The AREF-MRC Towards Leadership Programme 2025–2026 is a prestigious, fully funded initiative designed to nurture and empower emerging African scientists in the field of global health research. Jointly organized by the Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) and the UKRI Medical Research Council (MRC), this comprehensive leadership development programme aims to equip early-career researchers with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to lead impactful health research projects and secure major funding opportunities.
Spanning from December 2025 to November 2026, the programme encompasses two in-person workshops and one virtual session, focusing on enhancing leadership capabilities, research management, and grant acquisition skills. Participants will engage in interactive sessions, mentorship, and collaborative projects, fostering a community of practice among Africa’s future research leaders.
Benefits
– Financial Support: All costs related to workshops, accommodation, and travel will be covered by AREF and MRC.
– Skill Enhancement: Participants will acquire essential skills in leadership, research management, and grant acquisition, positioning them for successful careers in medical research leadership in Africa.
– Networking: Engage with a diverse cohort of peers and mentors, expanding professional networks and fostering collaborations.
– Career Advancement: The programme serves as a catalyst for career growth, providing a platform for early-career researchers to transition into leadership roles within their institutions and the broader research community.
The AREF-MRC Towards Leadership Programme 2025–2026 is meticulously structured to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by emerging African researchers in the global health landscape. By participating in this fully funded leadership programme in Africa, researchers will gain invaluable insights and skills to navigate the complexities of health research funding and management.
The AREF-MRC Towards Leadership Programme 2025–2026 stands as a beacon for early-career researchers in Africa, offering a transformative experience that combines leadership training, research capacity building, and international collaboration. By investing in the development of African scientists, the programme contributes to the advancement of global health research and the empowerment of the continent’s next generation of research leaders.
If you are an aspiring leader in health research, seize this opportunity to enhance your skills, expand your network, and make a lasting impact on health outcomes in Africa and beyond.
Name of organizer
– Africa Research Excellence Fund
Requirements/Eligibility
To be considered for the AREF-MRC Towards Leadership Programme 2025–2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
– Citizenship: Must be a citizen of an African country.
– Employment: Currently employed in Africa by a recognized university or specialist research institution.
– Career Stage: An early-career researcher who has completed research education and is at the early stages of leading their own research group.
– Academic Qualifications:
– Hold a research doctorate (PhD/DPhil/MD) from a recognized academic institution, OR
– Possess a medical/clinical qualification **plus** a research-relevant Master’s degree, both typically obtained within the last 10 years.
– If qualifications were obtained more than 10 years ago, applicants must explain in their application why they should still be considered early-career researchers (e.g., due to career breaks or caregiving responsibilities).
– Research Involvement: Currently responsible for managing/supervising one or more research students and/or staff members, and actively involved in building research collaborations.
– Leadership Potential: Demonstrate evidence of being at the early stages of leading a research team or being an active member of a research team conducting global health research.
– Research Focus: A significant part of the current role involves developing and conducting health research.
– Funding Experience: Have experience in obtaining research funding, with a combined value of £500,000 or less.
– Institutional Support: Applications must be accompanied by a supporting letter from a senior representative of the employing institution, confirming eligibility and commitment to the programme’s requirements.
Duration/stipends
– Programme Duration: December 2025 – November 2026.
– Workshops:
– Opening Workshop: 1–3 December 2025 (In-person)
– Mid-term Workshop: April 2026 (Virtual)
– Closing Workshop: November 2026 (In-person) ([The AREF-MRC Towards Leadership Programme –
Financial Support: All costs related to workshops, accommodation, and travel will be covered by AREF and MRC. Participants will also receive supplementary learning materials and access to online resources.
Location
The programme includes two residential workshops held in Africa and one virtual workshop. Specific locations for the in-person workshops will be communicated to selected participants.
Deadline
2 May 2025
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Keywords
1. Fully funded leadership programme Africa
2. Global health research training
3. Early-career researcher opportunities Africa
4. AREF MRC leadership development
5. Health research funding Africa
6. African scientists career advancement
7. Research capacity building Africa
8. PhD fellowships for African researchers
9. Medical research leadership Africa
10. International collaboration in health research ([The AREF-MRC Towards Leadership Programme 2025/2026
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