The Women in Science Competition was created to identify and recognise women scientists in sub-Saharan Africa who are "engaged in innovative and pioneering research and communicating the outputs - knowledge, technologies, approaches - for enhancing agricultural performance in sub-Saharan Africa." The competition is also designed for women scientists who are repackaging and communicating existing knowledge to improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods of rural communities, or who are advocating for policy change to optimise the benefits of scientific and technological developments.

Entries can include existing or ongoing research work, projects or programmes undertaken within the last five years that show measurable impact (potential or demonstrated) on agricultural development and/or rural livelihoods of African communities, especially women farmers. Entries should include gender responsive strategies that incorporate a strong element of communication and outreach.

The competition is organised by The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (ACP-EU), the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), and the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS).

Women scientists, researchers, educators, extension workers, agro-entrepreneurs, and farmers are encouraged by the organisers to participate. Individual and group entries will be accepted. Entries should demonstrate the pursuit, documentation, and dissemination of scientific and technical knowledge, including technologies and approaches, and effective partnerships with peers and/or rural communities, policymakers, farmers, and agro-entrepreneurs.

Entrants must submit a two page (A4) abstract (1500 to 2000 words) that clearly details the objectives, methodology, results, and conclusion of the successful project/programme, including the information and communication strategy and tools, and impact on agriculture and/or rural livelihoods. Entries must have full contact details, including name, mailing address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address. Abstracts should be emailed to info@atpsnet.org and copied to laduke@atpsnet.org by August 15 2008.

A panel of experts will evaluate submitted abstracts. Successful entrants will be invited to submit full papers of not more than 4 to 6 pages. Women scientists whose full papers are received by September 30 2008 and approved by the panel will be supported to attend the Ministerial Meeting on Higher Education, which will be held in Lusaka, Zambia October 22-31 2008. The top five winners will be announced and prizes awarded at the Ministerial Forum.