Background

 A critical bottleneck in transforming the agricultural sector is the shortage of highly skilled workforce capable of leveraging modern science, technology, and innovation.

 Although there are diverse opportunities for agricultural STI talent development in China and Africa, these resources are often fragmented across institutions. Students and scientists may face information gap on how to access such programs.

 STEP-A is designed to provide visibility of talent development opportunities at a centralized platform, encouraging reciprocal scientific exchange and joint innovation within the CAASTIA network.

Goal and Objectives

Overall Goal

 To contribute to sustainable agricultural development and food security in China and Africa by cultivating a critical mass of high-caliber professionals equipped with cutting-edge scientific knowledge, practical skills, and a collaborative spirit.

Specific Objectives

 To enhance research capacity;

 To facilitate knowledge transfer;

 To develop leadership and entrepreneurship;

 To build sustainable networks.

Talent Exchange & Development Programmes

Academic Degree Programmes

 Master's Programmes: for high-potential African undergraduates to pursue master's degrees at CAASTIA member institutions in China.

 Doctoral Programmes: for high-caliber African graduates to pursue PhD degrees at CAASTIA member institutions in China.

Postdoctoral Fellowship

 2-year postdoctoral fellowship for outstanding African and Chinese early-career scientists to conduct research at member institutions in China and Africa, respectively.

Visiting Scholar Fellowship

 3-12 month fellowship for African and Chinese faculty members and scientists to conduct collaborative research at CAASTIA member institutions in China and Africa, respectively.

Short-Term Training and Exchange Programmes

 Technical Workshops: Intensive 2-4 week training courses in China or Africa for agricultural officials, scientists, and other stakeholders.

 Faculty Exchange: 1-3 month visit for Chinese and African scientists to co-teach, develop joint curricula, and launch collaborative research initiatives.

How to Participate

 Nomination by CAASTIA Members: Member institutions can nominate candidates by submitting the official nomination form for placements in the following year.

 Open Call for Applications: Qualified candidates may also apply directly through open calls announced at the CAASTIA website.

Contact

CAASTIA Secretariats

-China: caastia-china@caas.cn

-Africa: caastia-africa@aasciences.africa

For more information, please visit the website:

https://www.caastia.org/Initiatives/STEP_A/index.htm