A. G. Leventis Promoting African Biodiversity 2024/2025 For African Researcher

Applications are currently being accepted for the A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme.

This initiative, inaugurated in September 2021, is under the stewardship of Professor Milner-Gulland, the Tasso Leventis Professor of Biodiversity in the Department of Biology, alongside her team at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science. Targeted at professionals from NGOs, governmental bodies, and businesses engaged in biodiversity conservation, as well as researchers affiliated with academic institutions, this Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with researchers at the University of Oxford. Participants will gain access to the University’s training programs, resources, and networking avenues.

The program spans up to three months, during which fellows can partake in training courses, forge connections, conduct collaborative research, draft papers, and cultivate new ideas. Additionally, fellows receive remote support, training, and networking opportunities before and after their residency at Oxford. Successful applicants have the flexibility to conduct their fellowship in any department of the University, provided their project falls within the realm of conservation.

The programme has three core aims:

The mission at hand is clear:

To empower individuals across various sectors—local and international NGOs, government officials shaping conservation policies, and businesses crafting biodiversity strategies—to fortify their skills, capacities, and networks. Through this endeavor, we aim to amplify their efficacy in contributing to conservation efforts within their respective nations.

Intent extends beyond mere skill enhancement.

We are committed to ensuring that the research conducted at Oxford University resonates with and addresses tangible conservation challenges on the ground. Collaboration with stakeholders directly engaged in conservation work within their countries is paramount. We seek to foster meaningful partnerships with these end-users, ensuring that our research is not conducted in isolation but rather in tandem with those who will directly apply its findings.

Central to our approach is the cultivation of enduring relationships between Oxford researchers and conservation practitioners. These relationships are not transient but rather enduring, designed to facilitate tangible, real-world impact. By bridging the gap between academia and practical conservation efforts, we endeavor to strengthen Oxford University’s capacity to effect meaningful change.

Our program offers opportunities tailored to both senior professionals and those at the outset of their careers. For senior staff members, seeking respite from the demands of their roles within NGOs, government bodies, or businesses, our scheme provides a platform to explore new strategic avenues, articulate innovative ideas, and forge partnerships—all of which are pivotal for driving impactful conservation initiatives.

Alternatively, for individuals in the nascent stages of their careers, the program serves as a gateway to the academic resources of the University of Oxford and the expertise of the ICCS group. Here, participants can access a wealth of learning opportunities, from acquiring new skills to analyzing datasets and crafting scholarly publications. Additionally, they can leverage this platform to build a robust international network, essential for navigating the complex landscape of conservation work.

In essence, our program is designed to be inclusive and adaptable, catering to the diverse needs and aspirations of conservation practitioners across the spectrum of experience. Whether it’s honing existing expertise or embarking on a journey of academic exploration, our aim remains steadfast: to equip individuals with the tools, knowledge, and connections necessary to drive positive change in conservation efforts worldwide.