The Oppenheimer Programme in African Landscape Systems (OPALS)
In October 2021 we announced the creation of OPALS, a six-year programme of applied scientific research to tackle social-environmental challenges that are exacerbated by climate change in Africa.
Critically we are helping to empower our African partners to lead on these issues, strengthening African voices in understanding, mitigating, and adapting to environmental change.
The programme was made possible by generous donations of £1 million from Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation, £400,000 from former Chair of Council Sarah Turvill, and support from the University of Exeter.
OPALS is led by Oppenheimer Senior Research Fellow, Dr Andy Cunliffe, and will support at least 34 years’ worth of postgraduate training across 20 studentships, the majority of which will benefit African students. To date, it has supported four scholars and a further eight scholars are supported alongside other University academics.
“These projects will help to inform targeted interventions that enhance the resilience of human activities in these rapidly changing settings considering ongoing climate and land-use change.”
Dr Andy Cunliffe, Oppenheimer Senior Research Fellow.
These transformative gifts given to set up the programme have already been having a significant impact.
They have created a new partnership with Quiver Tree to develop evidence-based insights to inform conservation efforts of the iconic baobab trees, benefitting ecological diversity. Additionally, a partnership with the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) was set up to lead a new report highlighting ways to ensure that major new investments in Africa effectively support adaptation and resilience to climate change – which will be presented at COP28.
We have also been supporting Africans undertaking training in environmental sustainability and land management. This includes mentoring early career African researchers on their proposals and launching a new Funding Finder signposting 217 funding awards that African Nationals can apply for to undertake study. We’re delighted to have already seen 180 users from 21 countries across Africa!
Looking towards the future, we are continuing to invest time into identifying new opportunities for impactful research including supporting a network for sustainable mining in Africa. We were also excited to join the Oppenheimer Research Conference in October 2023 where OPALS was represented by a large contingent of scholars.
“My experience working alongside the wider OPALS team has been transformative both professionally and personally.”
Milcah Kirinyet, Oppenheimer Impact Scholar.
