Connecting 60 Doctoral Researchers Across Climate, Agriculture and Health to Regional Data and Computing Infrastructure
The network links doctoral climate researchers across West and Central Africa with the data and computing infrastructure being built in the region, and with international platforms where their work can gain visibility and follow-on funding.
Closing the Gap Between Researchers and Infrastructure
West and Central Africa produces a steady stream of doctoral researchers working on climate systems, agriculture, land use, human habitat and economics, many of them through the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adjusted Land Use (WASCAL), which spans twelve member countries.
W-CCN responds to the need for a structured way for these researchers to connect across borders, access regional data and computing resources, and reach platforms such as the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), AfriGEO and the UN Climate Change Conference.
“Earth Observations for a Resilient Africa”
What the Network Will Deliver
W-CCN will recruit 60 doctoral fellows from WACREN member institutions, with WASCAL's existing doctoral cohorts providing the initial anchor.
Doctoral Fellows Network
Shared access to WACREN's data and computing infrastructure and a cross-border peer community spanning countries and disciplines.
Joint Research Initiatives
Co-developed with GEO, AfriGEO and WASCAL to turn real-time climate data into predictive models and decision-support tools for agriculture, water resources, energy and health.
International Visibility
WACREN-hosted side events at major forums, starting with COP31 in Antalya in November 2026 and continuing through the GEO Symposium and Plenary cycle.
Climate Champions & Mentorship Programme
Recognition of at least 20 outstanding fellows and workshop alumni as regional ambassadors for climate data and NREN infrastructure.
Built on Infrastructure Already in Development
W-CCN builds on infrastructure that WACREN and its member national research and education networks (NRENs) are already developing.
A Two-Year Network, Jointly Governed
W-CCN runs for two years, from October 2026 to September 2028, and is governed jointly by WACREN, GEO, AfriGEO and WASCAL, with fellows and champions given a voice in how it is run.
Aligned with Continental and Global Priorities
W-CCN offers GEO Youth's African participants and WASCAL's doctoral alumni a regional home backed by research and education network infrastructure.