The University of Missouri South African Education Program (UMSAEP) invites proposals for faculty interested in participating in the academic exchange between the University of the Western Cape located near Cape Town and collaborative projects between the University of Missouri System and new or existing educational partners in South Africa.

This year marks the 36th anniversary of the partnership between our institutions. Over time, funding from the UMSAEP has supported over 900 faculty exchanges, involving more than 50 different academic departments on all four UM System campuses. Many of these exchanges have generated externally funded research projects, produced publications or led to curriculum and professional development initiatives. Funding is also available for research collaborations with other South African institutions. Additional information about the history of the program can be found on the website.

Successful proposals include clear evidence that faculty members at each institution are committed to a productive collaboration. Interested faculty should establish strong communication with potential exchange collaborators. Rod Uphoff, director of the UMSAEP, and committee members Dr. Melanie Mormile and Dr. Francisca Oboh-Ikuenobe can assist in identifying and introducing potential UWC collaborators. The UMSAEP website also contains sample applications and reports detailing different types of teaching and research collaborations.

Submit your application for funding to Dr. Francisca Oboh-Ikuenobe, associate dean for academic affairs for the Center of Engineering and Computing, by 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15.