The Africa Transport Policy Program (SSATP), with support from the Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF), is pleased to announce a call for research papers as part of the South-South Academia Cooperation (SSAC) initiative. This effort aims to enhance knowledge sharing among African universities in the transport sector, focusing on innovative solutions for the improvement and integration of Informal Public Transport (IPT) operations.
Research Focus: Technologies to Transform Informal Public Transport
SSATP is inviting early-career researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to develop research papers. These papers should explore technologies that can support the enhancement and integration of IPT systems. The papers can be submitted in English, French, or Portuguese.
Selected research teams will receive financial support from SSATP for various activities, including:
- Conducting research and participating in research exchange visits
- Preparing and presenting their papers
- Disseminating their findings at an international workshop
- Publishing high-quality papers through additional channels
Thematic Focus Areas
Research papers should identify physical or digital technologies that can help improve and integrate IPT operations across different cities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The papers must address one or more of the following thematic clusters:
- Decarbonization Technologies: Innovations in vehicle motive power and energy systems that promote lower carbon emissions in the IPT sector.
- Safety Enhancement: Technologies that improve road, vehicle, and passenger safety within the IPT sector.
- Management and Information Systems: Tools that enhance the efficiency of IPT operations through better management and information systems.
Comparative Analysis Requirement
Submissions must include a comparative analysis involving at least two different SSA countries. The analysis should examine the technologies identified, the public and private sector stakeholders involved in local adoption, and the benefits and challenges associated with implementing these technologies. Additional cross-cutting issues are outlined in the full call document.
Eligibility Criteria and Team Composition
The call is open to teams of three to four early-career researchers, who must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Each team member must be enrolled in a PhD or Master’s program, or have graduated within the last five years.
- Researchers must be based in Sub-Saharan Africa and affiliated with an African university or research institution.
- Teams should represent diverse academic disciplines and must include at least one female member.
Submission Guidelines
Teams are required to submit:
- A one-page abstract outlining their research proposal
- A one-page CV for each team member
Submissions are due by Monday, December 2, 2024, at 17:00 (UTC+1). Detailed information on submission requirements, the selection process, and guidelines for submitting queries are available in the full call document.
Timeline for Research
Teams should be prepared to:
- Start research preparations by the end of 2024
- Conduct research and exchange visits in the first quarter of 2025
- Draft and finalize their research papers in the second quarter of 2025
This timeline is subject to adjustments based on project needs.
Researchers interested in advancing knowledge in the transport sector and contributing to impactful policy development are encouraged to seize this opportunity.
For more details, please click on this link.