The Africa Research Excellence Fund is pleased to launch the call for the 2026/27 AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme.
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 we offer. 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 (see detailed eligibility criteria).
How to apply. Read the guidance documents carefully before developing your proposal and starting your application. Complete the application form via the portal at https://programmes.aref-africa.org.uk/
Deadline for submission of all application documents:
13.00 hours GMT on 08 May 2026
Decisions. We 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 us 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: we do, however, support reasonable accommodation, travel and subsistence, and training costs.
Guidance documents
- Scheme Information
- Guidance on Completing Application Forms
- AREF Terms and Conditions .This is also available on the portal
You can read more about our fellowship, and what kind of topics our Fellows who come from Africa have been researching.
