The World Academy of Sciences Regional Office for sub-Saharan Africa (TWAS-ROSSA) seeks to honour an outstanding young scientist who has made a major contribution to the advancement of human rights issues in sub-Saharan Africa through research and direct community interventions.

Science plays a significant role in realising and addressing human rights issues in the African continent. The protection and attainment of human rights is an important issue in our contemporary society. Awareness creation of human rights through scientific research and practices brings commonality amongst diverse cultures. The 2016 prize will be awarded to an outstanding young scientist whose research and scholarly contributions have had an impact in the community, through for example, protecting and promoting human rights issues, and/or providing scientific advice to government and non-governmental organisations on issues relating to human rights. This might also include the establishment of organisation(s) to enforce the inclusion and consideration of human rights at intergovernmental and institutional levels.

The prize is awarded in fulfilment of the TWAS objective of recognising, supporting and promoting scientific capacity and excellence in the developing world.

The Award

The award comprises a certificate with the citation on the winner’s scientific achievement as well as a cash prize of    2000 US Dollars. The prize will be awarded at a TWAS-ROSSA or related scientific event happening in sub-Saharan Africa.

Eligibility

• Nominees must be nationals of countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Nominees must have achieved excellence in research and be affiliated to a University or national research institution in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Nominees must have made significant contributions to the advancement of human rights issues in Africa.
• Nominees must be under the age of 40.

Nomination 

• Nominations are invited from TWAS and AAS fellows, fellows/members of National Academies and Young Academies in the region, Research Institutions, Research Councils and Universities in the region.
• Self-nominations will not be considered.
• Nominations, accompanied by the Nomination Form and all the relevant documents, must be submitted to twasrossa@assaf.org.za by 30 September 2016.

Selection 

Selection of the awardee will be based on recommendations of a Selection Committee comprising TWAS Fellows in sub-Saharan Africa. The winner will receive correspondence from TWAS-ROSSA shortly thereafter.

Important Documents;

–Call for Nominations-TWAS-ROSSA Regional Young Scientists’ Prize 2016 (002)

–Nomination Form 2016