NRF Strengthens Research Funding Dialogue at USIU-Africa’s Graduate Networking High Tea

On March 15, 2025, the National Research Fund (NRF) Kenya took center stage at the Graduate Networking High Tea hosted by United States International University – Africa (USIU-Africa). The event brought together graduate students, faculty heads, industry leaders, and key research stakeholders to explore research funding opportunities and career pathways in academia.

Delivering the keynote address on “Project Funding and Careers in Research: Societal Perspectives,” NRF CEO, Prof. Dickson Andala highlighted the various funding programs available for young researchers, including:
• Multi & Interdisciplinary Calls for Research Proposals – Encouraging collaborative, cross-sectoral research.
• The DAAD Program – Supporting academic exchange and capacity building.
• The Inaugural National Postgraduate Students Conference – Scheduled for May 2025 at Maasai Mara University, offering a platform for students to present research and engage with experts.

Prof. Andala emphasized the importance of intergenerational research collaborations, noting that mentorship and partnerships with experienced researchers strengthen proposals, improve project design, and enhance funding success rates.

In his closing remarks, he reaffirmed NRF’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders to ensure that young researchers receive the support they need to develop solutions for societal challenges.

The half-day event in Nairobi served as a crucial networking platform, fostering collaboration between graduate students, faculty, and professionals from research, industry, and policy sectors. Through such engagements, NRF continues to champion a vibrant research culture in Kenya, ensuring that emerging scholars have the resources and opportunities needed to drive innovation and national development.

For more information on funding opportunities, research grants, and upcoming NRF events, follow us on social media pages @National Research Fund Kenya.