The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Program is a prestigious initiative designed to support early career faculty from African universities. The program provides scholars with an opportunity to enhance their research capabilities, engage in academic collaboration, and strengthen their professional development through a residency at the University of Michigan.
Key Features of the UMAPS Program:
Eligibility:
- Nationality: Open to faculty members from institutions of higher education in all African countries.
- Academic Rank: Priority is given to early career faculty members who have received their Ph.D. within the last ten years.
- Research Focus: Applicants should have a demonstrated research focus that aligns with the University of Michigan’s areas of expertise.
- Institutional Affiliation: Candidates must be faculty members at an African institution of higher education and must be nominated by a head of department, dean, or equivalent official.
Program Coverage:
- Residency: A five to six-month residency at the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus, typically from late August to early February.
- Financial Support: The program covers the cost of round-trip airfare, housing, health insurance, and a modest stipend for living expenses during the residency.
- Research Support: Scholars are provided with office space, access to university resources such as libraries, labs, and other facilities, and opportunities to collaborate with U-M faculty.
- Professional Development: Scholars can participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences to enhance their professional skills and academic networks.
Application Process:
- Online Application: Applications are submitted through an online portal provided by the University of Michigan African Studies Center.
- Required Documents: The application typically requires a detailed curriculum vitae (CV), a research proposal (3-5 pages), two letters of recommendation (one of which should be from the applicant’s head of department or dean), a letter of support from the applicant’s home institution, and a copy of the applicant’s most recent publication.
- Deadline: Applications are usually due in October for the following academic year.
Selection Criteria:
- Research Excellence: Strong emphasis is placed on the quality and feasibility of the proposed research project.
- Potential Impact: The selection committee looks for research that has the potential to contribute significantly to the applicant’s home institution and country.
- Alignment with U-M: Preference is given to projects that align with existing research interests at the University of Michigan.
- Commitment to Africa: The program seeks scholars who are committed to using the experience to contribute to higher education in Africa.
Benefits and Opportunities:
- Collaboration: Scholars have the opportunity to collaborate with U-M faculty and other scholars from around the world, enhancing their research through academic exchange.
- Mentorship: Scholars receive mentorship from U-M faculty, which can help in refining research projects and improving academic outputs.
- Networking: The program offers extensive networking opportunities, allowing scholars to build professional relationships that can continue beyond the residency.
How to Apply:
- Visit the UMAPS Program page for detailed information on the application process, and eligibility, and to access the application portal.
- Carefully prepare all required documents and ensure they are submitted before the deadline to be considered for the program.
Benefits of the UMAPS Program:
- Enhanced Research Capacity: The program allows African scholars to strengthen their research through access to U-M’s extensive resources and academic environment.
- Professional Growth: The residency provides valuable professional development opportunities that can be leveraged to advance careers in academia.
- Contribution to Home Institution: Scholars are expected to return to their home institutions equipped with new skills and knowledge to contribute to the development of higher education in Africa.
The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program is an excellent opportunity for early-career African faculty to advance their research, build international academic networks, and contribute to the development of higher education in Africa.
