The ESA African Research Fellowships 2026 for African Researchers (Fully Funded to Rome, Italy) – Opportunities For Africans

Application Deadline:  29 April 2026

Applications at the moment are open for the 2026 ESA African Research Fellowships. The African Research Fellowship (ARF) programme—part of the EO AFRICA flagship initiative of the European Space Agency (ESA), in partnership with the African Space Agency (AfSA), an organ of the African Union, and in coordination with the African Union Commission (AUC)—empowers the subsequent era of African Earth statement (EO) leaders. Since its launch in 2021, ten excellent fellows have already superior their analysis at ESA.

ESA is in search of 4 passionate African researchers to be part of this dynamic community. Selected fellows will spend one yr at ESA’s ESRIN centre in Frascati, Italy, collaborating instantly with ESA consultants. The fellowship interval will start in October 2026.

Research Themes

Applicants are invited to suggest a 1-year R&D project targeted on one of many EO AFRICA thematic priority areas, using EO satellite tv for pc information and superior analytical strategies.

Your analysis might be absolutely built-in into the EO AFRICA R&D Initiative. Fellows will acquire entry to:

• ESA supported cloud computing sources (e.g. EO Africa Innovation Lab, Space-HPC…) to facilitate collaboration with European scientists in implementing analysis concepts.
• The EO AFRICA Space Academy and Digital Campus, which provide devoted coaching, scientific instruments, and a wealth of experience to help your mission.
• A skilled community that promotes open analysis practices and reproducible science.

Requirements

African researchers holding a PhD, or a Master’s diploma with substantial confirmed analysis expertise in satellite tv for pc Earth Observation, satellite tv for pc distant sensing, or a intently associated area. We search innovators pushed to translate information into sustainable options.

Interested candidates should submit a whole application comprising:

• Research Proposal (with the official ARF template, max 10 pages -note: purposes not utilizing the offered template might be disregarded)
• Curriculum Vitae (most 3 pages) together with an inventory of current publications
• Copy of legitimate Identification doc (ideally passport)
• Scan of the very best tutorial diploma (PhD or Master’s).
• Two (2) confidential letters of reference.

Application Timeline:

Open name                                                  18 March 2026

Submission of Proposals                       29 April 2026

Communication of Acceptance             July 2026

Beginning of Activities in Frascati         October 2026

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the ESA African Research Fellowships