START is committed to nurturing the science leadership potential of early-career scientists in Africa and Asia to more effectively engage decision making and action on global change.

START’s programs build leadership skills through providing opportunities for engaging in reflective, experiential learning coupled with the confidence to agilely connect science with action. Connectivity—within peer groups, between fellows and mentors, and from regionally based researchers to global research communities — is a core element of START’s approach.

Since 1992, START has helped launch careers through flagship fellowship programs such as the African Climate Change Fellowship Program (ACCFP), which START managed from 2008 to 2016, and the Pan-Asia Risk Reduction (PARR) fellowship program, which ran from 2014 to 2019.

Most recently, START has offered its expertise to the African Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society, to develop and host a leadership training for participants of the Future Leaders – African Independent Research (FLAIR) program. Going forward, START envisions to offer a “Women in science” program focused on leading and learning. The program will bring women together for connection, professional development, and wellbeing related to their scientific careers.

A selection of stories and testimonials featuring researchers whose careers have been impacted by their involvement with START is available here.