The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) has announced the call for applications for the 2026/27 Research Development Fellowship Programme, an initiative designed to strengthen research capacity across Africa. The fellowship supports talented African researchers who are addressing key challenges affecting human health and aims to help them develop stronger research and leadership skills.
The programme provides selected fellows with a three to nine-month placement at a leading research institution in the United Kingdom, Europe, or Africa. In addition to the placement, fellows receive support at their home institutions both before and after the research visit. The fellowship covers accommodation, travel, subsistence, and training costs, with funding of up to £47,000 available to support the research development experience.
Successful fellows will begin their placements between June 2027 and December 2027. Through this programme, AREF seeks to support emerging research leaders in Africa who are committed to advancing knowledge and developing solutions to pressing health challenges on the continent.
The fellowship is open to early-career researchers, including research-active post-doctoral scientists and clinicians with advanced qualifications who are nationals of and employed in Africa. Applicants must meet the programme’s detailed eligibility requirements and demonstrate strong potential for research leadership.
The deadline for submission of all application documents is 08 May 2026, while applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications by December 2026.
Interested applicants can complete the application form through the official portal at https://programmes.aref-africa.org.uk/.
