Open AIR invites proposals for short-term research projects that address Open AIR’s research questions on African innovation through the lens of gender equality, empowerment of women and girls, and inclusion of marginalised communities. Researchers will conduct their projects while based at one or more of Open AIR’s institutional hubs in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Cairo, Lagos, Abuja, and Ottawa. Thanks to the generous funding of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Advanced Scholars Program (QES-AS), Open AIR will be able to grow the network of new and emerging researchers more deeply exploring this important topic. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately. Please download the Call for Applications for detailed instructions how to apply. Applications will be considered starting 30 October 2017 and then on a rolling basis until suitable candidates are identified.

Also, as part of Open AIR’s ongoing research into IP and gender, we have recently produced a new briefing note, “Integrating Gender Perspective into African Innovation Research”. The briefing note addresses the prevalent issue of both overt and latent gender inequality as it relates to STEM, ICT, entrepreneurship, and IP in African countries.