Organization: Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF)
Host country: United Kingdom
Degree level: Doctoral
Funding: Research Scholarship
Deadline: May 8, 2026
Eligible countries: All African countries
Fields of study: Human Health, Biomedical Research, Public Health, Clinical Sciences
The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) Research Development Fellowship Programme is designed to support emerging research leaders in Africa who are working on critical human health challenges. The programme offers a 3 to 9-month placement at a center of research excellence in the UK, Europe, or Africa, accompanied by preparatory and follow-up support at the fellow's home institution. The fellowship provides up to £47,000 to cover travel, accommodation, subsistence, and training costs, aiming to enhance the researchers' skills, foster international collaborations, and accelerate their academic careers towards research independence.
Benefits
Total funding of up to £47,000 to support the fellowship activities
A 3 to 9-month placement at a leading research institution in the UK, Europe, or Africa
Financial support for travel, visas, and vaccinations
Financial support for accommodation and subsistence during the placement
Coverage of essential training costs
Pre-placement and post-placement support at the fellow's home institution
Eligibility
Must be a national of an African country
Must be currently employed in an African country by a recognized university or research institution
Must be an early-career researcher, typically an active post-doctoral scientist or clinician with a higher qualification (PhD, MD, or equivalent)
Must be working on research related to important challenges for human health in Africa
Must have official support from an Employing Organisation in Africa and an identified Host Organisation in the UK, Europe, or Africa
Requirements
Submission of a complete online application form via the AREF portal before the deadline
Must identify and secure agreement from a Host Organisation and respective sponsors early in the application process
Submission of official letters of support from both the Employing Sponsor and the Host Sponsor
Submission of an application written in comprehensible, good English
Required Documents
Letter of support from the Host Sponsor
Letter of support from the Employing Sponsor
Copy of the applicant's most recently attained degree certificate (usually the PhD certificate)
Two chosen publications to demonstrate the applicant's career history
Resubmission document (only applicable for previously unsuccessful applicants)
Programs of Study
Research Development Fellowship Placement in the UK, Europe, or Africa
Application Process
Read the official Scheme Information and Guidance documents carefully before starting the application
Discuss your fellowship plans with leaders at your Employing Organisation and secure a Host Organisation
Access the online application portal at programmes.aref-africa.org.uk
Complete all sections of the application form and upload the mandatory supporting documents and publications
Submit the final application for signatures by your sponsors and administrative authorities before the 08 May 2026 deadline at 13:00 GMT
How to Apply
Start your application early to allow sufficient time to identify a host center of excellence, as AREF does not provide a list of placement centers
Engage with your line manager and senior leaders early to ensure your proposed professional development aligns with their strategies
Ensure you submit any questions via the 'Contact Us' section on the portal preferably by 27 April 2026
Selection Process
Applications are peer-reviewed based on the applicant's potential as an emerging research leader, the quality of the proposed training plan, and the impact on human health in Africa
Successful candidates will be notified of the final outcomes by December 2026