AREF Research Development Fellowship 2026/27: Funding Opportunity for Early Career Health Researchers in Africa

Overview

The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) is offering the 2026/27 Research Development Fellowship (RDF) to support early career health researchers in Africa. This program aims to strengthen research leadership capacity by providing structured career development, international research placements, and funding.

Key Responsibilities

Not explicitly detailed, but implied to involve conducting research related to human health challenges and developing leadership skills.

Requirements

• Research-active postdoctoral scientists or clinicians with higher qualifications
• Nationals of an African country
• Employed at an institution in Africa
• Working on research related to important challenges in human health
• Must secure agreement from their employing institution for continued salary support during the fellowship.

Benefits

• Funding of up to £47,000 for a three to nine-month placement.
• Placement at a leading research institution in the UK, Europe, or Africa.
• Structured support before and after the placement.
• Funding covers accommodation, travel, subsistence, and training/research development activities.
• Mentorship and exposure to advanced research environments.
• Opportunities to develop new collaborations.

Location

Africa (for applicants) with placements in the UK, Europe, or Africa.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the official AREF online portal. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read all guidance documents thoroughly and to have early discussions with their employing organization and proposed host institution.

Deadline

08 May 2026, 13:00 GMT