AEIP Scholars Programme 2026–2027 Opens Applications for African and European Researchers – Apply By 31 August 2026 ·2027 Opens Applications for African and European Researchers – Apply By 31 August 2026

The Africa-Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP) has launched applications for the 2026–2027 AEIP Scholars Programme, an international research initiative designed to strengthen collaboration between African and European scholars. The programme aims to foster joint research, innovation, science communication, and long-term academic partnerships that address shared global challenges through practical, solution-oriented research.

The initiative supports the objectives of the Africa-European Union (AU-EU) Innovation Agenda by encouraging researchers to collaborate across continents and develop innovative solutions that contribute to inclusive and sustainable development.

Applications are open until 31 August 2026.

About the AEIP Scholars Programme

The AEIP Scholars Programme is a collaborative research impact initiative that connects emerging researchers from Africa and Europe through structured academic partnerships.

During the programme, ten scholars will be selected and paired into five Africa-Europe research teams based on complementary research interests. Each pair will jointly develop a collaborative research project and produce a solution-driven research output that addresses common challenges affecting both regions.

Following the completion and evaluation of research projects, the three highest-performing scholar pairs will be invited to present their work at the AEIP Stakeholders Event in Europe in June 2027.

Programme Objectives

The programme seeks to strengthen Africa-Europe research cooperation by aligning academic work with the AU-EU Innovation Agenda, particularly the Capacities for Science action.

Its objectives include:

• Promoting collaborative research between African and European scholars.

• Strengthening intercontinental academic partnerships.

• Supporting knowledge exchange and peer learning.

• Advancing science communication and research impact.

• Encouraging practical and solution-driven innovation.

• Contributing to sustainable development through collaborative research.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications are open to scholars who meet the following requirements:

• Be between 25 and 35 years of age.

• Be based in Africa or Europe.

• Be enrolled in a PhD, postdoctoral programme, or other advanced academic studies at the time of application.

• Have ongoing or completed research projects, theses, or dissertations aligned with the AU-EU Innovation Agenda Capacities for Science priorities.

Applicants are required to submit an abstract summarising their research as part of the Expression of Interest.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance of the proposed research.

• Academic quality.

• Innovation potential.

• Alignment with Africa-Europe cooperation priorities.

Successful applicants will be selected for participation in the collaborative programme.

How the Programme Works

The programme follows a structured collaborative process designed to promote joint research and innovation.

Key stages include:

• Ten scholars will be selected from Africa and Europe.

• Participants will be paired into five Africa-Europe research teams.

• Each pair will collaborate on a joint research activity addressing shared societal challenges.

• Teams will develop practical, solution-based innovations derived from their research.

• Research outputs will be evaluated by an expert panel.

• Scholar pairs will present their innovations through a competitive pitching process.

Evaluation Criteria for Research Solutions

Submitted solutions will be assessed according to:

• Impact on women and young people.

• Ability to strengthen individuals, communities, and institutions.

• Quality and strength of the proposed solution model.

• Use of technology and innovation.

• Feasibility and practical implementation potential.

The three highest-scoring scholar pairs will be recognised as programme finalists.

Benefits for Selected Scholars

Successful participants will benefit from:

• International collaboration with researchers from another continent.

• Joint development of research and innovation projects.

• Peer learning and academic networking opportunities.

• Increased visibility for their research.

• Science communication experience.

• Opportunity to present research at the AEIP Stakeholder Meeting in Europe.

Finalist teams will receive sponsorship to attend the AEIP Stakeholder Meeting in June 2027, where they will showcase their collaborative research outputs.

Expected Programme Outcomes

The AEIP Scholars Programme aims to generate:

• Co-created solution-oriented research outputs.

• Stronger academic partnerships between Africa and Europe.

• Practical innovations addressing shared global challenges.

• Enhanced research capacity for inclusive and sustainable development.

Programme Timeline

The 2026–2027 programme will follow the schedule below:

• July–August 2026: Applications open.

• 31 August 2026: Application deadline.

• September 2026: Selection of ten scholars and pairing into five Africa-Europe research teams.

• September 2026–March 2027: Collaborative research and preparation of joint outputs.

• First half of April 2027: Evaluation of submitted research outputs.

• June 2027: Finalists present their work at the AEIP Stakeholder Meeting in Europe.

Application Information

Interested scholars should submit an Expression of Interest, including an abstract of their research, before the application deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to ensure their proposed research demonstrates clear relevance to Africa-Europe collaboration and aligns with the objectives of the AU-EU Innovation Agenda.

Key Opportunity Details

• Programme: AEIP Scholars Programme 2026–2027

• Host Organisation: Africa-Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP)

• Eligible Applicants: PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and scholars in advanced studies

• Eligible Regions: Africa and Europe

• Number of Scholars Selected: 10

• Research Teams: Five Africa-Europe scholar pairs

• Finalists: Top three scholar pairs

• Final Presentation: AEIP Stakeholder Meeting, Europe, June 2027

• Application Deadline: 31 August 2026

The AEIP Scholars Programme offers an excellent opportunity for emerging researchers to strengthen international partnerships, co-create impactful research, and contribute innovative solutions to challenges shared by Africa and Europe.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.