Call for Applications for a residential writing workshop in Uganda
Background
As a result of the challenges posed by climate change issues, developing an evidence-based, sustainable and resilient food system is urgently needed. However, the entire Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) produces only about 3% of the global research on food systems, a very minimal contribution compared to the Global North (e.g., UK 10%, Italy 6%). According to the National Research Outlook Report of Uganda, “Global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, water contamination, food insecurity, global health, poverty, and the refugee influx, amongst others, cannot be tackled without international research collaboration.” A research capacity gap currently exists in interdisciplinary topics such as Sustainable Food Systems in Uganda, despite the urgent need to address food security challenges. We are motivated by these factors to work with ECR from Uganda. While they are the future of research and innovation, they are underrepresented in social science research in the fields of sustainable food systems and consumer behaviours. Upon completion of their graduate studies, fresh PhD graduates normally lack mentors and hence the requisite mentorship to usher them into the world of research and project development. This call for a writing workshop specifically targets ECRs in the field of sustainable food systems and consumer behaviour.
Workshop objectives
- Develop the writing, publication, and grant application writing skills among ECRs
- Develop a network of ECRs to facilitate peer support and mentorship in publications and grant
- To foster interdisciplinary research networks and collaborations among scholars
- Develop a positive and holistic research culture to cope with the “publish or perish” culture
Who can apply for the workshop?
- Final year PhD students or have finished their PhD within the last eight years.
- Be working in the areas of Sustainable Food Systems (e.g., consumer behaviour, food science, food security, food waste and nutrition, economics).
- Must commit to full attendance of the in-person workshop and virtual seminars in 2026.
- Provide a letter of support from their institution, stating they will be released to participate in the in-person workshop if selected.
- Be resident and or working in Uganda.
Logistics: The writing workshop shall be fully residential, with accommodation and meals provided for all participants. A transport refund, based on public rates shall be given to each participant based on the distance to the venue.
Date of workshop: The writing workshop shall be held for 4 days, January 6-9, 2026. Participants shall be expected to report on January 5, and depart on January 10, 2026
Residential location of workshop: The workshop shall take Place at the Lake Victoria Golf Resort Hotel, Kigo, Entebbe (Uganda).
Participation costs
Costs associated with the in-person workshop, including travel to and from Kampala, accommodation and food, will be fully covered by the project. Participants shall be expected to come with their own laptop computers and personal effects during the workshop.
Deadline: 31 October 11:59 pm EAT
