KENET, in its ongoing commitment to advancing research and education collaboration, has issued a Call for Proposals for the 2025 Computer Science and Information Systems (CS/IS) Research and Innovation Grants. This initiative seeks to promote early-stage research and development in cutting-edge and emerging areas of computer science and information systems while strengthening the CS/IS Special Interest Group (SIG).
The grants are designed to empower early-career researchers and junior faculty, enabling them to develop proof-of-concept projects that demonstrate the feasibility of their innovative ideas. By supporting these efforts, KENET aims to not only foster individual research but also to encourage institutional collaboration, ultimately building robust communities of practice in targeted research areas.
Focus Areas for Funding
This year’s funding call prioritizes two key areas:
- Research in Computer Science and Information Systems: With a special focus on Natural Language Processing (NLP) for low-resourced Kenyan languages, this area seeks to advance linguistic diversity in technology by addressing gaps in AI applications for local languages.
- Enhancing Teaching with Technology: This area targets the effective use of technology to teach fundamental computer science concepts, promoting innovative tools and methodologies that enhance learning outcomes in CS/IS courses.
Eligibility and Submission Details
- For Research Grants: Open to full-time computer science or information systems faculty at KENET member institutions who earned their PhDs within the last five years and can demonstrate active research engagement.
- For Teaching Grants: Faculty with PhDs obtained more than five years ago who have actively taught CS/IS courses in the past five years are eligible. Applicants must provide evidence of impactful teaching materials or laboratory exercises developed during this period.
Proposals must be submitted by February 28, 2025, 5:00 PM EAT, via email to csisgrants@kenet.or.ke.