AREF Research Development Fellowship 2026/2027: Up to £47,000 for African Early Career Health Researchers to Train at Leading Institutions in the UK, Europe, or Africa @Leading Institutions in the UK, Europe, or Africa

Overview

The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) is offering the Research Development Fellowship Programme for 2026/2027, providing up to £47,000 for early-career African health researchers to undertake a three to nine-month research placement in the UK, Europe, or Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake a three to nine-month research placement at a leading institution in the UK, Europe, or Africa.
• Develop advanced research skills, expand professional networks, and gain exposure to international research environments.
• Contribute to strengthening research capacity within African institutions.
• Address important challenges related to human health affecting Africa and the world.

Requirements

• Early-career African researchers actively engaged in human health research.
• Postdoctoral scientists, clinicians engaged in research, or early career academics in health-related fields.
• Must be a national of an African country.
• Must be employed by an African research or academic institution.
• Demonstrate strong research potential and leadership capability.
• Research must address important challenges related to human health.
• Applicants must secure a host research institution.
• Applicants must discuss fellowship plans with senior leaders within their employing institution.

Benefits

• Funding of up to £47,000 to cover accommodation, travel, subsistence, training, and research-related costs.
• Access to a three to nine-month research placement at a leading institution.
• Long-term career development support, including preparation, professional development, and continued mentoring.

Location

United Kingdom, Europe, or Africa (host institution location)

How to Apply

Applicants must review the Scheme Information and Application Guidance documents, prepare their research proposal and required documents, and submit the completed application through the official AREF fellowship portal. Questions can be submitted before 27 April 2026.

Deadline

08 May 2026