The Moses Mapesa Research Grant supports African Doctoral and Masters Students in the field of natural and cultural heritage.
The award will support research projects focused on the following topics related to a World Heritage or a tentative listed site in Africa:
- Traditional Management Systems,
- Risk management and preparedness,
- Heritage in Conflict and Post-conflict situations,
- Heritage management and conservation,
- Heritage and Climate Change,
- Heritage and Economics/Entrepreneurship,
- Heritage and Sustainable Development,
- Heritage Promotion and Awareness,
- Heritage and Digital Technologies,
- Heritage and Law.
Grant
- Grant amounts will vary depending on research proposals, with a maximum award of USD $5,000. The fieldwork research needs to be conducted in no longer than 9 months from the signature of the contract (May 2025 to February 2026).
Eligibility
Open to students who are:
- Currently or will be registered in 2025 in a Doctoral or Masters programme (Masters 2 for Francophone countries) at an African university and conducting dissertation research in the field of either natural or cultural heritage at an African World Heritage Site;
- Fluent in English, French or Portuguese;
- Citizens of an African Union Member State which is party to the World Heritage Convention.
Application Process
All applicants should submit the following application package:
- The completed application form (co-signed by the supervisor)
- A letter of motivation by the applicant (1 page maximum)
- Applicant’s updated curriculum vitae (2 pages maximum),
- Applicant’s current university transcript,
- Research proposal (2 pages maximum) including the following:
- Full name, affiliated university, country, degree level, the title of research, and related World Heritage or tentative listed site
- Description of research (Goal/objectives, research question/s, relevance, significance, justification and scope)
- Research methodology (approach, timeframe, analysis),
- Bibliography
- Budget (indicate funds from all sources, stating specifically the fieldwork items the grant would be for with justifications as to the need)
How to apply
- The application form (English, French and Portuguese versions) can be requested by sending an email to [email protected]
- Completed applications should be submitted via email (as an attachment) to [email protected] (with copy to [email protected]) before the deadline. Hard copies and supporting documents can be submitted to the following address: The African World Heritage Fund, 1258 Lever Road, Headway Hill, Midrand 1685, South Africa.
The deadline for submission is 17.00 (GMT) on 31 July 2024. However, applicants are highly encouraged to submit their proposals prior to the deadline. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Deadline: 31 July 2024.
Click HERE to Apply
