Professional Development Awards

About

The Professional Development Awards focused on enhancing the career experience and professional capacity of early-career researchers specializing in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), or related policy issues. It supported three Professional Development Awardees (PDAs) hosted at IDRC’s African regional office for a one-year paid fellowship.

During their tenure, PDAs contributed to the implementation of key activities within the first phase of the AI4D Program - AI4D Africa and AI4COVID programs. They also undertook mentored research on AI for development topics of their choice, gaining practical experience in research, program management, grant administration, and the dissemination of knowledge from an international development perspective.

The program provided a valuable platform for developing professional and research skills while fostering integration with project partners across the AI4D network, contributing to responsible AI research and innovation across the region.