ProgramASFI 5-10
ASFI 5-10 P R O G R A MS u m m a r y The ASFI 5–10 Program is a flagship institutional capacity-building initiative of the African Science Frontiers Initiatives (ASFI), designed to strengthen research ecosystems across Africa. Unlike earlier ASFI efforts focused on individuals, this program targets institutions—universities, government agencies, NGOs, and research-active organizations—aiming to create lasting, continent-wide impact.Its primary goal is to cultivate clusters of next-generation African research leaders through structured mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and institutional engagement. Each year, up to 250 early-career researchers will be trained and mentored from 50 institutions representing Africa’s five regions (North, South, East, West, and Central Africa). Every participating institution nominates five researchers (three women, two men) to ensure gender and disciplinary diversity.Participants will receive comprehensive training in research design, data analysis, scientific writing, grant proposal development, career planning, and leadership. They will also gain exposure to manuscript peer review, collaborative publishing, and grant applications. Successful participants will earn the ASFI Consolidated Research Excellence Capacity Building Certificate, and are expected to transfer their skills to their home institutions, amplifying program benefits continent-wide.2 ASFI 5–10 Program
The program is free of charge and delivered virtually, with participants organized into cross-institutional, multidisciplinary teams that pursue tangible outputs—publications, conference presentations, and collaborative grant proposals. Mentorship is provided through the Mentee Pal System, pairing participants with experienced ASFI mentors who guide group milestones, ensure accountability, and foster peer learning through monthly and quarterly reviews.Ke y f e a t u r e s i n c l u d e :10 institutions per region, fostering diversity and collaboration.Pan-African inclusion: Formal commitment and oversight from each participating institution.Institutional endorsement:Regular engagement, peer accountability, and group reporting.Structured mentorship: Continuous evaluation of individual and institutional progress.Robust monitoring:Showcasing participants and institutions on ASFI’s platforms.Recognition and visibility:3 ASFI 5–10 Program
Organized around four strategic pillars—Institutional Engagement, Capacity Building and Learning, Mentorship and Peer Support, and Monitoring, Collaboration & Impact—the program seeks to strengthen institutional ownership, enhance multidisciplinary competencies, and promote collaborative research excellence.Ultimately, the ASFI 5–10 Program aspires to transform Africa’s research landscape, building self-sustaining mentorship networks, increasing scientific output and visibility, and contributing to Africa’s socio-economic transformation through innovation, leadership, and knowledge generation.4 ASFI 5–10 Program
What is the ASFI 5-10 Program?The ASFI 5-10 Program is a flagship research capacity-building initiative of the African Science Frontiers Initiatives (ASFI), targeting African universities, governmental and non-governmental institutions and organizations rather than individual researchers as applicants. While ASFI has historically supported individual African researchers, this program shifts the focus to strengthening institutions, fostering sustainable impact at the organizational and community levels.5 ASFI 5–10 Program
Aim of the 5-10 ProgramThe overarching aim of the ASFI 5-10 Program is to create clusters of next-generation research champions across African universities.In each year of the implementation of the program, ASFI aims to train and mentor up to 250 candidates drawn from 50 institutions across Africa’s five regions (Central, Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Africa).Each region will contribute 10 institutions, each nominating five early-career researchers (3 women and 2 men).Participants will receive intensive training and mentored in research excellence, integrity, and science patriotism, while engaging in interregional and inter-institutional multidisciplinary collaborations.At the end of the program, candidates who successfully complete all requirements will receive the ASFI Consolidated Research Excellence Capacity Building Certificate. Graduates are expected to transfer acquired skills and experiences back to their home institutions, creating a multiplier effect across Africa.6 ASFI 5–10 Program
Skill Sets to Gain from the ProgramParticipants will receive structured training and mentorship in:Data analysisScientific communication and publishingGrant writing and research fundingScience leadership and mentoringCareer development and nurturingResearch integrity and productivityResearch networking and collaboration12345677 ASFI 5–10 Program
Comprehensive skill development across the research pipeline (from question formulation to publication).Tangible outputs, including peer-reviewed papers, abstracts for scientific conferences, and collaborative grant applications.Exposure to peer review by participating in manuscript evaluations.Formation of long-term, multidisciplinary research collaborations across Africa.Award of the ASFI Consolidated Research Excellence Capacity Building Certificate.Benefits of the ProgramOpportunity to make a lasting institutional impact through knowledge transfer.8 ASFI 5–10 Program
