IDeAL KEMRI Virus Genomics for Outbreak Response (ViGOR) Consortium Research Fellowships 2026

📝 About IDeAL KEMRI ViGOR Consortium Research Fellowships

The ViGOR project aims to strengthen public health systems in the Central/East Africa region by expanding access to genomics, bioinformatics, and outbreak modeling tools during virus outbreaks. These fellowships focus on developing local expertise on the African continent to drive outbreak research, innovation, and effective responses to viral disease threats.

🎁 Benefits of the Fellowships

The fellowship offers extensive capacity-building opportunities, including:

• Participation in short courses (bioinformatics, infectious disease modeling, research methods).
• Mentorship from leading institutions within the consortium.
• Guidance on scientific publications, policy briefs, and career development.
• Opportunities to present research at regional and international conferences.
• Integration into a multidisciplinary research network and scientific discussions.

Support for Fellows:

• Home institution supervisor.
• Assigned mentor from a partner institution.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicant Requirements:

• Early-career researchers with a Master’s or PhD qualification (within 6 years post-PhD).
• Full-time affiliation with a recognized academic institution, public health lab, or research institute in Central or East Africa.
• Relevant experience in public health, genomics, bioinformatics, or epidemiological modeling.

Project Requirements:

Proposed research projects must:

• Be ongoing and have necessary ethical and regulatory approvals.
• Demonstrate clear public health significance.
• Avoid extensive new data collection or major equipment purchases.
• Align with ViGOR thematic areas, including:
  • Virus genomics and sequencing.
  • Bioinformatics pipelines.
  • Outbreak modeling.
  • Viral phylodynamics.
  • Integration of genomic and epidemiological data for policy impact.

📋 Application Process

Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. 2–3 page research proposal with budget and justification.
2. Updated CV (maximum 3 pages).
3. Details of home institution supervisor.
4. Academic certificates.
5. Motivation statement.
6. Institutional support letter confirming salary/stipend coverage.
7. Supervisor support letter.

📅 Application Deadline

30 April, 2026

For further details and to apply, visit the official IDeAL KEMRI ViGOR Consortium Research Fellowships page.

• Participation in short courses (bioinformatics, infectious disease modelling, research methods)
• Mentorship from leading institutions within the consortium
• Guidance on scientific publications, policy briefs, and career development
• Opportunities to present research at regional and international conferences
• Integration into a multidisciplinary research network and scientific discussions
• A home institution supervisor
• An assigned mentor from a partner institution