The Harry Frank Guggenheim (HFG) African Fellow Awards (formerly Young African Scholars) recognize a cohort of approximately 12 emerging scholars every two years. The program targets PhD students aged 45 or younger who are enrolled in African institutions and living on the continent. Research must directly relate to causes, manifestations, or control of violence in Africa. Fellows receive a $10,000 grant, mentorship, a methods workshop, and conference sponsorship. The application deadline for the 2026-2027 cycle is March 1, 2026.
Harry Frank Guggenheim African Fellow Awards Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation |
| Fieldwork Grant | $10,000 USD |
| Cohort Size | Approximately 12 scholars |
| Fellowship Duration | 2 Years |
| Age Limit | 45 years or younger |
| Eligibility | PhD students at African institutions living in Africa |
| Application Deadline | March 1, 2026 |
Harry Frank Guggenheim African Fellow Awards Details
The HFG African Fellow Awards are designed to support emerging scholars whose work promises to increase the understanding and amelioration of urgent problems of violence and aggression.
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The Foundation prioritizes research from social and natural sciences that bridges the gap between basic mechanisms of violence and policy-oriented solutions.
Harry Frank Guggenheim African Fellow Awards Areas of Interest
The Foundation welcomes proposals on subjects including, but not limited to:
- Conflict: War, terrorism, and racial, ethnic, or religious conflict.
- Crime: General criminal violence and political extremism/nationalism.
- Relationships: Family and intimate-partner violence.
- Environment: Climate instability and natural resource competition.
- Mechanisms: Production of violence and outcomes that trigger future cycles of violence.
Harry Frank Guggenheim African Fellow Awards Benefits
- Financial Support: A $10,000 grant specifically for fieldwork research.
- Methodological Training: Participation in an in-person methods workshop held on the African continent.
- Professional Mentorship: Direct guidance from senior African and Africanist scholars.
- Dissemination: Sponsorship to present findings at an international conference.
- Publication Assistance: Editorial support through a writing workshop to prepare manuscripts for international peer-reviewed journals.
Harry Frank Guggenheim African Fellow Awards Step-by-Step Application Process
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm you are $\leq$ 45 years old, enrolled in a PhD program at an African university, and currently residing in Africa.
- Identify Research Focus: Ensure your project addresses a specific aspect of violence or aggression directly related to the African continent.
- Prepare Research Proposal: Draft a compelling proposal that highlights the relevance of your potential findings for policies intended to reduce violence.
- Gather Academic Credentials: Prepare your CV and proof of enrollment in an accredited PhD program.
- Create Portal Account: Access the HFG Foundation’s application portal to register your details.
- Upload Documents: Submit your research proposal, timeline, budget for the $10,000 grant, and academic references.
- Review Policy Relevance: Double-check that your work (especially if historical) makes a strong case for its relevance to modern-day violence.
- Final Submission: Submit all materials through the online portal before the March 1, 2026 deadline.
- Internal Review: Applications undergo a rigorous review process by the Foundation’s selection committee.
- Notification: Successful fellows will be contacted regarding their selection for the 2026-2027 cohort.
Application Deadline: March 1st, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to be an African citizen to apply? No. Applicants can be citizens of any country, but they must be living in Africa and enrolled in an African higher-education institution.
What is the strict age limit? You must be 45 years old or younger at the time of the application deadline.
Can I apply if I am a Master’s student? No. The fellowship is specifically for those currently enrolled in an accredited Ph.D. program.
Is historical research accepted? Yes, but only to the extent that it is directly relevant to understanding or solving a current situation of violence.
How many fellows are selected? Approximately a dozen (12) scholars are chosen every two years.
What does “social and natural sciences or allied disciplines” include? This is broad and covers anthropology, sociology, psychology, political science, biology, and related fields.
Is the $10,000 for tuition? No. The funds are designated as “fieldwork research grants” to cover costs associated with collecting data and conducting research.
Does the Foundation support research on the effects of violence? Only if you can demonstrate that those effects/outcomes serve as causes for future violence.
When is the next application cycle? This award is offered every two years; if you miss the 2026 deadline, the next cycle will likely be in 2028.
Is there a writing requirement? Yes. Fellows are expected to participate in a writing workshop to prepare their research for submission to international peer-reviewed journals.
