Afretec Inclusion Champion Awards

We are excited to invite nominations for the Afretec Inclusion Champion Awards 2025, a prestigious award that recognizes individuals and teams who have made outstanding contributions to promoting inclusion and diversity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) outreach, education, research, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

The Afretec Network recognizes women, people with disabilities, refugees, and internally displaced persons as primary underserved groups in the digital space. We are committed to ensuring that diverse regions across Africa are actively included in our activities and initiatives. Additionally, we acknowledge other groups that may be underserved within the specific context of each partner country as secondary underserved groups.

Eligibility criteria

Nominee categories

The awards are open to both individuals and teams within Afretec partner countries. This includes faculty members, staff members, and students.

Eligible initiatives

Nominees should have implemented or led initiatives that have had a significant positive impact on advancing gender equality, diversity, and inclusion within STEM disciplines and in their institutions and beyond. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Developing intentional outreach initiatives aimed at encouraging the participation of women, people with disabilities, refugees, and other underserved groups in STEM education, research, innovation, and careers
• Creating or supporting initiatives and programs that foster inclusion of underrepresented groups in STEM
• Implementing or advocating for policies, practices, and/or cultures that create an inclusive, equitable environment for students, staff, and faculty in STEM fields
• Leading efforts that raise awareness and engage the community in important diversity and inclusion issues within STEM, including pipeline-building efforts

Geographical scope

Nominations are open to individuals and teams made up of students, faculty, and/or staff from the Afretec partner institutions.

Impact

The initiatives nominated should demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes and positive outcomes on inclusion and diversity within STEM, both within the institution and in the wider community.

Nomination process

All nominations must be submitted by January 25, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.

The submission form requires the following information:

• Nominee details: Name(s), position(s), institution, and contact information
• Initiative description: A detailed description of the initiative(s) implemented to promote inclusion in STEM, including the goals, activities, and results
• Nomination outcomes statement: A summary of the measurable impact the initiative(s) has had, with specific examples, data, or testimonials where possible
• Supporting documents: Any relevant supporting materials, such as reports, articles, or testimonials from stakeholders, that highlight the success of the initiative

Selection criteria

Nominations will be evaluated based on:

• The innovation and creativity of the initiative(s)
• The scale and sustainability of the impact on inclusion within STEM
• The engagement and leadership demonstrated by the nominee(s)
• Collaborations and networks involved in the initiative(s)
• The measurable outcomes and long-term benefits to the institution and community

Nomination review

All submitted nominations will be reviewed by an awards committee, which will select the most outstanding nominees based on the criteria above. Finalists will be notified by February 7, 2025.

Awards presentation

The winner(s) of the Afretec Inclusion Champion Awards 2025 will be announced and celebrated during the Gender in STEM Forum in 2025. This event provides a prestigious platform to highlight the exceptional efforts of those advancing inclusion in STEM.