Who Can Apply?Universities Government institutionsNon-governmental organizationsPrivate sector research entitiesHospitals or health institutionsOther research-active organizations in AfricaOnly institutions may apply. Individual applications will not be accepted. Eligible institutions include:Application Process• Each institution must designate a senior staff member to apply on its behalf.• After the institutional application, the ASFI designated 5-10 Program Committee reviews the applications and makes a decision on which institutions to invite to nominated candidates to the program.• Institutions may nominate five candidates (3 women, 2 men) across diverse disciplines.9 ASFI 5–10 Program
Candidate Selection CriteriaParticipating institutions must ensure nominees meet the following requirements:• Gender and disciplinary balance: 3 women and 2 men, each from a different discipline.• New participants only: Nominees must not have attended any prior ASFI course.• Excellence: Nominees must be among the top 10 junior researchers as determined by their institution.• Career stage: Within 3 years of completing a doctoral degree.• Age: Under 40 years (men) or 45 years (women).• Commitment: Willingness to fully participate in all ASFI programs throughout cycle.• ASFI Community Engagement: Must commit to be active members of the ASFI General Assembly (GA).10 ASFI 5–10 Program
Program FeesTraining Mode and ContactParticipation is free of chargefor selected institutions.All training and mentoring will be delivered virtually. Candidates will work in multidisciplinary collaborative groups to achieve program milestones, including:• Publishing scientific papers• Presenting abstracts at the ASFI Annual Conference• Applying for project grants• Reviewing manuscripts in their fieldsASFI will implement a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress and impact at both the individual and institutional levels.11 ASFI 5–10 Program
Key Features of the Program• Inclusive participation from five African regions — North, East, West, Central, and Southern Africa.• Representation of diverse institutions: public universities, private universities, research institutes, and NGOs.• Selection of up to 10 institutions per region, ensuring geographic and institutional diversity.• Multidisciplinary: Nominated candidates come from diverse disciplines, strengthening the multidisciplinary nature of the program.1. Pan-African Institutional Representation12 ASFI 5–10 Program
• Institutions must formally authorize and nominate five participants.• Each institution signs an Institutional Commitment Form confirming full engagement and oversight.• Participation is contingent on sustained involvement and quarterly monitoring.2. Institutional Endorsement and Commitment• Introduction of Mentee Pals – experienced mentors from ASFI’s mentoring programs.• Mentee Pals guide participants through: •• Regular quarterly reporting ensures accountability and shared progress.3. Structured Mentorship and Peer Support (Mentee Pal System)• Monthly mentorship meetings.• Support for group milestones and deliverables.• Contribution to joint publications, grant applications, and research projects.13 ASFI 5–10 Program
4. Capacity Building and Skills Development• Participants gain multi-disciplinary skills through targeted training and workshops on:• Training integrates theory with practical, outcomebased assignments.• Research design and methodology• Academic writing and publishing• Grant writing and resource mobilization• Mentorship and academic leadership• Collaboration and interdisciplinary research14 ASFI 5–10 Program
• Participants work in cross-institutional, multiregional, and multidisciplinary groups.• Focus on producing measurable outputs, including:5. Collaborative and Output-Oriented Approach• Peer-reviewed publications• Grant applications and proposals• Policy briefs and collaborative reports where possible• Conference presentations• Continuous oversight through institutional and Mentee Pal quarterly reports.• Regular progress tracking against milestones and expected outcomes.• Periodic evaluations to assess participation, commitment, and overall impact.6. Strong Monitoring and Accountability Framework15 ASFI 5–10 Program
7. Orientation and Continuous EngagementTwo major orientation meetings launch the program cycle:1. Institutional Orientation Meeting – involving institutional representatives, nominated candidates with ASFI Management, ASFI General Assembly Leadership, and the 5–10 Program Committee to introduce the program and outline expectations.2. Candidate–Mentee Pal Orientation Meeting – to familiarize participants with the program’s structure, mentorship model, collaborative framework, and connect the Mentee Pals with nominated candidates.16 ASFI 5–10 Program
