The Centre for Climate Change Studies is a host for the research fellowship program on Climate Impacts Research Capacity and Leadership Enhancement (CIRCLE), which is funded by the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) in collaboration with the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). It is a four year program which will benefit academics and researchers (post-MSc researchers and post-Doctoral researchers) from partner institutions to undertake their research on impact of climate change in Africa on several thematic areas including; water, energy, agriculture, political economy and, health and livelihoods. The objective of the program is to improve research skills in early career African scientists through experiential learning under the guidance and mentorship of senior African researchers.

Fellows will be funded for one year to implement their research proposals, with up to a maximum of 20 fellowships hosted and nominated annually by partner institutions including CCCS to conduct their research for four years. Prospective fellows will be nominated from and hosted by African universities and research institutions. The program will also provide support and training to develop the institutional research capacity of participating institutions.

Eligible fellows should have the following characteristics:

• A postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline addressing: water, energy, agriculture and livelihoods, health, political economy.

• Evidence of their research interest (dissertation, thesis, articles, and publications) in one of the thematic areas listed above.

• Feasible research proposal that can be completed within the term of the fellowship.

• Commitment to return to their nominating/home institution.