Research Leadership & Funding Programs
D2AFRICA supports African researchers as they move from scientific expertise to independent research leadership.
Our programs help researchers clarify their scientific direction, strengthen their credibility, understand how funding decisions are made, and build a more coherent approach to research funding.
We do not focus only on writing proposals. We help researchers connect their ideas, experience, positioning, partnerships and long-term vision into a clear scientific trajectory.
Who We Support
Our programs are designed for African postdoctoral researchers moving from scientific expertise to independent research leadership. We support four areas that often become critical during this transition:
Scientific direction
You have strong expertise, publications and research experience, but your work may not yet form a clear scientific trajectory. We help you define the research problem you want to own and the direction you want to lead.
Funding Strategy
Strong science is not enough when an opportunity does not fit your trajectory or the funder’s priorities. We help you understand funding decisions, assess opportunities strategically and pursue the calls that genuinely support your direction.
Strategic Networks
Moving toward independence requires more than having contacts. We help you identify the mentors, collaborators and sponsors who can strengthen your research programme, credibility and access to relevant opportunities.
Research Leadership
Most postdocs are trained to conduct research, but not necessarily to build a programme, lead collaborations or manage funding. Our programs help you develop the strategic capabilities required for independent research leadership.
Our Programmes
D2AFRICA offers structured learning and strategic support for the transition from postdoctoral research to scientific independence. Each program addresses a different stage of that journey, from initial clarification to the development of a coherent research and funding strategy.
Scientific Leadership & Grant Writing Masterclass
A focused introduction to the principles of scientific leadership, funder decision-making and research positioning. The masterclass helps you understand how your scientific direction, credibility and funding choices work together.
Elite Researcher Accelerator
ERA is a self-paced program that helps you strengthen the foundations of a fundable research career. It covers scientific identity, research narrative, funder alignment, credibility, proposal logic and long-term funding strategy.
Next-Generation Research Leader
A guided program for postdoctoral researchers preparing to build an independent research programme and a more coherent funding portfolio. It connects your scientific vision, positioning and funding decisions into one strategic pathway.
Research Strategy Sessions
Focused one-to-one support for a specific research, career or funding decision. Sessions may address scientific direction, opportunity selection, positioning, research programme development or the transition to Principal Investigator.
CHOOSING YOUR NEXT STEP
Which Programme Fits Your Current Stage?
Each D2AFRICA programme supports a different stage of the transition toward scientific independence. Use the guide below to identify the format that best matches your current needs, level of experience and preferred type of support.
Scientific Leadership & Grant Writing Masterclass​
Best suited if you want a structured introduction to scientific leadership, funder decision-making and strategic grant development before committing to a longer programme.
Elite Researcher Accelerator​
Best suited if you prefer to learn independently and want to strengthen your scientific narrative, credibility, funder alignment and funding strategy at your own pace.
Next-Generation Research Leader​
Best suited if you are ready for longer-term guidance to clarify your scientific direction, develop your leadership position and build a coherent research and funding pathway.
Research Strategy Session​
Best suited if you are facing one specific research, career or funding decision and need focused, one-to-one strategic guidance.
Need Help Choosing a Programme?
Not sure which programme best fits your current research stage or priorities? Contact D2AFRICA for guidance on the most appropriate form of support.