frequently asked questions
This page provides guidance on membership, events, partnerships, governance, and general enquiries relating to the African Scholars Association of Ireland (AfSAI).
If your question is not addressed below, please contact us at info@afsai.ie.
General Information
African Scholars Association Ireland (AfSAI) is a voluntary, membership-based scholarly association founded in 2018. It serves African PhD holders and PhD candidates across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
AfSAI provides a structured platform for research collaboration, mentorship, professional development, policy engagement, and community building.
No. AfSAI is an independent scholarly association. Our members are affiliated with various higher education institutions across Ireland and Northern Ireland, but the association itself operates independently.
No. AfSAI is a non-partisan scholarly association. While we engage in evidence-based policy dialogue, our work is guided by academic rigour and ethical scholarship rather than political affiliation.
Membership
Membership is open to:
- African PhD holders based in Ireland and Northern Ireland
- African PhD candidates enrolled in recognised higher education institutions in Ireland and Northern Ireland
- Early-career researchers of African descent seeking scholarly engagement
Applicants must demonstrate active academic engagement and alignment with AfSAI’s mission and values.
No. Membership is based on academic status and location, not citizenship.
No. AfSAI is interdisciplinary and welcomes scholars from all academic fields, including sciences, humanities, arts, social sciences, policy, and community development.
Details regarding membership fees, if applicable, are communicated during the application process. Fees may support event programming, administrative operations, and community initiatives.
You can apply by completing the online membership application form available on the Membership page. Applications are reviewed by the Membership Committee before confirmation.
Yes. Early-career researchers are encouraged to apply and engage with AfSAI’s mentorship and professional development initiatives.
Events
Some events are open to the public, invited guests, or partner institutions. Others may be exclusive to members. Each event listing clearly indicates participation eligibility.
Event registration is available through the Events page. Each event includes details on date, location, programme, and registration instructions.
Yes. AfSAI hosts academic conferences and scholarly gatherings that provide platforms for research presentation, policy dialogue, and interdisciplinary engagement.
Research & Impact
AfSAI supports research dissemination through conferences, policy briefs, reports, and collaborative publications. Selected research outputs and highlights may be featured on the website.
Yes. AfSAI welcomes collaboration with universities, government bodies, NGOs, and industry partners on research, policy engagement, and community-based initiatives.
Governance
AfSAI is governed by a nine-member Executive Committee responsible for strategic leadership, financial oversight, membership engagement, and institutional accountability.
Executive roles are determined in accordance with the association’s governance framework and internal processes, ensuring transparency and member representation.
Partnerships
Organisations interested in partnership may contact AfSAI via email or submit a partnership enquiry form. Collaboration may include joint research, event sponsorship, policy engagement, or capacity-building initiatives.
Yes. Sponsorship opportunities may include support for conferences, research initiatives, scholarships, and professional development programmes. All sponsorship arrangements align with AfSAI’s mission and ethical standards.
Contact & Communication
For general enquiries, membership questions, or partnership discussions, please contact:
Email: info@afsai.ie
Additional contact details will be updated as they become available.
You can stay informed by:
- Visiting the Events page regularly
- Subscribing to the AfSAI newsletter (if available)
- Following official AfSAI communication channels
Still Have Questions?
If your question is not addressed here, we welcome your enquiry.
Please contact us at info@afsai.ie, and a member of the team will respond accordingly.