The Andrea Leenen Memorial All from One Research Grant offers up to US$25,000 per project for eligible African palaeontology researchers. Pre-applications close 23 October 2026.
SEO Excerpt: Andrea Leenen Memorial All from One Research Grant 2026 by PAST Africa offers up to US$25,000 per project for eligible African palaeontology research. African-based postdoctoral and senior researchers, as well as qualifying African nationals working overseas, can submit pre-applications by 23 October 2026.
Background & Job Description
The Palaeontological Scientific Trust (PAST Africa) has opened the fifth call for its Andrea Leenen Memorial All from One Research Grant Programme. The funding supports innovative African palaeontology research that contributes to understanding human origins, past climate and ecological change, or prehistoric extinctions.
Projects may involve fieldwork, laboratory research or museum collections across palaeoanthropology, Stone Age archaeology, palaeobotany, palaeoecology and palaeoclimatology.
Tasks and Funding Benefits
- Up to US$25,000 per project for the 2026–2027 cycle.
- Funding for a maximum of two projects.
- Potential renewal for up to three years, subject to progress reporting, a new application and funding availability.
- Support for undergraduate and postgraduate student training connected to the research.
- Contributions towards strengthening African palaeontological infrastructure and technical capacity.
PAST does not fund salaries or institutional overheads. Permanent equipment is generally excluded unless it will be donated to strengthen an African institution under a formal agreement.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must be either:
- African-based postdoctoral researchers.
- African-based senior researchers.
- African nationals based overseas who maintain a formal affiliation and an established collaborative relationship with an African institution.
The research must take place in Africa and be based at an African institution able to receive and disburse the funds. Projects must address at least one of the programme’s three core themes:
- Shared African origins of humankind.
- Past climate and ecological change and their relevance to current environmental crises.
- Prehistoric extinctions and their relevance to today’s biodiversity crisis.
Research materials must be curated at an African institution according to applicable national and institutional protocols.
Additional Information
Key dates:
- Pre-application deadline: 23 October 2026.
- Full proposal deadline, if invited: 5 February 2027.
- Final decisions: By 23 April 2027.
The initial pre-application must be no longer than 500 words and include the provisional project title, research problem, goals, location, methods, expected results, collaborators, student involvement or infrastructure contribution, and potential for public outreach. Applicants must also prepare a preliminary budget showing requested costs and other funding sources.
How to Apply
- Read the official PAST All from One Grant call.
- Prepare a pre-application of no more than 500 words and a preliminary budget.
- Email the pre-application to hq@pastafrica.co.za before 23 October 2026.
- Wait for PAST to confirm whether you are invited to submit a full proposal.
Only invited applicants proceed to the full application stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding is available?
Successful projects may receive up to US$25,000 each. A maximum of two projects will be funded in the 2026–2027 cycle.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include African-based postdoctoral and senior researchers, plus African nationals based overseas who maintain a formal affiliation and established collaboration with an African institution.
Can the grant be renewed?
Yes. Grants may be renewed for up to three years, subject to satisfactory progress reports, a new application and available funding.
What is the pre-application deadline?
Pre-applications must be submitted by 23 October 2026.
Does the grant cover salaries?
No. PAST states that salaries and institutional overheads are not funded.
Where can I apply?
Read the official call and submit your pre-application to hq@pastafrica.co.za.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares funding announcements for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with PAST Africa. Applicants should consult the official grant call and confirm all requirements before applying.
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