Vision
To be a leading supporter of innovative graduate research for transformative change.
Mission
To create a nurturing environment where graduate scholars, grounded in interdisciplinarity, conduct research and engage in innovative dialogue at multidisciplinary platforms to address issues confronting societies, while contributing to an improved quality of life.
About the GRF program
Established in June 2025, the THRIVE Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF) Program aligns with the innovative scientific research domain of the THRIVE Research and Innovations Facility (THRAIF). Every fellow participating in this program conducts their research within that context. Fellows are usually enrolled at universities while conducting their research under the auspices of this program, which is hosted at THRAIF’s THRIVE Scientific Research Institute (TRISU).
They receive financial and other support to continue their studies, as long as it aligns with the research agenda of TRISU, including focusing on the socio-ecological resilience of communities as a core niche of THRAIF. This means they also take part in all activities related to the innovative scientific research domain of THRAIF, in addition to activities at TRISU. The financial support also depends on ongoing projects or internal grants within THRAIF. To facilitate this, the program encourages one of the supervisors to be from or affiliated with THRAIF through TRISU. The fellow must also join a specific research group at TRISU and fulfil all related requirements.
Duration of fellowship and expectations
The fellowship is usually granted for a specific period, up to 2 years for master’s research fellows and between 3 and 5 years for doctoral researchers. A fellow can progress from a master’s fellowship to a doctoral fellowship and then to a postdoctoral fellowship.
However, please note that the postdoctoral fellowship is a separate programme in its own right. During the fellowship period, each fellow is expected to actively engage in activities related to innovative scientific research, with a particular focus on TRISU. Each fellow should ensure to familiarize themselves with the details of TRISU: https://thrive.ac.ug/trisu/
Who qualifies to apply
The program supports exceptional graduate students pursuing full-time, research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in or related to socio-ecological resilience or the broader field of sustainability. Applications are welcome from diverse talents, but the research must have the potential to lead or contribute to transformative (social) change. It also must be within the research agenda or orientation scope at TRISU. Among the criteria for outstanding candidates are academic grades: a minimum of second-class upper division at the bachelor’s level and an equivalent at the master’s level (for doctoral candidates).
Program contacts
TRISU is responsible for processing applications and responding to requests for information. General inquiries regarding the Program should be directed to TRISU via email at trisu@thrive.ac.ug, or by phone at the contact number provided by THRAIF.
How and when to apply
All applications are submitted electronically via the provided link here. You can do this at any time, but please note that TRISU operates on a cohort system, so each application is assigned to a specific cohort. There is a cap on the number of people that can be part of a cohort, depending on available spaces at TRISU for the fellowship. Regarding the timing of the application process, unless there is a special invitation or call for applications, the current application window runs from April 30 to June 30 each year.