Apply Now: AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme 2025/2026

The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) has formally opened the decision for the 2025/26 AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme, a transformative alternative tailor-made for early-career African researchers. If you’re a scientist or clinician with a ardour for fixing urgent well being challenges on the continent, this fellowship may mark a pivotal step in your profession improvement journey.

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What Is the AREF Research Development Fellowship?

This prestigious fellowship is designed to empower rising analysis leaders in Africa with the abilities, mentorship, and world publicity they should thrive of their fields. With a powerful deal with enhancing human well being throughout Africa, the programme supplies the mandatory assets for researchers to refine their experience, improve their networks, and finally contribute to constructing resilient well being methods of their nations.

Fellows will interact in a three to nine-month placement at a number one analysis establishment within the UK, Europe, or Africa, complemented by tailor-made assist earlier than and after their placement from their home establishment. The programme provides funding of as much as £47,000, protecting coaching, cheap journey, lodging, and subsistence prices—however not salaries.

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Who Can Apply?

This alternative is open to early-career researchers—together with post-doctoral scientists and clinicians—who’re nationals of and at present employed in African nations. Applicants have to be actively engaged in analysis and maintain greater {qualifications} of their respective health-related fields.

It’s important that candidates:

• Discuss their fellowship plans with supervisors at each their home and proposed host establishments early within the course of.

• Ensure sturdy institutional assist and formal endorsements.

• Understand that wage assist shouldn’t be included, however different important bills are coated.

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Application Process and Timeline

To apply, candidates should full an internet application by way of the official portal

Applicants are strongly inspired to assessment the steerage paperwork offered:

1. Scheme Information

2. Guidance on Completing the Application Form

3. AREF Terms and Conditions

Key Dates to Remember:

• Application Deadline: 13:00 GMT, 27 June 2025

• Notification of Results: By December 2025

• Fellowship Start Date: Between June and December 2026

Incomplete purposes, together with these lacking letters of assist or different required paperwork, is not going to be thought-about. Submissions are solely accepted by way of the web portal—e mail submissions are usually not allowed.

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Selection and Review Process

AREF’s choice course of ensures transparency, advantage, and equity via a multi-step analysis:

• Initial Screening: AREF workers assessment all submissions to confirm eligibility and completeness.

• Expert Peer Review: Applications are then evaluated by a panel of consultants utilizing established evaluation standards tailor-made to the programme.

• Interviews & Due Diligence: Depending on the programme, shortlisted candidates could also be invited for interviews or additional vetting.

• While AREF goals to supply suggestions, it could not all the time be doable because of capability limitations. However, candidates can attain out individually for extra info on their submissions.

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What Does AREF Do?

Since its founding in 2015, AREF has invested over £3 million to strengthen well being analysis capability throughout the continent. Its fellowships and programmes have helped African researchers tackle regionally related well being challenges, usually in underfunded and neglected areas.

AREF’s work goes past funding; it connects Fellows throughout linguistic and nationwide boundaries, empowering them with expertise, worldwide networks, and the autonomy to outline their very own analysis priorities. The influence is lasting—strengthened analysis ecosystems, stronger establishments, and improved well being outcomes throughout Africa.

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Stay Connected and Informed

AREF will host info periods and share insights concerning the fellowship to help candidates. Stay up to date by:

For further questions, use the “Contact Us” part on the portal, ideally earlier than 20 June 2025. You might also attain out by way of the next:

Africa Office
Africa Research Excellence Fund
c/o MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM
Atlantic Boulevard, Fajara, P.O. Box 273, Banjul, The Gambia
Phone: +220 3303443
Email: aref@aref-africa.org.uk

UK Office
Africa Research Excellence Fund
99 Charterhouse Street, London EC1M 6HR
Email: aref@aref-africa.org.uk

The AREF Research Development Fellowship provides greater than only a funding alternative—it’s a launchpad for impact-driven African researchers in search of to advance well being options from throughout the continent. With sturdy mentorship, institutional assist, and a world analysis expertise, Fellows are empowered to tackle Africa’s best well being challenges with confidence and innovation.

Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your expertise, develop your community, and change into a number one voice in well being analysis throughout Africa.

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For extra info go to the official website.

For extra alternatives, go to the Opportunities for youth web site

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