African STARS Fellowship Programme 2026 (Fully-funded) – YOA

Deadline: January 31, 2026

Applications are open for the African STARS Fellowship Programme 2026. The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University in South Africa and Center for Africa’s Resilience to Epidemics (CARE) at the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) in Senegal are happy to announce the subsequent name for purposes for the African STARS Fellowship Programme. This prestigious initiative, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, goals to develop the following technology of African leaders in genomics, diagnostic.

Africa has the quickest-rising younger inhabitants on the earth, with a workforce anticipated to exceed one billion within the coming a long time. At the identical time, the continent faces a disproportionate burden of infectious illness outbreaks, highlighting the pressing want for a extremely expert workforce in epidemic preparedness and response.

The African STARS Fellowship Programme goals to develop the following technology of African leaders in genomics, diagnostics, vaccine design, and biotechnology innovation. Fellows will acquire superior technical experience, management abilities, and profession growth alternatives in slicing-edge fields important for strengthening Africa’s well being sector.

Fellowship Tracks

Advanced and Translational Training (ATT) Fellowship – 4 months

• Intensive coaching in superior genomics for public well being, genomic diagnostic design, and/or vaccine manufacturing.
• Designed for early-profession scientists and professionals looking for specialised technical coaching.
• Includes management growth in grants and monetary administration, workforce administration, and strategic management.

Young Professional Programme (YPP) Fellowship – 12 months

• Focus on biotechnology innovation and entrepreneurship, together with placements at business corporations, trade, or innovation hubs.
• Training in important pondering, downside-fixing, writing, grantsmanship, efficient communication, and mission administration.
• Designed for younger scientists and entrepreneurs aiming to bridge the hole between analysis and trade.

Benefits

• Fully funded coaching, together with journey, visa help, and lodging
• Monthly stipend to cowl dwelling bills
• Mentorship and profession growth help
• Placement alternatives at main analysis institutes, biotechnology hubs, and trade companions
• Access to an intensive African STARS Alumni Network for continued collaboration {and professional} development

Eligibility

• Born in and/or dwelling in Africa
• 35 years previous or youthful
• Relevant postgraduate qualification (minimal Master’s diploma, PhD advantageous)
• ATT Track: Minimum 3 years of analysis, innovation, or trade expertise
• YPP Track: Minimum 5 years expertise in analysis administration, innovation, or commercialization; prior expertise in biotech startups, innovation hubs, or translational analysis advantageous
• Demonstrated excellence in genomics, diagnostics, biotechnology, or vaccine growth
• Strong management potential and dedication to advancing scientific capability in Africa
• Willingness to stay in Africa to contribute to native scientific, enterprise, and public well being initiatives
• Fluency in English or French (proficiency in each is a bonus)
• Women are strongly inspired to apply

Application

• Completed application type:
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Download template
• At least one letter of advice from educational or skilled referees

For extra info, go to African STARS Fellowship.