.ui.edu.ng. Draft Essays should also be sent by e-mail or dropped at the Office of International Programmes, Advancement Center Complex, University of Ibadan. Proposal Deadline: June 15, 2010
=========================================================
Here are the instructions for the two-page draft application essay to be submitted in advance of the Ibadan workshop. [Note: the workshop is a learning exercise, not a formal part of the application process.]

Application essay [Two page maximum: single spaced, 11 pt. type]
1. Main Thesis: State the main thesis and the argument or problematic guiding the proposed research and writing.
2. Body: Explain the research problem in more detail. What is already known about the problem and what more needs to be known? Justify the research focus and approach.
3. Literature and sources: Locate the proposed topic in the context of existing literature and identify potential new sources. What will be the criteria for determining which sources are relevant? How will the project extend, modify, or challenge existing scholarship?
4. Methods: Describe in detail the methods to be used. How will they be deployed to address the main thesis or argument of the project?
5. Significance: Discuss the importance of the proposed work to central issues in the discipline, to the African humanities, and to humanities scholarship in general.
6. Workplan: The concluding section of the essay should specify a plan of work with a timeline for the research and/or writing during the fellowship period. How much has the applicant already accomplished on the project and how much remains to be done? What steps are anticipated during the fellowship period? What is the expected result?
Full instructions for applying for an AHP fellowship may be viewed at http://www.acls.org/programs/ahp

ACLS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT




The University of Ibadan

in cooperation with

The African Humanities Program
of the
American Council of Learned Societies

Invite you to a

Conference

On
New Directions in Humanities Research

Date: Monday June 21, 2010
Time: 9.00am

Venue: Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan

The public is cordially invited to attend
.



Invited speakers include :

-- Yusufu Lawi, History, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
-- Leketi Makalela, Linguistics, University of Limpopo, South Africa
-- Akosua Amfopo, Cultural studies, University of Ghana-Legon Ghana
-- Okelo Okwang, Literature, Makerere University, Uganda
-- Dominica Dipio, Cultural studies, Makarere University, Uganda
-- Sandra Barnes, Anthropology, University of Pennsylvania, USA









































































Friday, May 21, 2010

GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS, AND AWARDS

TWAS GRANTS
TWAS, the academy of science for the developing world, is an autonomous, international organization whose main aim is to promote scientific capacity and excellence for sustainable development in the South.
In collaboration with other Foundations, TWAS aims at providing support by way of Grants, Fellowships and Awards for individual scientists/researchers, research units, conferences and special meetings.
This year, TWAS has a wide range of programmes developed to support the scientific community. Application and eligibility requirements for each of the programmes are as stated below.


TWAS RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAMME FOR INTERNATIONAL INDIVIDUALS AND RESEARCH UNITS
TWAS, the academy of science for the developing world, calls for applications from individual scientists and research units in Science and Technology Lagging Countries (S&TLCs); especially those with inadequate research facilities. TWAS research grants are awarded to high level and promising research projects carried out by individual scientists and research units in the basic science fields of chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics for a period of 18 months.
To be eligible, individual applicants must be nationals of developing countries, possessing a PhD with some research experience and must not be more than 45 years old. Females are encouraged to apply.
The eligible research unit must be led by a renowned individual in a developing country, possessing a PhD and good research experience. No age limit applies for the research leader.
To apply, individual scientists must fill electronic forms completely and a send detailed CV with lists of publications separately as an attachment. Research unit leaders should send separately as attachments, detailed CVs of all scientists working for the unit and full lists of publications. A complete application form(s) with CV(s) and lists(s of publication(s) should be sent by email to mahdavi@twas.org . Deadline for submitting applications is 31St August, 2010.
For further information, please visit http://www.twas.org/.


TWOWS POSTGRADUATE TRAINING FELLOWSHIP
TWOWS (The Third World Organization for Women in Science) is offering grants to female scientists from Sub-Saharan Africa and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) who wish to pursue postgraduate training leading to PhD at centers of excellence in the South (developing countries) outside their own countries.
Eligible candidates will be women who are below 40 years of age with an MSc degree (or its equivalent) or an outstanding BSc honours degree in the field of natural sciences. The candidate may apply for a sandwich program or a fulltime program with a minimum time abroad of six months and a maximum stay of 3 years.
Applicants should select renowned institutes in developing countries, from outside their own countries and may apply for postgraduate admission in advance. Applications may be submitted by post or e-mail
TWOWS Postgraduate Fellowship Office,
C/o TWAS, the academy of science for the developing world,
ICTP Campus-Strada Costiera 11,
34151Trieste -Italy
Phone: (+ 39040) 2240 321
Fax: (+39040) 2240689
Email: info@twows.org
Applications must be sent before 31st July, 2010.
For more information, check the website: http://www.twows.org/


