AREF Research Development Fellowship (Apply Now)

The aim of the Research Development Fellowship Programme is to provide opportunities for talented health researchers based in Africa, so that they can lead research that is responsive to its African settings and can contribute to reducing the burden of disease. It aims to develop emerging African scientists through developing their skills, experience, confidence and research outputs.

Fellowships offer awardees the opportunity to develop their own research ideas, research skills and capabilities, to grow their research relationships through collaboration and mentorship, and to work towards a substantial research funding proposal.

We receive many updates from AREF Fellows who report how their Fellowship has progressed their career. Many have gone on to win fellowships and grants: this includes funding from institutions including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Wellcome Trust, African Academy of Sciences (AESA, FLAIR), the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) and others.

About Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF)

The Africa Research Excellence Fund aims to improve the quality and impact of health research in Africa by nurturing talented, emerging researchers to do the best health research in Africa, for Africa. We want to grow the community of African researchers who lead and partner excellent, collaborative health research that benefits patients, populations, policy makers and practitioners throughout the region and globally. You can be part of our vision and help us achieve it. Please read more about our programmes and how you can get involved.

Benefits of Research Development Fellowship

To support researchers in Africa who are emerging leaders and working on important challenges for human health, to develop their skills as a researcher.

A three to nine-month placement at a leading research institution in the UK, Europe or Africa, with additional support at your home institution before and after the placement. Up to £47,000 available in funding

Requirements for Research Development Fellowship Qualification

Early career researchers. These are research active post-doctoral scientists and clinicians with higher qualifications who are nationals of and employed in Africa

Interview date, Process and Venue for Research Development Fellowship

We aim to notify all applicants of the outcomes of their applications by end of March 2024.

Successful Fellowships are expected to start between July 2024 and no later than December 2024.

Deadline for submission of all application documents: 13:00 GMT, 14 September 2023

What you need before starting your application:

1. Read the Application Scheme Information.
2. Thoroughly review the Guidance on Completing the Application Forms.
3. AREF Terms and Conditions.

Documents Required for Application

1. Online Application Form PART A
2. Download the Application Form Parts B-F, to fill and upload on to the online application form.
3. Download and complete the Application Form Part G – Signature Page, then submit on to the online application.

How to Apply

You can read more about our fellowship, and what kind of topics our Fellows who come from Africa have been researching.

Should you have any further questions that are not contained in information, please email Fellowships.AREF@aref-africa.org.uk by 8 September 2023. 

For more details, visit AREF website on https://www.africaresearchexcellencefund.org.uk/News/open-funding-up-to-47000-research-development-fellowships-2023-24