The fellowship is linked to a competitive research grant obtained from the South African National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). The project, “South-North flows of information through translation in the global news agency AFP” is led by Dr Marlie van Rooyen from the UFS and Prof Lucile Davier from the University of Geneva. The UFS postdoctoral fellow will be based in Bloemfontein and supervised by Dr Van Rooyen.
The fellowship will enable an outstanding doctoral graduate to obtain experience in research and innovation at a higher education institution under the mentorship of established researchers. The fellowship is awarded on a competitive basis, considering the applicants' academic achievements and research potential, as well as the relevance of prior experience and expertise. The fellowship is available for a period of two years (2025–2026).
Established in 1904, Universiteit van die Vrystaat (University of the Free State) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Bloemfontein (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Free State. This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Qwaqwa. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, Universiteit van die Vrystaat (UFS) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 25,000-29,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Universiteit van die Vrystaat (UFS) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 115 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic record and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.