THE 2010 TWAS-AAS-MICROSOFT AWARD FOR YOUNG COMPUTER SCIENTISTS WORKING IN AFRICA
Microsoft Research in collaboration with AAS (African Academy of Sciences) and TWAS (The Academy of Sciences for the developing world), have established the TWAS-AAS-Microsoft Award for Young Scientists to recognize young r scientists working and living in Africa whose research in computer science has had or could have a positive impact in the developing world.
Three winners will be selected from three different African countries and receive a sum total of EU 7000 each!
Nominees can be of any nationality but must be working and living in Africa for at least two years immediately prior to their nomination. They must have received their most recent degree (Master of PhD) within the previous 10 years.
Nominations are invited from national science academies, previous winners, senior academics (Heads of Departments, Heads of Universities) members of TWAS and AAS, academics invited by Microsoft Research. Nominations should be sent to:
TWAS-AAS-Microsoft Award for young scientists
C/o TWAS, the academy of science for the developing world,
ICTP campus
Strada Costeria 11,
34151 Trieste, Italy
Tel: + 39 040 2240387
Fax: +39 040 22407387
Email: prizes@twas.org
Nominations must be submitted before 31st July, 2010.
For further information, please check: Programmes>Prizes">www.twas.org/>Programmes>Prizes


GRANTS FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE MEETINGS HELD IN AFRICAN COUNTRIES
TWAS in collaboration with the African Academy of science (AAS) and Microsoft Research limited is offering grants for the sponsorship of special meetings, conferences and symposia held in the field of computer sciences.
Eligible applications should be for meetings for meetings being held in Africa.
Applications for meetings to be held between January and June 2011 must be submitted before 1st June, 2010 while applications for meetings to be held between July and December 2011 must be submitted before 1st December, 2010.


TWAS GRANTS FOR SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS HELD IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
TWAS is offering financial assistance to the organizers of conferences, workshops, symposia and special meetings held in developing countries. This is aimed at encouraging the organization of high level international and regional scientific activities in these countries.
This grant is normally provided in the form of travel grants for the principal speakers from abroad and/or participants from developing countries from developing countries other than where the meeting is being held. Grants are offered in the following fields of natural sciences: agricultural, chemical, engineering, geological and medical sciences.
TWAS will only consider applications made by organizers of international and regional scientific meetings in developing countries. Individual scientists wishing to attend a scientific event, even in a developing country, will not be supported by this grant.
Complete application forms should be submitted electronically to mahdavi@twas.org before 1st June, 2010 for meetings to be held during January-June 2011 and 1st December, 2010 for meetings to be held between July and December, 2011.

COSMTECH-TWAS
JOINT RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG SCIENTISTS IN OIC COUNTRIES

TWAS and COSMTECH (Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation) collaborate to provide grants for high-level and promising research projects carried out by young individual scientists in OIC Countries.
This alliance provides support for research projects in the following fields of science and technology: earth sciences, engineering sciences, information technology and computer sciences, material science including nanotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences and renewable energy.
Eligible applicants must be nationals of OIC member states with a PhD and some research experience. Applicants must be under the age of 40 years.
Complete electronic application forms, detailed CV, and a list of publications should be e-mailed to mahdavi@twas.org before 31st August 2010.
ICSU-TWAS-UNESCO-UNU/IAS Visiting Scientists Programme
TWAS in partnership with ICSU (International Council for Science), UNESCO (United Nations Educational, scientific and cultural organization), UNU/IAS (United Nations University- Institute of Advanced Studies) provide support for visits of internationally renowned scientists to institutions located in developing countries, especially those located in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
The Visiting Scientists Programme provides opportunity for these institutions to establish long term links with the world leaders in science and so help develop building in their country.
Prospective host institutions can invite internationally renowned experts in areas of science other than mathematics and physics to collaborate in research and training. The visit should be for a minimum stay of 2 weeks at the host institutions.
Visit http://www.twas.org/ and http://www.icsu.org/ for enquiries
Deadline for submission of request forms is 1st October, 2010.


