Deadline: July 20, 2025
Are you an early-career academic, researcher, or public official passionate about using science and innovation for Africa’s sustainable future? The Politecnico di Milano Master in Science Diplomacy & Innovation for Sustainable Development 2025 is your opportunity to gain advanced knowledge, engage in high-level international collaboration, and lead meaningful change across Africa.
This fully funded programme is designed for 25 young professionals from Africa and offers a unique blend of academic training, science diplomacy, and innovation leadership. The Politecnico di Milano Master in Science Diplomacy & Innovation for Sustainable Development 2025 also welcomes up to 10 non-African self-funded participants.
About the Programme
This Specialising Master’s programme is launched in collaboration with the IHEA Foundation and six top Italian universities, including Politecnico di Milano. It supports the AU–EU Innovation Agenda and aligns with the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Main objectives:
- Equip African scholars with tools to tackle sustainable development challenges.
- Build expertise at the intersection of research, policy, and teaching.
- Foster equitable and enduring cooperation between African and Italian institutions.
The course structure combines both online and in-person modules, offering academic rigour and practical exposure, including field visits, research skills development, and engagement with science-policy interface mechanisms.
Who Should Apply?
The programme is specifically tailored for:
- Early-career academics, researchers, and lecturers from North and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Public officials involved in science, technology, education, or development.
- Candidates from countries prioritised under Italy’s Piano Mattei (Mattei Plan).
Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation, science-based policymaking, and sustainable development goals in Africa.
Scholarship Details
- Full scholarships available for 25 African candidates, covering tuition and programme expenses.
- Up to 10 non-African candidates may join the programme on a self-funded basis.
Programme Duration & Structure
The programme includes:
- Academic coursework in science diplomacy, sustainable development, and innovation systems.
- Capacity-building workshops, cross-sectoral seminars, and networking sessions.
- In-person modules and immersive field visits in Italy.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: July 20, 2025
- Programme Start: TBC (Participants will be notified upon selection)
Application Process
To apply for the Politecnico di Milano Master in Science Diplomacy & Innovation for Sustainable Development 2025, candidates should prepare the following:
- Updated CV
- Motivation letter (max 1 page)
- Proof of institutional affiliation
- Academic transcripts (if requested)
- Recommendation letter (optional but encouraged)
📥 Click here to Apply
🔗 Click here to Read More About the Programme
Programme Partners
This initiative is supported by:
- Politecnico di Milano
- IHEA Foundation
- Leading Italian universities and research institutes
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI)
Similar Programmes and Clarification
Note: This programme differs from the earlier African Innovation Leadership Master offered by Politecnico di Milano, which focused on entrepreneurship and closed applications in March 2025. The Science Diplomacy & Innovation for Sustainable Development Master focuses on research excellence, science policy, and sustainable development leadership.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an emerging African scholar looking to make an impact through innovation and science diplomacy, don’t miss this opportunity. The Politecnico di Milano Master in Science Diplomacy & Innovation for Sustainable Development is a gateway to becoming a thought leader at the intersection of science, policy, and sustainable development.
Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
