Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to transform scientific discovery across the world, creating new opportunities to solve complex challenges in healthcare, agriculture, engineering, climate science, environmental sustainability, and many other fields. To strengthen Africa’s contribution to this rapidly evolving landscape, the University of Michigan has launched the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellows Program—a prestigious two-year fellowship designed specifically for African researchers and university faculty.

The fellowship provides African researchers with the opportunity to spend one year at the University of Michigan developing advanced Artificial Intelligence skills for scientific research before returning to Africa for another year to implement AI-driven research projects, strengthen institutional research capacity, and promote AI innovation within their home institutions.

Supported through a nearly $6 million initiative led by the Michigan Institute for Data and AI in Society (MIDAS), the fellowship seeks to build long-term partnerships between African research institutions and the University of Michigan while accelerating AI-enabled scientific breakthroughs that can positively impact Africa and the global research community.

Researchers interested in combining Artificial Intelligence with science and engineering research are encouraged to apply for this outstanding international fellowship opportunity.

About the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellows Program

The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellows Program is a prestigious international fellowship that supports African researchers who are applying Artificial Intelligence methodologies to solve important scientific and engineering problems.

Rather than focusing solely on AI as a computer science discipline, the fellowship encourages researchers from various scientific fields to integrate AI into their existing research, enabling innovative discoveries across multiple disciplines.

The fellowship is administered by the Michigan Institute for Data and AI in Society (MIDAS) at the University of Michigan and is managed with extensive support from the University’s African Studies Center.

Its broader vision is to strengthen Africa’s AI research ecosystem while fostering sustainable scientific collaboration between African institutions and one of the world’s leading research universities.

Fellowship Objectives

The fellowship has several long-term objectives aimed at transforming scientific research across Africa.

These objectives include:

• Supporting African researchers in integrating AI methodologies into scientific research.
• Accelerating AI-driven discoveries in science and engineering.
• Addressing scientific challenges that are particularly relevant to Africa.
• Building sustainable AI research capacity across African universities and research institutions.
• Creating lasting collaborations between African scientists and the University of Michigan.
• Developing future leaders in AI-enabled scientific research.
• Expanding global partnerships that promote innovation and knowledge exchange.

Fellowship Structure

The fellowship runs over a period of two years and combines international research experience with local implementation.

Year One: University of Michigan Residency (12 Months)

Selected fellows will spend a total of 12 months at the University of Michigan in the United States.

During this period, participants will:

• Develop advanced AI skills.
• Learn how Artificial Intelligence can enhance scientific discovery.
• Conduct collaborative research with University of Michigan researchers.
• Build international research partnerships.
• Receive mentorship from experienced faculty members.
• Participate in summer AI academies.
• Join interdisciplinary research teams.
• Work alongside MIDAS researchers and postdoctoral fellows.
• Develop AI-enabled scientific research projects.

This residency provides fellows with access to one of the world’s leading research environments and exposes them to cutting-edge AI methodologies applicable across scientific disciplines.

Year Two: Research and Capacity Building in Africa (12 Months)

Following the residency in the United States, fellows return to Africa for another 12 months.

During this phase, fellows will:

• Continue implementing their AI-enabled research projects.
• Apply newly acquired AI techniques to scientific challenges.
• Conduct research within their home institutions or research organizations.
• Deliver AI-related training activities.
• Strengthen institutional AI research capacity.
• Promote AI adoption within African scientific communities.
• Build sustainable research collaborations between African institutions and the University of Michigan.

The second year ensures that the knowledge gained during the residency produces meaningful long-term impact across Africa.

Areas of Research

The fellowship supports researchers working across science and engineering disciplines who seek to integrate Artificial Intelligence into their work.

Potential research areas include:

• Health and Medical Sciences
• Agriculture
• Climate Science
• Environmental Science
• Engineering
• Biological Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Data Science
• Computational Science
• Earth Sciences
• Energy Systems
• Natural Resource Management
• Public Health
• Sustainable Development
• Materials Science

Researchers from other scientific disciplines are also encouraged if their projects demonstrate meaningful application of AI methodologies.

AI Training and Professional Development

One of the fellowship’s strongest components is its extensive AI training.

Selected fellows will receive opportunities to:

• Learn advanced AI methodologies.
• Develop machine learning skills.
• Participate in specialized AI workshops.
• Attend summer AI academies.
• Receive one-on-one mentorship.
• Collaborate with international AI experts.
• Participate in interdisciplinary research communities.
• Improve scientific communication skills.
• Strengthen research leadership capacity.

