2025/26 AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme
The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) is pleased to announce the call for the 2025/26 AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme. This programme is designed to support emerging researchers in Africa who are working on critical challenges in human health, helping them develop their skills and grow as leaders in their field.
📝 About the Fellowship
The AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme provides opportunities for talented health researchers based in Africa to:
- Lead research that is responsive to African settings.
- Contribute to reducing the burden of disease.
- Develop their skills, experience, confidence, and research outputs.
Key Features:
- Duration: 3 to 9 months placement at a leading research institution in the UK, Europe, or Africa.
- Support: Additional assistance at the home institution before and after the placement.
- Focus: Developing research ideas, skills, and collaborations, and preparing for substantial research funding proposals.
Note: Applicants must discuss their plans with leaders at their employing and host organizations early in the process. While AREF does not reimburse salaries during placements, it supports reasonable accommodation, travel, subsistence, and training costs.
🎁 Benefits
- Funding: Up to £47,000 available to successful applicants.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
1. General Requirements
- Open to early career researchers who are:
- Research-active post-doctoral scientists or clinicians.
- Nationals of and employed in Africa.
- Applicants must demonstrate a focus on human health research and potential to lead original and innovative research.
2. Nationality and Residency
- Must be a national of an African country.
- Residency in Africa is not mandatory at the time of application, provided the application is supported by an African institution.
3. Employment
Applicants must:
- Work at least 30% Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) in an active research role.
- Have guaranteed employment with:
- A legally established research organization or university in Africa, or
- A center of research excellence outside Africa with an honorary contract at an African institution. At least 70% of their time must be spent in Africa.
4. Academic Qualifications
Eligible applicants include:
- Clinicians and non-clinicians with a PhD or equivalent postgraduate degree in a health-related subject.
- Clinicians with:
- An MBBS or equivalent and a specialist clinical qualification (e.g., FRCP, FWACP).
- A Master’s degree with a research component and a plan to pursue a PhD or equivalent doctorate.
- Applicants currently pursuing a PhD must have defended their thesis and obtained their award or attestation by 27 June 2025.
5. Research Experience
- Applicants should:
- Have been research-active for most of their post-doctoral career.
- Have at least three years’ research experience but typically not more than ten.
- Have significant research outputs (e.g., at least three first-author publications).
- Not have won a substantial research grant equivalent to £300,000 or more.
- Be free from other significant research funding commitments during the fellowship.
📅 Application Timeline
- Application Deadline: 27 June 2025
- Notification of Outcomes: December 2025
- Fellowship Start Date: Between June 2026 and December 2026
📌 Application Process
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Prepare Your Application:
- Discuss your plans with leaders at your employing and host organizations.
- Ensure all required documents and support letters are ready.
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Submit Your Application:
- Use the official application portal.
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Guidance:
- Refer to the application guidance document for detailed instructions.
📧 Contact Information
For further questions, reach out via the AREF contact page.
🌟 Additional Information
- Visit the official fellowship page for more details.
- Apply directly through the application portal.
Take this opportunity to advance your research career and make a meaningful impact on health challenges in Africa!
- Up to £47,000 available
