With the FA(ST)2Africa short-term mobility scholarships for international researchers and administrative staff from universities or other relevant institutions, KIT is taking a clear step towards strengthening strategic partnerships with the African continent. The scholarship program enables KIT members to invite excellent researchers or administrative personnel from Sub-Saharan Africa to Karlsruhe for a period of one to three months. 

The program supports research stays that contribute to building or deepening joint projects in research and teaching—through pilot projects, draft proposals, or co-publication of key research results, for example. In addition, administrative staff members may be invited if they are interested in supporting KIT in expanding its strategic partnerships with institutions in Africa. 

Eligible for nomination are postdoctoral researchers with outstanding academic profiles and proven experience in international collaboration. For administrative staff, their current position and local networks are of interest. Nominees must have lived in a Sub-Saharan African country for at least five years and must not hold a permanent employment contract in Germany at the time of selection. 

Only KIT staff members who are actively involved in the FA(ST)2Africa project are eligible to submit nominations. Direct applications by individuals from Africa are not possible. 

Selection is made by an interdisciplinary committee based on academic excellence, innovation potential, and prospects for sustainable collaboration. Up to eight scholarships will be awarded, each with a duration of one to three months, or in the case of administrative staff, one to two weeks. 

Next submission deadline: July 31, 2025 

Further deadlines: October 31, 2025, and possibly February 28, 2026 

Contact and submission: fast2africa∂intl.kit.edu 

On Friday, May 16, 2025, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) welcomed a high-ranking delegation from Ethiopia. The group consisted of three vice presidents of leading Ethiopian universities and representatives of the Ministry of Education. The focus of the visit was the desire to exchange ideas about the diverse research and teaching activities at KIT and to identify points of contact for the further development of the Ethiopian Centers of Excellence. 

The guests were welcomed by the Vice President for Teaching and Academic Affairs, Prof. Alexander Wanner. Project manager Andreas Fink then presented the strategy fund project FA(ST)2Africa, which aims to raise awareness of and expand Africa-related research and science activities at KIT and to develop an Africa strategy for KIT. Key topics include energy, water, climate, and raw materials. 

Afterwards, the guests received practical insights into current research projects: At the Light Technology Institute, Prof. Alexander Colsmann presented developments in the field of organic photovoltaics. At the Institute for Water and Environment, Prof. Olivier Eiff, Prof. Erwin Zehe, and Dr.-Ing. Frank Seidel provided information on ongoing work on hydrological issues. The morning concluded with a presentation of the latest technologies in the field of membrane processes. 

In the afternoon, Prof. Andrea Iris Schäfer presented the work at the Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology, located on Campus North. Afterwards, Prof. Wilhelm Stork and Markus Lehner provided insights into current projects on embedded systems and sensor technology at the FZI. 

The delegation was impressed by KIT's innovative potential and interdisciplinary approach. The open dialogue and commitment to sustainable partnerships were particularly emphasized.