Applications are now open for the 2026/27 AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme (Up to £47,000 in funding awarded)

Ednah Carrick March 5, 2026

0 792 2 minutes read

Closing Date: 8 May 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026/27 AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme (Up to £47,000 in funding awarded)

The Africa Research Excellence Fund is pleased to launch the call for the 2026/27 AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme.

About the Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF)

An inspired, committed, and talented community of researchers in Africa leading world-class research and participating equitably in international research endeavours for health and wellbeing. AREF was founded in 2015 to improve the quality and impact of health research in Africa. AREF’s mission is to nurture, mentor and support a community of health researchers across Africa to become experts and leaders, capable of tackling African and global heath challenges.

Through its work, AREF supports researchers at the early stages of their careers, offering training, leadership development and funding. AREF partners with research institutions in Africa and is building a strong and sustainable African researcher community where researchers are growing their networks and improving research practice, collaboration and output. Since 2015, AREF has funded 161 Research Development Fellowships. Over 900 emerging health researchers have participated in AREF skills and leadership development programmes. They are winning research funding, producing world-class research publications, building networks, gaining promotion and finding solutions to prevailing health challenges.

About the Research Development Fellowship Programme

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.

2026/27 AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme Overview

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

What is offered. 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

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

How to apply. Read the guidance documents carefully before developing your proposal and starting your application. Complete the application form via the portal

Decisions. AREF will notify applicants of the outcomes of their applications by December 2026.

Fellowships. Successful Fellowships can start between June 2027 and no later than December 2027.

Questions. Should you have any further questions that are not contained in the scheme information document, please contact AREF via the “Contact Us” section on the portal which can be found on the lefthand panel on your homepage preferably by 27 April 2026

It is essential that you discuss your plans for an AREF Fellowship in the context of your career development with appropriate leaders within your Employing Organisation and Host Organisation at an early stage. You need your sponsors and other senior people to agree and support your plans.

AREF does not reimburse your Employing Organisation for your salary while you are away on placement: AREF do, however, support reasonable accommodation, travel and subsistence, and training costs.

Guidance documents