by Andrew Clayton Research and Evidence Division DFID

1. CIRCLE: A programme to strengthen the
capacity of African researchers on the impact
of climate change in Africa.
Andrew Clayton
Research and Evidence Division
DFID

2. Background to CIRCLE
• Vulnerability of many parts of Africa to climate change
• Uncertainty around climate impacts at national and local level
• Limited capacity in Africa to undertake research on local
impacts
• Climate Impacts Research Capacity and Leadership
Enhancement (CIRCLE) programme created and designed
to build capacity and improve evidence on climate impact.

3. DFID Involvement
• A number of delivery options were considered for this
programme but the preferred option was to contract the
Association of Commonwealth Universities to manage the
programme on behalf of DFID.
• CIRCLE programme designed by DFID, ACU and AAS
• DFID committed £5m to the programme, over 5 years from
2013-2018. Started with six month Inception Phase
• Managed by DFID’s Research and Evidence Division.
Recognition that research capacity building needs dedicated
support.

4. Objectives of CIRCLE
CIRCLE focuses on both individuals and institutions:
• Provide support to early career African researchers to
undertake research on climate impacts in different sectors
and localities.
• Capacity building of African research institutions on research
into climate impacts
• Home and Host Institutions

5. Key Targets
• 100 Fellowships (40 post MSc and 60 post PhD of up to12
months duration) i.e. structured supervised placement in host
institutions with mentors. 50% should be women
• Up to 10 hosting research institutions as well as the home
institutions of successful fellows will have their research
training and mentoring systems strengthened
• 200 mentors’ skills are strengthened
• 100 peer reviewed articles are published
• At least 10 researchers participate in international climate
change research and evidence projects,

6. CIRCLE Partners
• Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) –
managing partner
• African Academy of Sciences (AAS) – implementing partner
• Natural Resources Institute-led consortium (with University
College London and London School of Hygiene and Tropical
Medicine) – quality assurance provider
• Vitae – institutional capacity provider
Steering committee with CIRCLE partners, DFID and
independent academic adviser.

7. Key Progress to Date
• Development of terms of reference, application and selection
processes for fellows, home institutions and host institutions.
• Commencement and administration of Cohort 1 with 34
CIRCLE visiting fellows (CVFs) in January 2015.
• 29 institutions selected as home and/or host institutions
covering nine African countries.
• Developing an institutional strengthening programme
• Organising a programme of events for CIRCLE fellows and
participating institutions.
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