• Participating institutions and scholars are showcased on the ASFI website and other official platforms.• Recognition of excellence through program features, publications, and events.• Increased institutional visibility in continental and global research spaces.8. Recognition and Visibility• Builds sustainable mentorship and collaboration structures within institutions through the Institutional Quintet Program.• Strengthens research ecosystems across Africa beyond the program’s duration.• Contributes to Africa’s socio-economic transformation through knowledge generation, innovation, and leadership.9. Long-Term Impact Orientation17 ASFI 5–10 Program
10. In Summary: The ASFI 5–10 Program is more than a capacity-building initiative — it is a transformative platform that empowers institutions and scholars to collaborate, innovate, and lead Africa’s future in research and knowledge production. The program stands out for its continental scope, strong mentorship model, institutional accountability, capacitybuilding focus, and results-driven approach — positioning it as a catalyst for a new era of African-led research and collaboration.18 ASFI 5–10 Program
Centered Around Four Key PillarsInstitutional EngagementCapacity Building and LearningMentorship and Peer SupportMonitoring, Collaboration & Impact.The ASFI 5–10 Program is a structured, multi-dimensional initiative designed to strengthen research capacity, mentorship, collaboration, and institutional development across Africa. Its components are organized around four key pillars: 19 ASFI 5–10 Program
1. Institutional Engagement and SelectionThis component ensures broad, diverse, and equitable participation of institutions across Africa.Key features:• Competitive selection of 10 institutions per African region.• Inclusion of a variety of institutions — public and private universities, new and established institutions, government research institutes, and NGOs.• Institutions commit to oversight and accountability.• Participants solely and officially nominated and endorsed by their institutional leadership.Purpose:To strengthen institutional ownership, ensure accountability, and create a distributed network of research capacity within each participating institution and by extension across the continent.20 ASFI 5–10 Program
2. Capacity Building and LearningThis is a central pillar focused on acquiring knowledge, new skills, and research capacity building among participants.Key activities:• Structured training modules and workshops across research, leadership, and academic development.• Thematic courses covering topics across the research and career life cycles• Access to mentorship and networking opportunities within ASFI and across institutions and regions.Expected outcome:Participants gain multi-disciplinary competencies and become better equipped to thrive in career and research, including publishing, securing funding, and leading research collaborations.21 ASFI 5–10 Program
3. Mentorship and Peer Support (Mentee Pal System)A unique peer-mentoring structure designed to ensure engagement, accountability, and collaboration throughout the program each cohort life cycle.Key features:• Active and Experienced Mentee Pals — experienced ASFI peer mentors who serve as peer facilitators for designated program groups.• Each Mentee Pal supports a group of ASFI 5–10 participants by:Holding regular (at least one per month) meetings.Supporting participants in accomplishing group tasks and milestones.Contributing to joint outputs (publications, grants, collaborations).Submitting quarterly reports to ASFI.• Encouragement of cross-institutional peer learning and collaborative project development.Purpose:To ensure participants receive consistent support, feedback, and motivation, while building a self-sustaining culture of mentorship within African institutions.22 ASFI 5–10 Program
4. Monitoring, Collaboration, and ImpactA strong accountability and follow-up structure to measure progress and sustain engagement.Key features:• Quarterly monitoring of institutional and participant progress through standardized reports.• Orientation and review meetings to align expectations and assess performance.• Collaborative outputs: publications, conference papers, and joint grant applications.• Institutional and participant evaluations to assess outcomes and impact.• Publication of participating institutions and outputs on the ASFI website to showcase excellence and impact.Purpose:To ensure sustained engagement, track institutional commitment, and demonstrate the program’s contribution to Africa’s research and innovation ecosystem.23 ASFI 5–10 Program
Through these components, the ASFI 5–10 Program aims to:• Strengthen institutional research ecosystems.• Develop a cadre of skilled and collaborative African scholars.• Promote continental networking and South–South collaboration.• Increase research outputs, publications, and successful grant applications.• Contribute to Africa’s global scientific visibility and knowledge leadership.Expected Overall Outcomes24 ASFI 5–10 Program
