Imperial has launched a wide-ranging new seed fund for research and education projects with partners in Africa.
The College will provide funding for collaborations with partners at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) and members of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA).
This spans 10 countries: Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda.
The Africa Strategic Research and Education Partnerships Fund aims to help kick-start new, innovative research and education projects between academics, researchers and students at Imperial, AIMS and ARUA member universities.
"This new Fund will strengthen links and increase the number of collaborations between Imperial academics and scientists across Africa." Professor Maggie Dallman Vice President (International)
The research funding stream will support scientists with exploratory research, small-scale experiments or the development of prototypes.
It will also help academics and students visit a partner institute for up to two months to learn new techniques, analyse results and build stronger networks.
The education funding stream will support the development of innovative, inclusive and impactful online experiential learning opportunities for the future. This could include online delivery of practical laboratories, virtual field trips and fostering student entrepreneurship.
Imperial's Vice-President (International) Professor Maggie Dallman said: "This new Fund will strengthen links and increase the number of collaborations between Imperial academics and scientists across Africa.
"Working with AIMS and ARUA we will enable academics and students to develop exciting research ideas and new innovations in education that bring great benefits to society.
"We look forward to seeing the pioneering projects that this Fund will support."
Professor Wilfred Ndifon, Chief Scientific Officer at AIMS Global Network, said: "We are excited by the academic and research opportunities that the Seed Fund will provide to our students, academic staff and researchers.
"We are hopeful that the seeds that will be planted by the Fund will bring forth a bountiful harvest of collaborations, new knowledge, and innovations"
Ernest Aryeetey, ARUA Secretary-General, said: "We are excited with this partnership with Imperial as it is consistent with our mandate. Partnerships and networking have become essential arrangements for universities to leverage their resources for greater impact.
"I am hopeful that ARUA member universities will take advantage of the opportunities available through The Africa Strategic Research and Education Partnerships Fund as we seek to build The African University".
