The Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) is inviting applications from Africa-based researchers for its Virtual Library Programme, a unique initiative that provides 12 months of fully remote access to selected academic e-resources. This programme is designed to strengthen research capacity across Africa, promote equitable access to scholarly materials, and deepen collaboration between African and Nordic research communities.
At a time when access to academic resources remains uneven across institutions, the Virtual Library Programme offers an important opportunity for researchers working on contemporary African issues in the Social Sciences and Humanities to access high-quality digital research materials regardless of their physical location.
About the Virtual Library Programme
The Virtual Library Programme was created to address long-standing barriers to academic resources faced by many researchers across Africa. Through this initiative, selected participants receive remote access to carefully curated electronic databases and scholarly collections hosted by the Nordic Africa Institute.
The programme is entirely online, allowing participants to continue their research, teaching, and professional responsibilities while benefiting from enhanced access to academic literature. In addition to providing digital resources, the programme also aims to foster long-term academic relationships and collaboration between African scholars and researchers based in the Nordic countries.
Programme Overview
- Duration: 12 months
- Mode: Fully remote (online access)
- Research Focus: Contemporary Africa-related research in Social Sciences and Humanities
- Application Language: English
- Target Group: Africa-based PhD students and researchers
Participants are granted access to the Virtual Library for one year, during which they can use the resources to support ongoing research projects, academic writing, teaching, and collaborative work.
Key Benefits of the Programme
The Virtual Library Programme offers several academic and professional benefits, including:
Access to High-Quality Research Resources
Participants gain access to a wide range of Africa-focused e-resources, including but not limited to:
- African Books Collection
- African Writers Series
- AllAfrica news archives
- Oxford Bibliographies
- Additional scholarly databases relevant to African studies
These resources support both historical and contemporary research across disciplines such as politics, development studies, sociology, history, gender studies, and cultural studies.
Flexible and Remote Access
The programme is fully remote, making it especially suitable for researchers with family responsibilities, institutional duties, or limited mobility. Participants can access materials from their home institutions or personal workspaces without the need for travel.
Orientation and Research Support
Selected participants will take part in an introductory Zoom session, which provides guidance on how to navigate the Virtual Library, use databases effectively, and maximize the value of available resources.
Strengthened African–Nordic Collaboration
A core objective of the programme is to enhance collaboration between African and Nordic researchers. By supporting joint research activities and knowledge exchange, the programme contributes to more inclusive and globally connected scholarship.
Commitment to Equity
The Nordic Africa Institute prioritizes gender balance, geographic diversity, and institutional equity, with special consideration given to applicants from less well-resourced institutions across the African continent.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Virtual Library Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a PhD student or active researcher based in Africa
- Conduct research related to contemporary Africa within the Social Sciences or Humanities
- Be actively collaborating with a Nordic-based researcher located in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, or Iceland
- Demonstrate how access to digital resources will support their research objectives
Priority will be given to applicants whose participation contributes to:
- Strengthening underrepresented institutions
- Promoting gender equality
- Expanding geographic diversity in academic research
Who Should Apply?
This programme is ideal for:
- Doctoral students conducting Africa-focused research
- Early-career and mid-career researchers seeking improved access to academic literature
- Scholars involved in cross-regional or comparative research with Nordic partners
- Researchers working in institutions with limited access to international academic databases
Applicants should clearly demonstrate the relevance of the Virtual Library resources to their ongoing or planned research activities.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online and completed in English. Interested candidates are encouraged to carefully review the application guidelines and eligibility requirements before applying.
👉 Official application details and submission portal:
https://nai.uu.se/opportunities/scholarships/virtual-library-programme.html
Applicants may be required to provide information about their research focus, institutional affiliation, and existing collaboration with a Nordic researcher.
The Nordic Africa Institute’s Virtual Library Programme represents an important step toward democratizing access to academic knowledge and supporting high-quality research on Africa. By offering 12 months of digital access to essential scholarly resources, the programme empowers Africa-based researchers to deepen their work, expand international collaborations, and contribute more effectively to global academic discourse.
For researchers committed to advancing Africa-focused scholarship while building strong international partnerships, this programme offers a valuable and timely opportunity.