EXPECTATIONS OF INSTITUTIONS, CANDIDATES, AND ASFI1. Nomination and Support• Ensure that the nominated candidates are fully committed, qualified, and available to participate in all program activities.• Provide moral, administrative, and logistical support to their candidates throughout the entire duration of the program.2. Institutional Endorsement• Formally acknowledge the candidate’s participation and endorse their involvement in ASFI initiatives, including potential travel, training, and collaborative projects.3. Facilitation and Communication• Maintain open communication with ASFI and promptly provide institutional information or documents required during the program.• Facilitate the candidate’s participation in all required programs by granting access to institutional resources where relevant.4. Adherence to Program GuidelinesAbide by ASFI policies, code of conduct, deadlines, and ethical requirements.Engage constructively in feedback processes for quality improvement.5. Facilitate collaborative research activities• Collaborate with ASFI in the implementation of any planned research activity towards the success of the program• Facilitate and expedite institutional ethics approval for any research activity towards the success of the program• Where required, mobilize its staff to participate in any research activity towards the success of the programExpectations of Institutions:25 ASFI 5–10 Program
1. Commitment and Participation• Fully commit to all components of the program, attending scheduled sessions and completing assigned activities within deadlines.• Demonstrate proactive engagement in courses, workshops, mentorship, and collaborative assignments.• Work actively in their Institutional Quintet and Continental Cluster groups.• Contribute to program outputs:Publications, abstracts, and grant proposalsConference presentations and institutional workshops• Act as knowledge multipliers, transferring skills and insights to peers within their institutions.2. Professional Conduct• Uphold high standards of professionalism, respect, and integrity in all interactions with peers, faculty, mentors, and ASFI leadership.• Represent their institutions responsibly and embody ASFI values.3. Learning and Contribution• Show readiness to learn, apply knowledge, and contribute actively to discussions, group work, and community projects.• Provide constructive feedback that helps improve program delivery.4. Documentation and Reporting• Submit required documents, reflection reports, and progress updates promptly.• Maintain ethical standards in research, communication, and collaboration.Expectations of Candidates26 ASFI 5–10 Program
1. Program Delivery and Coordination• Provide well-structured learning modules, mentorship opportunities, and professional development sessions.• Ensure coordinated communication across program platforms and keep all parties informed of schedules and updates.• Foster cross-institutional collaboration and long-term research networks.2. Support and Guidance• Offer academic, technical, and administrative support to candidates and institutions to ensure smooth progression through the program.• Facilitate access to resources, experts, and learning materials.• Provide leadership, training, and mentorship coordination.• Assign and support Mentee Pals to guide participants.3. Inclusive and Enabling Environment• Create a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative learning environment.• Encourage open dialogue, peer engagement, and leadership cultivation.4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Accountability• Track candidate progress and provide timely feedback.• Implement transparent systems for addressing commitment issues, performance challenges, or program deviations.• Maintain program integrity by enforcing guidelines and consequences fairly.Expectations of ASFI27 ASFI 5–10 Program
Participating institutions are expected to provide oversight, support, and consistent engagement throughout the program. Institutions that fail to uphold their commitments risk losing their standing in the ASFI 5–10 Program. The following penalties apply for non-compliance:1. Withdrawal of Institutional Certificate:• Institutions that do not demonstrate active support for their candidates or fail to meet program obligations (e.g., oversight, participation in meetings, or reporting) will not receive the Institutional Certificate of Participation.2. Exclusion from Future ASFI Calls:• Non-compliant institutions may be ineligible to participate in subsequent ASFI calls, programs, or collaborations for a defined period (typically 2-3 years).3. Public Record of Non-Participation:• Institutions that fail to honor commitments may not be listed among the official ASFI 5–10 Program participants on the ASFI website or public reports.4. Withdrawal Clause:• If an institution withdraws or fails to meet requirements before the completion of the program cycle, ASFI reserves the right to withdraw it from the program.The ASFI 5–10 Program is built on accountability, collaboration, and excellence. To maintain the integrity and impact of the program, all participating institutions and candidates are expected to fully meet their responsibilities. Failure to fulfill these expectations will attract appropriate administrative penalties as outlined below.Penalties for InstitutionsPENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE28 ASFI 5–10 Program
