African researchers are invited to apply for this year’s Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer (JWO) Research Grant, for projects with a focus on the preservation of Africa’s natural environment.

The winning project will receive $150 000 in funding support. The deadline for submissions is May 27.

The award, in its fourth year, is in honour of the late Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer, who was passionate about the sustainable use of Africa’s natural heritage.

Oppenheimer Generations Philanthropies head Bridget Fury said that over the last three years the JWO grant has seen the submission of groundbreaking research proposals.

“2022 marks the 4th year of this incredible journey and we look forward to the highest level of participation from our scholars so that we can assist them in making a positive impact in their communities and on the continent,” she said.

Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation head Dr Duncan MacFadyen said the award aims to support African Researchers with a grant that will enable them to conduct and fund their research initiatives.

Last year the grant was awarded to Dr Gideon Idowu from the Federal University of Technology Akure of Nigeria. 

His innovative research showed the effects of microplastics and chemical contaminants on people and the environment.

Idowu said the grant will allow researchers to contribute to the protection of African heritage and the environment.

Applicants are invited to submit their research projects in English via the online portal https://jwogrant.kinsta.cloud/ and are also urged to follow the conversation online by following Oppenheimer Research and Conservation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.