Iso Lomso Fellowship 2025 for African Researchers
Iso Lomso, meaning “the eye of tomorrow” in isiXhosa, reflects a vision focused on empowering African researchers to lay the groundwork for future scholarship.
This fellowship, hosted by the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) in South Africa, is open to African researchers with a doctoral degree earned within the past seven years and holding academic positions at universities or research institutions in Africa.
The fellowship provides a three-year attachment to STIAS, enabling recipients to pursue long-term research projects in their fields, with the aim of helping them become established scholars.
Fellowship Overview
- Type: Research Fellowship
- Host Country: South Africa
- Host Institution: Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS)
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Eligible Applicants: Citizens of African Countries
- Benefits: Monthly stipend, accommodation, travel, library access, and childcare support
- Deadline: February 15, 2025
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a national of an African country and born after January 1, 1983.
- Hold a doctoral degree from any recognized university (earned after January 1, 2017).
- Have completed a postdoctoral fellowship or a similar post-PhD research program.
- Be employed at a research or higher education institution in Africa with plans to continue there.
- Be ready to start their first residency at STIAS in 2026.
Fellowship Benefits
While in residence at STIAS, fellows enjoy comprehensive support, including:
- Travel and Accommodation: Economy-class round-trip flights and comfortable housing near STIAS.
- Work Facilities: Access to a private office with necessary equipment and a high-speed internet connection.
- Living Stipend: Monthly stipend to cover daily expenses.
- Library Access: Access to the Stellenbosch University library’s extensive resources.
- Professional Development:
- Attend up to two international conferences or training workshops globally.
- Convene workshops with research collaborators at STIAS or at their home institution.
- Receive support for childcare if accompanied by young children.
- Funding for lecturer replacements at the fellow’s home institution during residency.
- The possibility of residency at partner research institutions.
Timeline and Selection Process
- Application Deadline: February 15, 2025
- Shortlist Announcement: April 30, 2025
- Final Selection: May 31, 2025
- Notification to Selected Fellows: June 2025
Selected candidates will be asked for additional information in May, with final fellows chosen by the end of May 2025.