Candidates are expected to engage actively, uphold program values, and complete all learning, mentoring, and collaborative activities. The following penalties apply for non-compliance:1. Denial of Certificate:• Candidates who do not attend the required percentage (80%) of training sessions, mentorship meetings, or fail to complete deliverables (publications, group assignments, reports) will not receive the “ASFI Consolidated Certificate in Research Excellence and Capacity Building.”2. Disqualification from Program Outputs:• Inactive candidates will not be credited on publications, grant applications, or collaborative outputs arising from the program.3. Removal from Program:• Candidates who consistently fail to attend activities or engage in misconduct (e.g., plagiarism, misrepresentation, or breach of research integrity) may be removed from the program.4. Ineligibility for Future ASFI Programs:• Non-compliant candidates may be excluded from future ASFI training programs, mentorship initiatives, or other opportunities for up to two years.5. Reporting to Institution:• Persistent non-engagement will be reported to the candidate’s institution, which will be expected to take internal action.Penalties for Candidates29 ASFI 5–10 Program
To ensure fairness, ASFI will apply these penalties under the following principles:1. Transparency: • All institutions and candidates will be informed of the specific reason(s) for any penalty.2. Due Process: • Warnings will be issued before formal sanctions.3. Documentation: • All penalties will be supported by documented evidence (e.g., attendance records, progress reports, mentor feedback).4. Right to Appeal: • Institutions or candidates may submit a written appeal to the ASFI 5–10 Program Committee within 14 days of notification of any penalty.1. Participation in the ASFI 5–10 Program is both a privilege and a professional commitment.2. Institutions and candidates who meet their responsibilities will benefit from recognition, certification, and long-term partnership opportunities.3. Those who fail to uphold the program’s standards risk forfeiting their certificates, losing future eligibility, and missing the opportunity to contribute to Africa’s collaborative research transformation.ASFI Enforcement PrinciplesSummaryASFI 5–10 Program
The Mentee Pal ProgramThe Mentee Pal Program is a peer-mentorship initiative within the ASFI 5–10 Program, designed to nurture learning, collaboration, and leadership among emerging African researchers. Mentee Pals are experienced ASFI members who guide, support, and inspire participants while fostering an environment of integrity, teamwork, and collective growth.Serving both as learners and peer leaders, Mentee Pals play a vital role in helping participants navigate the 5–10 Program journey—motivating them to achieve milestones, produce tangible research outputs, and strengthen their professional capacity. They contribute to group mentoring sessions, workshops, and collaborative projects that advance the program’s overarching goals.Through their involvement, Mentee Pals enhance their own leadership, research, and facilitation skills while contributing to the development of Africa’s next generation of scholars. The role offers opportunities for growth in mentorship, networking, and academic productivity, including contributions to publications, grant proposals, and conference outputs.Summary31 ASFI 5–10 Program
Mentee Pals also benefit from increased visibility within the continental research community, free ASFI membership during their service year, and strengthened eligibility for future grants and leadership positions.Ultimately, the Mentee Pal Program embodies ASFI’s mission of empowering researchers and advancing Africa’s knowledge ecosystem. It creates a supportive platform where mentorship, collaboration, and innovation intersect—enabling both mentors and mentees to flourish as part of a growing community dedicated to scientific excellence and societal impact.32 ASFI 5–10 Program
The Mentee Pal Program is a peer-mentorship initiative within the ASFI 5–10 Program, designed to strengthen learning, collaboration, and research excellence among participants. It brings together experienced ASFI members—known as Mentee Pals—who serve as peer mentors to guide, support, and inspire early-career researchers participating in the program. Through structured engagement, mentorship, and teamwork, Mentee Pals help create a dynamic environment that fosters academic growth, professional development, and collective achievement. The program embodies ASFI’s commitment to building a culture of integrity, inclusivity, and shared progress across Africa’s research community. In essence, the Mentee Pal Program transforms experienced ASFI members into catalysts for institutional and continental research capacity, ensuring that every participant thrives while contributing meaningfully to Africa’s scientific advancement.What is the Mentee Pal Program?33 ASFI 5–10 Program
Who are Mentee Pals?Mentee Pals are peer mentors within the ASFI 5–10 Program who guide, support, and inspire participants, fostering a culture of learning, collaboration, and collective impact. They serve as peer leaders, helping to create a supportive and dynamic environment that nurtures personal and professional growth while advancing the goals of the 5–10 Program. Ideally, Mentee Pals are existing ASFI members already familiar with the organization’s vision, values, and activity routines.34 ASFI 5–10 Program
