Background
The International Research Consortium (IRC) on Food, Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) is a bi-continental, AU–EU co-owned platform under the HLPD on STI. It operationalizes the FNSSA 2027–2036 Roadmap through six interdependent Functional Working Groups (FWGs) that act as a “network of networks,” co-led by African and European institutions and anchored by regional implementing partners. The FWGs are the IRC’s operational engine to translate priorities into measurable outcomes, investment alignment, and policy uptake.
The IRC Functional Working Groups
- Research – knowledge generation and scientific advancement
- Education – human capital development and skills transfer
- Advisory Services – knowledge translation and community engagement
- Policy Think Tank – evidence-informed policy support and foresight
- Agrofood Enterprises (Industry) – innovation uptake, commercialization, SME growth
- Funding – resource mobilization and financial sustainability
Objective of the Call
This EoI invites eligible networks to join one or more FWGs to co-design and deliver collaborative AU–EU R&I actions, shape joint agendas (JWPs), and represent stakeholder perspectives in Africa–Europe FNSSA dialogue and implementation.
Who Can Apply
Eligible entities are “networks of actors” across the AU–EU R&I space that are signatories to the AU–EU IRC on FNSSA or part of the CEA-FIRST/IRC community, including:
- Thematic networks, clusters of projects, clusters of interest at national, regional, continental, bi-continental and global levels
- Public/private research organizations, universities, research infrastructures, innovation hubs
- Government agencies and regional institutions (incl. RECs)
- Civil society organizations, NGOs, farmer and producer associations
- Private sector actors and agri-business networks (incl. SME alliances)
- Youth and women-led organizations and enterprises
- Donor/development partners and think tanks
Applicants must show clear interest and/or active involvement in FNSSA-related work and alignment with IRC objectives and principles (co-ownership, transparency, inclusivity, decentralization, adaptive learning).