UNESCO-TWAS
ASSOCIATESHIP SCHEME AT CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE IN THE SOUTH
This UNESCO- TWAS alliance was created to provide grants to fund frequent visits of researchers from developing countries to centers of excellence in the South. Over 100 centres of excellence in the South have already agreed to participate in this program.
Applicants must hold a PhD (or its equivalent). The appointments have a fixed duration of three years during which the associate is entitled to visit the host centre twice for a period of 2-3 months each time. This appointment may be reviewed for a further 3 year term.
The Associateship covers the associate’s travel expenses and monthly allowance, while the host centre covers accommodation and food, and provides the research facilities.
Application form, CV, list of publications and two recommendation letters (one of which must be from an expert from another country who is familiar with applicant’s work) must be submitted before 1st December, 2010 to the following address:
TWAS Associateships
ICTP Campus
Strada Costiera 11
34151 Trieste, Italy
Phone: +39 040 2240-330
Fax: +39 040 224559
E-mail: associateship@twas.org


THE 2010 TWAS-AAS-MICROSOFT AWARD FOR YOUNG COMPUTER SCIENTISTS WORKING IN AFRICA
Microsoft Research in partnership with TWAS and AAS has established this award to recognize young scientists, working and living in Africa whose research has had or could have a positive impact in the developing world.
Three winners will be selected from three different African countries and receive a sum total of EU7000!
Nominee candidates can be of any nationality but must be living and working in Africa for at least 2 years prior to their nomination. They must have received their most recent degree (Master of PhD) within the previous 10 years.
Nominations are invited from national science academies, previous winners, senior academics (heads of departments, heads of universities), members of TWAS and AAS and academics invited by Microsoft.
For enquiries, please check: prizes@twas.org, Programmes>Prizes">www.twas.org/>Programmes>Prizes .
Nominations should be sent to:
TWAS-AAS-Microsoft Award for Young Scientist
C/o TWAS, the academy of sciences for the developing world,
ICTP Campus
Strada Costiera 11
34151 Trieste, Italy
Tel: +39 040 2240387
Fax: +39 040 22407387
E-mail: prizes@twas.org
All nominations must be submitted before 31st July, 2010.


For further information, please visit http://www.twas.org/ or contact:
Office of International Programmes
University Advancement Centre Complex
Off Obong Road,
University of Ibadan,
Telephone: +234(0)2874 1045,
E-mail: oip@mail.ui.edu.ng
Website: www.oip.ui.edu.ng

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

My Experience at the University of Ibadan and in Nigeria: Alexis Anderson



My experience at the University of Ibadan and in Nigeria, has been life-changing. Upon my arrival, the University guaranteed safe transportation and accomdations for my entire visit. Within 48 hours, I was introduced to my advisor(s) here on Campus, the Faculty and the Administration. Prof Daslyva made certain that i was able to get around the campus with ease. Begining early in my visit, I attended "ENG 326 : African oral literature " with Dr. Mrs. Toyin Jegede. The lectures proved to be extremely necessary and valuable to provide foundational information about topics such as myths, legends, epics, proverbs and praise poetry.


The first class assignment was to perform field work related to a given topic. My group was required to discuss " The Historo-Occupational aspect of Orkikis". We travelled to Abeokuta to visit the Alakes palace of Egba land. Here, we met with Chiefs and the Kings administrative assistant to gain assistance on our topic. From this information, we wrote a paper and made a presentation to the class. In addition to learning about my own topic, I was able to see the field work of other groups and gain knowledge about co-wives tales, Igbo myths, and traditonal African Religion.


Outside of the classroom, my stay was also very enjoyable. With my housmates ( and the University Driver), I travelled to Badagry and Lagos. We visited a Badagry Slave Museum, the slave Port, the slave market, and the point of No Return. Also, we went to the first storey Building in Nigeria and saw the first Bible brought to Nigeria, the first translated Bible into Yoruba, and the first Well ( which still provides the community with water today). On this same trip, we visited churches and book stores on Lagos Island to discuss the ramfications colonization had on Nigeria.

In Osogbo, I was introduced to Ifa, traditional Nigerian religion. With the help of our friend, a Babalawo, we viewed a tradtional temple, Osun grove, and Nike` s Art Gallery. He was able to share a Plethora of knowledge about the Traditional gods, how worhsip is practiced, and the relevance of the religion around the world. We watched a portion of the Osun Festival from 2008 and I was able to find the correlation between Oral Literature and Nigerian Religion. Overall, I would recommend any student travel to Nigeria and study at the University of Ibadan. Their warm spirits, knowledge about the subject areas, and generousity have made this academic Institution that I plan to return to again and again.