IFAS-Research 2026 Scientific Event Grants

About the Grant

The IFAS-Research Call for Scientific Events 2026 supports PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and senior researchers in the humanities and social sciences across Southern Africa. The funding enables the organisation of conferences, symposia, workshops, study days, and seminars that foster research partnerships between French institutions and Southern African researchers. Grants prioritise scientific excellence, sustainable collaboration, and integration into the regional academic landscape, with funding ranging from €500 to €1,500 per event. Eligible events must occur between February and November 2026 in one of IFAS-Research’s 12 target countries. This initiative promotes interdisciplinary, cross-border research collaboration in archaeology, heritage studies, urban studies, contemporary societal dynamics, and ecology, enhancing knowledge exchange and academic networks in Southern Africa.

Grant Details

Grant Name: Call for Scientific Events 2026
Funding Agency/Institution: IFAS-Research (UMIFRE 25, MEAE/CNRS – French Institute of South Africa)
Location: Southern Africa (Angola, Botswana, Congo, DRC, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe)
Research Field(s): Humanities, Social Sciences, Archaeology, History, Urban Studies, Ecology, Cultural Studies
Grant Type: Event Grant / Research Collaboration Grant
Project Duration: Event-based, Feb–Nov 2026
Funding Amount: €500–€1,500 per event
Grant Start Date (Expected): February 2026
Mode of Research: Collaborative (French-Southern African researcher pair)
Application Type: Open call

Research Areas Supported

Archaeology and Prehistory (Middle Stone Age, Later Stone Age, Iron Age, rock art)
Heritage, Art History, and Contemporary Memory Studies
Political and Social History, Urban Studies, Governance, Migration
Cultural and Language Policies, Creative Industries, Identity & Gender Studies
Contemporary Dynamics: Economics, Labour, Education, Ecology, Health & Society

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Requirements:

PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, or senior researchers
Organised by a pair of researchers: one from a French institution and one from a Southern African institution
Event must occur between February–November 2026 in one of IFAS-Research’s 12 countries
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated prior research collaboration or co-authored projects
Potential for sustainable partnerships and regional academic integration
Not Eligible:
Individual applications without a collaborative French-Southern African partnership

Grant Benefits

Funding Support: €500–€1,500 for event organisation, including travel, logistics, and materials
Collaborative Research Funding: Supports partnerships between French and Southern African researchers
Professional Development Opportunities: Networking, exposure in regional academic landscape, publications from events

Key Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate a scientific event with a French-Southern African research partner
Ensure alignment with IFAS-Research’s three scientific axes
Submit project documents, budget, CVs, and supervisor recommendations
Comply with event reporting and financial documentation requirements

Application Process

How to Apply:

Submission Mode: Online application + email submission of documents
Application Portal & Form: Access Here

Submission Steps:

Complete the online application form
Prepare two files:
- PDF with project description, CVs, recommendation letters
- Excel budget sheet (.xls or .xlsx)
Email both files to: annael.lepoullennec@frenchinstitute.org.za and lea.jobard@frenchinstitute.org.za
PhD supervisors submit recommendation letters directly via email

Required Documents: