Articulating the social value of her research is a key priority for North-West University (NWU) researcher Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola, who has been selected for a top global programme on cutting-edge grant-writing and related skills.

Prof Babalola, director of the Food Security and Safety research niche area at the university, has been chosen for the 2025 Leaders of Africa Institute’s Grant Writing and Funding (GWF) Programme.

The programme equips researchers with advanced grant-writing skills, stakeholder engagement strategies and resource mobilisation techniques. It builds on the Leaders of Africa Institute’s Research Methods Programme and supports the objective of fostering an international research community.

Prof Babalola expressed her enthusiasm over her acceptance to the programme. “Since yesterday, I have been speechless. I can't wait to begin this journey. I am ready to mobilise resources for social impact.”

She highlighted the support accompanying her selection. “The acceptance comes with a prestigious impact scholarship to support my training.”

The GWF Programme focuses on identifying the cost of research and articulating its value to stakeholders and society. It is open to researchers, lecturers, graduate students, institutional administrators and social innovators worldwide.

Prof Babalola leads the NWU’s Microbial Biotechnology subject group, which has produced 25 master’s and 35 PhD graduates. She also serves as vice president of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World, overseeing operations in 46 African countries.

Her research focuses on rhizosphere microbiology and integrating beneficial microbiomes into agriculture. Her work supports food security efforts, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 of zero hunger.

With more than 350 research outputs, Prof Babalola is making an impact on the scientific community and agricultural sustainability, and the grant will ensure she continues to do so.

Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola