We are delighted to inform you that VREF invites applications for research grants to support projects that will be implemented in 2023 under the VREF programme 'Mobility and Access in African Cities' (MAC). 

The deadline for submission of applications is 1 September 2022.

 MAC is a VREF-funded initiative with the purpose of increasing the knowledge and capacity base on equitable and sustainable mobility and access in cities in sub-Saharan Africa. The programme is being carried out 2019 – 2024 and seeks to contribute to forming a new generation of highly skilled sub-Saharan university researchers and teachers, as well as to engage professionals, policy makers and actors within civil society who are committed to achieving goals of sustainable and equitable urban mobility and access. Leading international experts can also contribute to the programme through collaborative research projects with their sub-Saharan African counterparts.

This Call is the fourth one of the MAC programme, following earlier calls in 2019, 2020 and 2021.This year the MAC programme particularly welcomes project proposals with the following profiles:

›› Projects that engage young scholars

›› Projects that reflect gender balance in the work of the research team

›› Projects that are continuations of previously funded MAC projects

The Call focuses on small, cross-disciplinary projects within the following core themes of the MAC Programme, specifically in issues related to urban mobility and access:

›› Theme 1: User Needs and Practices, Equity Issues

›› Theme 2: Governance, Politics, Institutions and Finances

›› Theme 3: Emerging Business Models and Service Options

›› Theme 4: Safety, Health and the Urban Environment

›› Theme 5: System Design and Modal Integration

›› Theme 6: Analytical Tools