The Advancing Indigenous and Refugee Knowledge and Engagement in Management of Migration in Africa (AIReKEMA) project is inviting applications for its 2026 Research Fellowship Cohort.
AIReKEMA is being implemented in collaboration with Carleton University and regional hubs across Africa, including the Refugee Law Project at Makerere University in Uganda for East Africa, the Centre for Migration Studies at the University of Ghana for West Africa, and the University of Zululand in South Africa for Southern Africa.
The project will select 12 Research Fellows from the regional hubs to undertake original research examining the application of traditionally excluded knowledge in managing migration flows and border areas in Africa. The research will focus primarily on the experiences of Indigenous communities and Refugee-Led initiatives.
Successful Research Fellows will be individuals with deep experience in, or ongoing research on, themes related to migration, refugees, conflict resolution, indigenous knowledge, and local communities’ governance in border regions in Africa.
The fellowship will support researchers to translate the results of their work into forms that can engage regional organizations and power brokers in border areas. This is intended to encourage the development, implementation, and assessment of innovative approaches and policies that reduce conflict and foster cooperation in border areas in the context of migration.
Fellowship Support
The fellowships are part-time, 12-month appointments and will include:
US$11,000 stipend
US$1,800 fund to support eligible research expenses
Co-supervision by a faculty member from Carleton University and the relevant regional project hub
Participation in project activities
Remote access to Carleton University Library resources
Successful fellows will also be expected to complete research ethics clearance requirements from Carleton University and their home countries.
Eligibility
Successful candidates will:
Be a postgraduate student, either MA or PhD, or an early-career scholar/community leader with a proven record of engagement in the research themes central to the project;
Have a record of engaging with policy and programme issues relating to migration and refugee issues in border areas;
Have a vision for how their experience as a Research Fellow will enhance their ability to advance innovative approaches to improving migration outcomes and fostering peacebuilding in border areas.
Given the objectives of the project, priority will be given to applicants who are members of Indigenous or refugee communities in East, West, or Southern Africa. Priority will also be given to candidates who contribute to regional, gender, and other forms of diversity within the cohort.
Application Process
Interested applicants must submit the following documents to AIReKEMA@carleton.ca by 1 June 2026:
Cover letter
Curriculum Vitae
Research proposal of a maximum of three pages, single-spaced
Names and contact details of three references
The research proposal should:
Articulate the research puzzle to be addressed;
Explain the significance of the research in relation to the project’s goals;
Explain the relationship between the proposed research and the literature;
Detail the research question that will guide the research;
Outline the methodology to be used;
Outline the timeline for the research to be completed by January 2027.
Selection Process
Eligible applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee comprising representatives from Carleton University and the hub in the region where the Research Fellow will be based.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a Zoom interview by 8 June 2026. Interviewed candidates will be informed of the outcome of the selection process by 22 June 2026.
Deadline
Applications close on 1 June 2026.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted by email to:
For more information, applicants may visit the original call on the AIReKEMA website.
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