UKUDLA invites academic staff from the University of Pretoria, University of Mpumalanga, University of the Western Cape, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the University of Hohenheim to express their interest in serving as main or co-supervisors for PhD researchers affiliated with UKUDLA. Furthermore, each potential supervisor is also invited to indicate a specific research topic that falls within the broader UKUDLA research clusters.
About UKUDLA
UKUDLA is a collaborative, transdisciplinary initiative committed to training the next
generation of research leaders at the intersection of data science and food systems in Africa. The network supports capacity strengthening through multi-institutional partnerships, dynamic training opportunities, and a strong focus on impactful, applied research.
Who Should Consider Applying?
Academic staff whose work intersects with:
• Food systems (agriculture, nutrition, economics, food security, rural development, environmental sciences)
• Data science (statistics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, informatics, geospatial analysis)
Researchers at all career stages are welcome, but early-career scholars are particularly encouraged to apply.
Benefits of Participation
By participating, supervisors will:
• Contribute to shaping the next generation of African research leaders
• Engage in multi-institutional collaborations across five partner universities
• Expand their own skills through ongoing training in data science and transdisciplinary research
• Support research addressing real-world challenges in African food systems
Key Details
- Submission Form: Complete your expression of interest here: https://universityofpretoria.glasscubes.com/form/eba24fbf-bbc9-4fb2-80a6-209b4737a500
- Deadline: 31 October 2025
- Institutions Involved: University of Pretoria, University of Mpumalanga, University of the Western Cape, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the University of Hohenheim
- Access the Reference call document at the link below
If you previously submitted an expression of interest during the earlier call, please resubmit using the updated form to include your proposed research topic.
For further information, contact: ukudla@uwc.ac.za