The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) Research Development Fellowship (RDF) 2025/26 is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the research capacity of early-career health researchers across Africa. The fellowship supports individuals who are poised to become leaders in the field of health research by providing them with the opportunity to develop their research skills, collaborate with global institutions, and undertake high-quality research projects that address pressing health challenges within the African context.
This fellowship is structured to offer targeted support to scientists with exceptional potential who are at a crucial stage in their research careers. Through a blend of mentored training, experiential learning, and collaborative project development, AREF equips researchers to compete successfully for international research funding and publish in reputable journals.
Fellows benefit from placements at internationally recognized research institutions, where they can access state-of-the-art facilities, connect with experts in their field, and build long-lasting professional networks. The program is not only an opportunity for personal and professional growth, but also a vehicle for strengthening the research landscape across Africa.
The AREF Research Development Fellowship 2025/26 presents a transformative opportunity for early-career researchers in Africa to advance their expertise, build strategic international partnerships, and lead impactful health research. By investing in Africa’s brightest research talent, AREF aims to foster a new generation of leaders who will shape the future of science and healthcare across the continent.
The comprehensive support offered through this fellowship—from research training and mentorship to access to world-class laboratories—equips participants not only to achieve success in their projects but to become competitive in securing future research funding. Moreover, fellows return to their home institutions better prepared to mentor others, enhance local research capacity, and contribute to institutional development.
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Requirements/Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for the AREF Research Development Fellowship 2025/26:
1. Nationality and Citizenship
– Applicants must be citizens of a country in Sub-Saharan Africa.
– They must have a legal connection (such as residency or long-term employment) with an African research institution.
2. Employment Status
– Applicants must be currently employed in an active research role at a recognized university or research institute in Africa.
– Employment must be guaranteed for the duration of the fellowship, with a minimum of 30% full-time equivalent (FTE) dedicated to research activities.
3. Career Stage
– The fellowship is targeted at early-career researchers. Applicants should be within eight years of receiving their PhD or equivalent research qualification (e.g., an MD with evidence of research experience).
– Consideration will be given to individuals who have had career interruptions due to personal circumstances such as maternity/paternity leave, illness, or national service.
4. Area of Research
– The proposed research must be in the area of human health, including communicable and non-communicable diseases, health systems, or other public health-related areas relevant to Africa.
– Projects should demonstrate scientific originality, innovation, and potential for impact in African settings.
5. Language Requirements
– The fellowship program is delivered in English. Applicants must be able to demonstrate adequate proficiency in English, especially if their primary academic training has not been conducted in English.
6. Host Institution
– During the fellowship placement, researchers are expected to spend 3 to 9 months at a leading research institution either in the UK, Europe, or Africa, depending on the specific skills and resources required for their development.
7. Application Materials Required
– Completed application form.
– A research proposal aligned with a specific training and development plan.
– A letter of support from the employing African institution.
– A letter of support from the host institution confirming their willingness to receive and support the fellow.
– Detailed CV or résumé.
Duration
The fellowship lasts up to 15 months, structured in three key phases:
1. Preparation Phase (1–3 months): This includes refining the research proposal, securing the necessary ethics approvals, visa arrangements, and logistical planning for the placement.
2. Placement Phase (3–9 months): Fellows conduct their research at a host institution, engage in advanced training, receive mentorship, and work on aspects of their research that require specialist equipment, training, or collaboration.
3. Follow-Up Phase (1–3 months): Fellows return to their home institutions to complete the project, disseminate results, and integrate newly acquired skills and knowledge into their long-term research strategy.
Application Deadline
Applications for the AREF Research Development Fellowship 2025/26 must be submitted by 13:00 GMT on 27 June 2025. Applicants will be notified of the results by December 2025, and successful candidates must begin their fellowship between June and December 2026.
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