The programme is designed not only to improve technical AI expertise but also to prepare researchers to become AI leaders within Africa.

Research Collaboration Opportunities

Throughout the fellowship, participants become part of an active international research network.

They will collaborate with:

• University of Michigan faculty
• MIDAS researchers
• AI specialists
• Postdoctoral fellows
• African research institutions
• International research organizations
• Academic collaborators
• Industry and government research partners

These collaborations are intended to continue well beyond the fellowship period.

Institutional Capacity Building

The programme goes beyond supporting individual researchers.

It also aims to strengthen research institutions by helping fellows:

• Establish AI research initiatives.
• Train students and junior researchers.
• Introduce AI methodologies into scientific research.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Expand research partnerships.
• Develop long-term AI research programmes.
• Increase institutional research competitiveness.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Successful fellows will benefit from numerous academic and professional opportunities.

These include:

• Twelve months of research residency at the University of Michigan.
• Twelve months of supported AI research and capacity building in Africa.
• Advanced Artificial Intelligence training.
• Mentorship from internationally recognized researchers.
• Access to world-class research facilities.
• Participation in summer AI academies.
• Membership within the MIDAS research community.
• Collaboration with leading AI scientists.
• Professional development support through the African Studies Center.
• Opportunities to establish long-term international collaborations.
• Enhanced research leadership skills.
• Increased visibility within the global AI research community.

About MIDAS

The Michigan Institute for Data and AI in Society (MIDAS) leads the fellowship programme.

MIDAS is dedicated to advancing research through data science and Artificial Intelligence while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration across academia, industry, and government.

The institute actively supports innovative research projects that address real-world scientific and societal challenges.

Through this fellowship, MIDAS seeks to expand its partnerships with African universities and research institutions while supporting AI-driven scientific breakthroughs.

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Role of the African Studies Center

The University of Michigan African Studies Center plays an important role in the fellowship.

Its responsibilities include:

• Supporting fellows throughout the programme.
• Coordinating professional development activities.
• Facilitating cultural and academic integration.
• Assisting with networking opportunities.
• Strengthening collaboration between African institutions and the University of Michigan.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship targets experienced African researchers who are interested in applying Artificial Intelligence within scientific research.

Eligible applicants include:

• University faculty members.
• Researchers employed by African research organizations.
• Scientists working in academic institutions.
• Researchers in equivalent professional roles outside universities.

Applicants should have an active research profile and demonstrate interest in integrating AI into science or engineering.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Artificial Intelligence is becoming one of the most important tools for accelerating scientific discovery.

Africa faces unique scientific challenges in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, biodiversity, infrastructure, and sustainable development.

By equipping African researchers with advanced AI expertise, the fellowship seeks to:

• Improve research quality.
• Increase scientific innovation.
• Build local AI expertise.
• Strengthen African research institutions.
• Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Produce solutions tailored to African priorities.
• Expand Africa’s contribution to global scientific research.

Application Process

Applications for the 2027 Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellows Program will be submitted through the official InfoReady application portal.

Application portal opening date: 17 August 2026

Once the portal opens, eligible applicants should:

1. Visit the official fellowship application portal.
2. Create or log into an InfoReady account.
3. Complete the Phase 1 application.
4. Upload all required documents, including:
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   • Individualized Training, Research, and Impact Plan (I-TRIP)
   • Optional Faculty Host Letter of Support (if available)
5. Submit the application before the Phase 1 deadline of 5 October 2026 (11:59 p.m. EDT).

Applicants who advance to Phase 2 will be invited to submit additional application materials, including revised research plans, letters of support, publications, references, and other required documentation.

Deadline

The Phase 1 application deadline for the 2027 cohort is October 5, 2026.
The Phase 2 application deadline for the 2027 cohort is November 23, 2026.

Conclusion

The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellows Program represents a remarkable opportunity for African researchers to advance their careers while contributing to the future of AI-enabled scientific discovery. By combining a year of intensive training and collaborative research at the University of Michigan with a year of AI implementation and capacity building in Africa, the fellowship creates a unique platform for innovation, knowledge exchange, and sustainable research development. Through world-class mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and institutional partnerships, fellows will be equipped to lead transformative research projects that address Africa’s most pressing scientific challenges while strengthening AI research capacity across the continent. Researchers seeking to leverage Artificial Intelligence for scientific advancement are encouraged to prepare their applications and follow the official programme updates closely.

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