An introduction to the Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellowship
The Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellowship, launched in 2021 and implemented by the Gates Foundation (BMGF), is a prestigious program aimed at cultivating communities of scientific leaders to address global health challenges in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over a span of five years, this fellowship empowers exceptional scientists based in Africa who are on the brink of transformative breakthroughs in their careers, propelling them towards becoming influential and innovative leaders driving the adoption of impactful tools and policies.
This fellowship is named in honour of the late Prof Calestous Juma, a distinguished Kenyan sustainable development scientist who made significant contributions to understanding the role of science, technology, and innovation in fostering economic transformation in developing nations.
Central to the Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellowship is AFLI's leadership program, which plays a vital role in nurturing African leaders. Our objective is to foster well-rounded, effective leaders by providing them with opportunities to expand their networks and knowledge base. Our primary focus is to expedite the career progression of the Calestous Juma Fellows, enabling them to become visionary and transformative leaders who champion the implementation of new tools and policies for meaningful impact.
To achieve this, we offer comprehensive support beyond scientific expertise, equipping fellows with the necessary non-scientific skills to excel in their leadership roles. This includes building their capacity to form and lead teams, foster collaborations, strengthen institutions, effectively communicate with non-scientific stakeholders (including policymakers), advocate for the needs of their communities, and drive change in the research and development ecosystem to accelerate impact. Additionally, we provide fellows with opportunities to enhance their networks and broaden their knowledge through participation in conferences and engaging learning visits.
For more on the Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellowship, please visit the Gates Foundation website.
You can also can find details of the fourteen fellows from eight African countries by clicking on the button.