Responsibilities of Mentee PalsEngage Actively in the Program: Attend and actively participate in ASFI programs, mentoring sessions, workshops, seminars, and GA activities; contribute consistently to collaborative group activities.Support and Guide the 5-10 Program Participants: Encourage and motivate the 5-10 Program participants; share resources, strategies, and constructive feedback; act as accountability partners for accomplishing their group’s tasks and milestones.Foster Collaboration and Integrity: Promote teamwork, inclusivity, and mutual respect; model research integrity and uphold ASFI’s values.Deliver the 5-10 Program Outputs: Work collectively with the 5-10 Program participants towards producing scientific papers, conference abstracts, and grant applications; contribute to peer review and knowledge exchange.Expected Outcomes• Enhanced skills in leadership, research methods, publishing, leadership, and collaboration.• Tangible outputs, including publications, presentations, and research proposals.• Strengthened peer-to-peer networks across Africa.• Increased confidence and experience in mentorship and teamwork.35 ASFI 5–10 Program
Benefits of Being a Mentee PalServing as a Mentee Pal in the ASFI 5–10 Program provides unique professional and personal development opportunities. Participants in the Mentee Pal Program will benefit in the following ways:1. Leadership Development• Gain hands-on experience in mentoring, guiding, and motivating peers.• Strengthen leadership, facilitation, and team management skills.2. Research and Academic Growth• Contribute to impactful research outputs within the groups they support through publications, grant applications, and collaborative research projects.• Enhance academic writing, research design, and knowledgesharing skills.3. Networking and Visibility• Build lasting connections with scholars, researchers, and institutions across Africa.• Gain recognition as a continental peer mentor within the ASFI community and beyond.4. Capacity Building• Develop strong skills in monitoring, evaluation, and accountability through quarterly reporting.• Learn to balance mentorship responsibilities with academic and professional roles.36 ASFI 5–10 Program
5. Career Advancement• Strengthen your academic and professional profile through contributions to continental research outputs.• Enhance eligibility and competitiveness for future grants, fellowships, and leadership positions.6. Contribution to Africa’s Research Ecosystem• Play a pivotal role in supporting the next generation of African scholars.• Contribute to ASFI’s overarching goal of advancing Africa’s knowledge production, collaboration, and socio-economic transformation.7. Free ASFI Membership: Mentee Pals receive free membership of ASFI during the year they act as Mentee PalsIn Summary: Mentee Pals grow as leaders, expand their networks, contribute to continental outputs, and gain recognition while shaping Africa’s future research community.37 ASFI 5–10 Program
Criteria for Selecting Mentee Pals• Commitment: Willingness to fully engage in all program activities and peer-support responsibilities.• Collaboration Skills: Ability to work inclusively and respectfully in diverse, multidisciplinary, and inter-regional groups.• Peer Mentorship Potential: Demonstrates openness to guide, encourage, and support colleagues.• Research Integrity: Commitment to uphold high standards of ethics, transparency, and accountability in research.• Leadership Promise: Shows initiative, reliability, and capacity to foster teamwork and collective progress.• Communication: Strong interpersonal skills, with willingness to share experiences and constructive feedback.• Motivation: Passionate about learning, collaboration, and contributing to the growth of the ASFI community.•38 ASFI 5–10 Program
The Institutional Quintet ProgramThe ASFI 5–10 Program Institutional Quintet is a cornerstone of ASFI’s vision to build a network of transformative scholars who drive excellence and leadership within African institutions. The five candidates nominated by each institution to participate in the ASFI 5-10 Program will together form an Institutional Quintet, serving as catalysts for growth, collaboration, and scholarly transformation within their respective institutions.The Quintet embodies ASFI’s mission by translating the knowledge, skills, and values gained from the 5–10 Program into tangible institutional impact. Members are expected to act as ASFI ambassadors – bridging the gap between the organization and their institutions by fostering research excellence, mentorship, and excellent and ethical scientific practices.Each Quintet must organize at least two institutional seminars or workshops during the 5-10 program year, sharing insights and fostering dialogue on key issues such as scientific writing, career development, or research excellence. ASFI provides guidance and oversight for these activities, which form part of the completion requirements.Summary39 ASFI 5–10 Program
