Water-Energy-Food Nexus Collaborative Learning School, Nigeria, May 5-16, 2025
The 2025 SustainFood Collaborative Learning School (CLS) will take place in Ona Ara Local Government Area, situated in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria with its headquarters in Akanran. Farming (arable crop production such as cassava, maize and vegetables; poultry and fishery production), petty trading and government work are common livelihood sources of the people. The area faces significant environmental challenges, including limited access to clean water and reliable energy. Climate change is also already affecting the region, with farmers having to adapt to unreliable onset and end to the rainy season during which crops are grown.
The CLS will take place over a 2-week period in May 2025, working locally with farmers, policymakers and other stakeholders. Travel costs will be covered, but salaries will not be covered. Final selection and invitations to participate in the CLS will be made by the end of January 2025. A series of bi-weekly virtual preparatory sessions will be held before May. A commitment to be actively involved in the full two weeks of the in-person CLS, all the virtual preparatory sessions, and continued networking beyond the CLS are required.
Who can apply?
Applications are invited from early career researchers (at minimum PhD in process with Masters completed, or early career researchers up to 5 years after PhD was granted) from the US or Africa with research or activities directly related to WEF Nexus themes. Applications from EU NexusNet countries (https://nexusnet-cost.com/) are also welcome, provided applicants secure COST Action funding. We encourage applicants from a broad set of different disciplines (biophysical, social sciences, engineering, and others).
17Application Process
All applicants will be required to have a reference letter sent directly to the CLS organizers. For PhD candidates, this is their academic advisor. For early-career postdocs, this is their supervisor. The letter must be sent by the advisor or supervisor, on official letterhead and signed, and should support your application, including for the advisor or supervisor to approve the commitment needed from you to participate in the CLS, including all bi-weekly virtual preparatory sessions, the full two weeks of the in-person CLS (May 5-16, 2025), and continued networking beyond the CLS.
To apply:
- If you are a PhD candidate, secure a support letter from your PhD advisor
- The template letter can be downloaded in this link.
- Your adviser should email the letter to Nathan Weyandt (ndw5072@psu.edu) by no later than midnight (11:59 pm EST), January 17, 2025.
- Carefully review the required application information (see below).
- Complete the online application form by no later than midnight (11:59 pm EST), January 17, 2025.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Nathan Weyandt (ndw5072@psu.edu). Please include “Info CLS 2025” as the subject of your email.
Required Application Information
Applicant Information
- Full Name
- University/Organization
- Department
- Country of Residence
- Nationality
- Valid Passport to Travel to Nigeria? Passport must be valid for at least 6 months at time of travel.
- Visa required to travel to Nigeria?
Academic Background
- Year PhD Received:
- Currently Enrolled in PhD Program? If yes, start year:
- Year Masters Degree Earned:
- Year PhD Degree Formally Granted (if completed):
- Dissertation Title or Brief (20 words or less) Description of Current PhD Research:
- Contact Information
- WhatsApp Number (with country code)
About the Candidate
- How Did You Hear About SustainFood CLS?
- In 200 words or less, describe your educational background and how it relates to the WEF nexus theme of the CLS
- In 200 words or less, describe your WEF nexus related work experience and skills and how they will help you contribute to the WEF nexus theme of the CLS
- In 200 words or less, describe any community engagement experience and how it relates to the WEF nexus theme of the CLS
- In 200 words or less, describe your networking experience and how participating in the CLS will help grow the SustainFood network
- In 200 words or less, explain how this experience will help you reach your scholarly or career goals
- In 200 words or less, highlight specific skills you have to continue participating in the SustainFood network beyond the CLS
- List any professional networks you are part of
- How do you plan to disseminate CLS learnings within your broader professional networks?:
References
- Name and Title of Academic or Professional Supervisor
Application Form
Before starting your application, gather all the required information. Having everything you need handy will make filling out the form easier and faster. Submit your application by no later than midnight (11:59 pm EST), January 17, 2025.