Young Scientists for Africa provides scholarships for talented African science students to attend the annual London International Youth Science Forum
Our Mission
YoSA provides a scholarship scheme for young African scientists to attend the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF), focusing on individuals for whom other financial support is not available. Each year these African scholars join 500 of the best science students from across the globe for a two week summer school, learning from world-leading scientists through lectures, debates and visits. The forum provides YoSA scholars with life-changing knowledge and contacts which will empower their science careers and help address the critical shortage of scientists in Africa. YoSA is also developing a network of student science communities to help support the next generation of African scientists. Over the past 5 years, and despite Covid interuption, we have supported a number of students from over 5 African countries to attend LIYSF, either by travelling to London or virtual attendance.
Who We Are
Clare Elwell
Clare is a Professor of Medical Physics at University College London and leads a scientific research project in Africa, the BRIGHT project. Clare’s own career was inspired by attending the London International Youth Science Forum as student in 1984. She is passionate about encouraging young people to pursue careers in science and has established YoSA to provide opportunities specifically for young scientists in Africa.
Clare Thomson BSc, MEd, FInstP
Clare Thomson has been an enthusiastic supporter of LIYSF for more than ten years, primarily as an expert/judge at the Science project poster event. She has been a trustee of YoSA since 2020.
Clare was a teacher of physics for more than 30 years in a variety of independent and maintained schools in London and North-West England before joining the education department of the Institute of Physics. She is passionate about ensuring that all young people have access to quality science teaching and experiences. She continues to support physics education and gender equity in schools and is on the editorial board of the international journal ‘Physics Education’.
Angeline Malaba Ward
Angeline has worked at the University of Central Lancashire for over 12 years, responsible for recruitment of international students from various regions including the UK, Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and for the past 4 years, as Regional Manager responsible for recruitment of students from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Originally from Kenya, Angeline has lived in the UK for over 20 years. She has also lived in Germany and China. She uses her international, professional, and personal experience to enhance her engagement with students from Sub-Saharan Africa. She is passionate about creating awareness of opportunities for students from Africa and uses her network to support YoSA’s work in the region.
Robert
Robert has a strong affinity for Africa and its cultures after living and working in East Africa, and not least, since he is married to an African.
As a Chemical Engineering graduate, he has a keen interest and aptitude for science.
Robert worked as a Chartered Accountant for 28 years, first as an auditor and then as an accountant/finance director in hotels, mining and manufacturing. This included 22 years with Nippon Sheet Glass/Pilkington plc with postings in Germany and China.
He is now retired and volunteers for the St. Vincent de Paul charity as a local and district treasurer and is a keen cyclist.
Priscilla Sibanyoni
Priscilla Sibanyoni is originally from South Africa and has been living in the UK for the past four years. She joined the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) as a Safeguarding and Welfare Officer and now serves as YoSA’s Operations Manager, supporting outreach across Southern Africa. With a background in Education and Educational Management, Priscilla works in the UK as a Senior Education Welfare Officer, where she focuses on building resilience in young people through trauma-aware and relationship-centred practice. She is passionate about helping African students access life-changing international opportunities like LIYSF, recognising how rare such experiences can be. Outside of work, she enjoys singing as a member of a choir in London.
Tim Rooke
Tim Rooke co-founded YoSA and worked tirelessly to develop the charity until his passing in 2021. YoSA was incredibly close to Tim’s heart and he loved the positive change the charity is making in providing opportunities for gifted African science students. He was a chartered accountant and partner at Ernst & Young (EY) the global accountancy firm with expertise in the financial services industry as an auditor and finance, risk and compliance advisor to leading global banking organisations. The YoSA team continue to develop the charity from the hard work of Tim and Clare and will continue to honour him and his memory.
Scholarship Opportunity
The Clare Elwell Scholarship supports young African science students to attend the London International Youth Science Forum. The scholarship is aimed at students with a keen interest in science for whom other financial support would not normally be available.
All sponsorship funding is controlled within the UK and YoSA offers to fund a number of students to attend LIYSF from within Africa each year. YoSA offers full and partial scholarships. A full scholarship covers both LIYSF participation charge and also return flights to London, a partial scholarship will cover the LIYSF participation charge, but not return London flights. Please note below exclusions for all scholarships.
The funding covers:
* The attendance fees for LIYSF including admission to the full scientific and social programme, accommodation and all meals.
* Return flights to and from London as well as travel to and from the airport to the LIYSF venue in central London (for full scholarship awards).
YoSA does not fund:
* Domestic travel to an international airport
* Visa and passport costs
* Any fees for optional non-scientific visits to London attractions that may be offered by LIYSF.
London International Youth Science Forum
Nomination Process
Click the link below to view the Nomination Process covering qualifying criteria and expectations of a nominated student, the role of the local facilitator and how to obtain relevant nomination and consent forms.