Beyond their institutions, Quintets collaborate across borders through Continental Quintet Clusters, forming enduring platforms for peer learning, joint research, and knowledge exchange. Together, these networks ensure that the benefits of the 5–10 Program extend beyond individual participants – strengthening institutional capacity, nurturing emerging scientists, and advancing ASFI’s vision of a connected, innovative, and sustainable African scientific community.The Institutional Quintet Program is a key pillar of the ASFI 5–10 Program, bringing together five selected participants from each institution to serve as local ambassadors of ASFI’s vision and values. Working collaboratively, each Quintet drives research excellence, mentorship, and institutional capacity building through seminars, workshops, and collaborative initiatives. By translating the skills and insights gained from the 5–10 Program into local impact, the Institutional Quintet fosters a culture of integrity, innovation, and collaboration—ensuring that ASFI’s transformative influence extends beyond individuals to strengthen institutions and the broader African research ecosystem.ProgramASFI 5-10 What is the Institutional Quintet Program?40
The 5–10 Program is designed to empower, transform, and amplifythe productivity, innovation, and impact of its participants. Yet, its purpose extends beyond the individual participant. Through each candidate, ASFI aims to ignite a ripple effect of transformation that strengthens entire institutions – enhancing leadership, research excellence, and collaborative culture from within.For many institutions, the opportunity to participate in the ASFI 5–10 Program may come only once in a generation. Hence, every selected candidate carries dual responsibility:1. To maximize their personal growth, and2. To ensure their institution fully benefits from this engagement with ASFI.Their success is not measured solely by personal advancement, but by how effectively they transfer the knowledge, skills, and networks gained into institutional progress and sustainability.Dual Impact of the 5–10 Program41 ASFI 5–10 Program
Extending ASFI’s ReachASFI’s vision is continental, yet it recognizes the limits of sole and direct reach. The 5–10 Program will help to bridge this gap by positioning participants as ASFI’s ambassadors – its eyes, hands, and feet – within their institutions.Through the program, participants will gain a wealth of transferable skills, practical experience, and a strong pan-African professional network. They are expected to translate these resources into tangible outcomes – fostering collaboration, mentoring colleagues, and embedding ASFI’s values of excellence and ethical research practices in their home institutions.42 ASFI 5–10 Program
Each institution’s five selected candidates collectively form the ASFI 5–10 Program Institutional Quintet – a dynamic team tasked with promoting institutional engagement and sustaining the program’s vision locally.The Quintet serves as a catalyst for institutional transformation, driving dialogue, training, and excellent research culture change. Members are expected to function as a cohesive, proactive group – strategically organizing initiatives that align with both ASFI’s mission and their institution’s specific needs.Every Institutional Quintet is mandated to organize at least two institutional seminars or workshops during the ASFI 5–10 Programyear. These events, designed to transfer lessons and insights from the 5–10 Program, must be formally reported to ASFI Management, which may provide guidance or support where necessary. Topics may draw from ASFI’s core courses or complementary initiatives like Prof. Nwaru’s Career Navigator Series, ensuring relevance and continuity with ASFI’s wider learning ecosystem.Beyond these required events, Quintets are encouraged to initiate additional activities such as training sessions, symposia, mentorship circles, or professional development programs – tailored to the unique needs of their institutional communities. Where these additional activities are organized, they should be reported to ASFI Management.The Institutional Quintet43 ASFI 5–10 Program
Cross-Country Collaboration: The Continental QuintetsTo strengthen collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas, each Institutional Quintet will connect with others with their 5-10 Program cohort across Africa to form Continental Quintets – inter-institutional clusters that foster long-term partnerships, peer support, and shared research endeavors.These Continental Quintet Clusters will evolve into enduring ecosystems of scientific collaboration – building capacity, nurturing emerging researchers, and reinforcing Africa’s collective scientific leadership.In the long term, they will serve as sustainable structures for mentorship, innovation, and institutional growth, ensuring that the transformative impact of the ASFI 5–10 Program extends beyond its immediate participants to influence the broader continental research landscape.44 ASFI 5–10 Program
ASFI Contacts & Social Media Handles:ASFI website:https://africansciencefrontiers.com/ASFIScholar website:https://asfischolar.org/ASFIMeet website:https://asfischolar.net/Email:[email protected] LinkedIn:https://cutt.ly/IBhwv5oX (Formally Twitter):@AfricanScience2YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@asfi1 WhatsApp:https://shorturl.at/XRRHyhttps://shorturl.at/hSXGSASFI 5-10 Program webpage:[email protected] 5-10 Program email: 45 ASFI 5–10 Program