Second Future Africa Research Leader Fellowship (FAR-LeaF II) Workshop on Transdisciplinary Research
Updated: Oct 20
The second cohort of the Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship (FAR-LeaF II) met at the University of Pretoria (UP) for the final workshop of their research programme. These early-career researchers from 11 African countries were hosted by UP's Future Africa Campus from 14 to 28 August 2026.
View the Workshop Programme here:
View the reflections of the research fellows here:
Reflecting on the FAR-LeaF Workshop; August 2026 | Dr Pearl Lefadola
LinkedIn post: https://lnkd.in/p/dS2XhMdi
The FAR-LeaF workshop in August was a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, learn and connect with fellow African researchers.
I was reminded that research leadership goes beyond generating knowledge—it is about collaboration, mentorship, science communication, resource mobilisation and creating meaningful impact in our communities.
I leave the workshop with renewed energy, new connections and a stronger commitment to advancing impactful, transdisciplinary research for Africa.
Grateful to the FAR-LeaF team, facilitators, mentors and fellow fellows for an enriching experience.
Privileged to join fellow researchers | Dr Miriam Ameworwor
LinkedIn post: https://lnkd.in/p/dRArUiFV
I was privileged to join fellow researchers at the 2nd Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship (FAR-LeaF II) Workshop, held from 24–28 August 2026 at Future Africa, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
The workshop brought together accomplished researchers who shared inspiring stories of their research and leadership journeys—how they identified opportunities, navigated failure, remained intentional in their efforts, and positioned themselves to create meaningful impact.
One key lesson I took away is that leadership begins with leading oneself. I was challenged to be intentional about my research journey, prioritise what is important over what is merely urgent, embrace opportunities, make my work visible, and believe in my potential to make a difference.
I am grateful to Prof. Stephanie Burton and the entire FAR-LeaF team for creating such a transformative platform for learning, reflection, networking, and growth.
Lead yourself. Lead others. Create impact.
#FARLeaFII #FutureAfrica #ResearchLeadership #AfricanResearchers #Leadership #ResearchImpact #UniversityOfPretoria
Grateful to have been part of the Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship (FAR-LeaF) community at the University of Pretoria | Dr Fenet Belay
LinkedIn post: https://lnkd.in/p/dCDJU7pp
The recent workshop was a valuable space for learning, reflection and building meaningful connections with researchers from across Africa. Beyond strengthening our research leadership, it reminded me of the power of transdisciplinary collaboration in addressing Africa’s complex challenges. I am particularly inspired by the opportunity to connect research, communities and diverse forms of knowledge to contribute to more climate-resilient and sustainable futures for Africa.
Thank you to Future Africa UP and the FAR-LeaF team for creating this space and to the amazing fellows for the conversations, learning and inspiration.
Looking forward to carrying these connections forward and turning them into meaningful collaborations and impact
🌍 Future Africa UP Transdisciplinary Hub for Research and Innovation in Archives Climate Action Network International University of Pretoria Dr. Ruth Wambui (PhD) Miriam Ameworwor (PhD) Prof Tafadzwa Maramura Enoch Kwame Tham-Agyekum Jabulani Nyengere, PhD. Dr. Pearl Boineelo Lefadola Ololade Abdulrahman (PhD) Habtamu Abera Goshu Haftu Abrha Alemayehu Oljira Dina Coertzen Assani Alassan, PhD Grite Nelson Mwaijengo, PhD Ato Fanyin-Martin, Ph.D
FAR-LeaF builds stronger research leadership across Africa | Dr Ruth Wambui Wainaina
LinkedIn post: https://lnkd.in/p/dG4BWKc8
FAR-LeaF builds stronger research leadership across Africa: Happy to be part of the FAR LeaF II fellows who participated in a week long program of research mentorship, cross-learning and collaboration hosted by Future Africa at the University of Pretoria. The event was meant to support research leadership in Africa through a transdisciplinary approach and involvement of different stakeholders in research to provide innovations aligned to the lived realities in Africa as solutions to their existing problems. Happy to connect with other researchers in Africa, turned colleagues, turned friends and turned a family.
