Supporting African Science and Tertiary Education (SASTE) Grant for Post-doctoral Scientists

Applications are now open for the 2025 SASTE Grant, which supports high-potential post-doctoral scientists from Sub-Saharan Africa working in fields such as Agriculture, Forestry, Water Management, Renewable Energies, Nutritional Science, Human and Veterinary Medicine. The grant facilitates a research stay in Austria, with a focus on embedding the research within a long-term setting at a Sub-Saharan African university or research institution.

1. Grant Overview

• Application Deadline: November 30, 2025
• Objective:
  • Support post-doctoral scientists from Sub-Saharan Africa in conducting research in Austria.
  • Foster long-term research collaborations and capacity building in key scientific fields.

2. Eligibility Requirements

• Academic and Professional Background:
  • Post-doctoral scientists under 42 years old (women under 45 if involved in child care).
  • Research experience in the proposed field, with a position in Africa ensuring continuation of work post-research stay.
• Educational Background:
  • PhD preferably earned outside Austria.
  • No prior study or work in Austria for 6 months before the planned research stay.
• Experience:
  • 3 to 7 years of post-doctoral experience in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Contractual Obligations:
  • Contract with the home institution for at least 2 more years post-research stay.
  • Confirmation of acceptance and resource provision by the Austrian hosting institution.
• Language Skills:
  • Excellent proficiency in English or German.

3. Funding Details

• Grant Duration:
  • 12 to 24 months, depending on project complexity (no extensions).
• Financial Support:
  • Monthly stipend of €1,500.
  • Housing support up to €600/month.
  • Travel budget up to €3,000/year for scientific visits and conferences.
  • Hosting institution support up to €2,500/year.
• Additional Requirements:
  • Confirmation of in-kind contributions by the home institution.
  • Disclosure of any additional funding related to the research.

4. Required Application Documents

• Research Proposal:
  • Detailed outline of planned work, methodologies, and impact (6-10 pages).
• Motivation Letter:
  • Motives for research and career expectations (up to 2 pages).
• Curriculum Vitae:
  • Detailed CV with publications and scientific achievements.
• Employment Confirmation:
  • Contract for at least 2 more years post-research stay.
• Recommendation Letters:
  • From the head of the unit at the home institution (up to 2 pages).
  • From the head of the unit and supervisor at the hosting institution (up to 2 pages).
• Disclosure of Additional Funding:
  • Details of any additional funding related to the research project.
• Other Documents:
  • Copy of passport, birth certificate, and judicial record extract.

5. Application Process

• How to Apply:
  • Email all required documents to Univ. Prof. Dr. DDr.h.c. Hubert Hasenauer at hubert.hasenauer@boku.ac.at.