ESA-EIRMIP RESEARCH GRANT FOR THE 2024/25 ACADEMIC YEAR VALUE-ADDED SUGARCANE PRODUCTS IN ESWATINI ROUND 4

Background

 The Eswatini Sugar Association (ESA), in collaboration with the Eswatini Institute for Research in Traditional Medicine, Medicinal and Indigenous Food Plants (EIRMIP), University of Eswatini (UNESWA), are engaged in a collaborative project to develop value-added products derived from sugar and/or sugarcane.  The local sugar industry has largely remained a single income stream industry, yet globally, the sugar industry is experiencing a drive for commercial sustainability, focused on the diversification of income streams to include other value-added products. This programme is in its fourth cycle of funding and has already funded three postgraduate students to develop distinct products from sugar and/or sugarcane.

Applications are, therefore, invited from registered master’s students of the University of Eswatini to conduct research on sugar and/or sugarcane to produce high value-added products. The successful candidate will receive grant funding to conduct this research within one academic year and produce a prototype of the product.

 Eligibility:

 Registered Master’s students at the University of Eswatini who are due to complete their coursework by August 2024, and ready to commence their research project in the first semester of the 2024/25 Academic year.

  1. The student’s tuition must be fully paid to enable them to register for their research year.
  2. The candidate should be registered in a science or science-related field.
  3. The student must be willing to register on a full-time basis.
  4. The student must be a liSwati.

Application Process:

  1. Submit a concept note of not more than 500 words, detailing how you propose to achieve the aim of the project.
  2. Submit a personal statement (one page only), indicating why you should be selected for the research grant.
  3. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview in order to present their proposal before a selection panel.

Award:

The successful candidate will receive tuition fees for 1 year and a monthly stipend not exceeding one academic year to support them during the research project year.

Applications are to be submitted electronically to the Director EIRMIP, eirmip@uneswa.ac.sz. The deadline for submitting applications is close of business on the 31st August 2024. For further information, please call +268 2517 0189.