CFAs: Research Development Fellowship Programme (Africa)

The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) Research Development Fellowship Programme supports emerging African health researchers working on infectious and non-communicable diseases. Fellows receive up to £47,000 in funding, participate in research placements at centres of excellence in Africa or Europe, and gain mentorship, training, and grant-writing support to advance their research careers and prepare competitive funding proposals.

Overview

The AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme aims to develop early-career African researchers into future leaders in health research. Fellows engage in structured development pathways that strengthen research skills, mentorship networks, collaborations, and grant-writing expertise.

The programme specifically targets research in infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases that are significant or neglected in Africa. It emphasizes projects that:

• Address urgent African health challenges

• Build research capacity and outputs

• Promote leadership and independent research

• Foster collaboration across African and international institutions

Programme Structure

The fellowship is divided into three phases over a maximum duration of 15 months:

1. Preparatory Phase (1–3 months):

   • Planning research activities

   • Preparing for the placement

   • Building initial mentorship connections

2. Research Placement (3–9 months):

   • Conducting a small research project at a centre of excellence in Africa or Europe

   • Attending specialist courses and international conferences

   • Building collaborations and mentorship networks

3. Follow-up Phase (1–3 months):

   • Consolidating learning and outcomes

   • Continuing collaborations with host institutions

   • Advancing research plans and funding applications

Funding Allocation

Fellowship funding varies based on the length of the placement:

• 3-month placement: Up to £25,000

• 6-month placement: Up to £37,000

• 9-month placement: Up to £47,000

Funding covers the preparatory, placement, and follow-up periods. Around 15 fellowships are expected to be awarded, depending on funding availability.

Seed Fund Opportunity

Towards the end of the fellowship, fellows may apply for the AREF Seed Fund, which provides up to £50,000 over 12 months to:

• Generate pilot data

• Refine research questions

• Develop or validate innovative methods

• Prepare for larger grant applications

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be early-career health researchers from an African country

• Work in a research role of at least 30% full-time equivalent

• Have guaranteed employment with a research organisation or university in Africa, or an honorary contract at an African institution if based outside Africa (spending ≥70% of time in Africa)

• Hold PhD or equivalent postgraduate degree, or for clinicians:

  • Specialist clinical qualification (e.g., FRCP, FWACP) plus MBBS or equivalent

  • MBBS plus Master’s with a research component

• If completing a PhD, defend thesis and pass viva before the application deadline

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility and research focus aligns with African health priorities

2. Prepare research proposal and outline expected outcomes

3. Identify a host institution for the placement phase

4. Include CV, academic transcripts, and employment proof

5. Submit the application via the official AREF portal before the deadline

Tips for a Strong Application

• Emphasize the African health relevance of your research

• Highlight capacity-building and leadership potential

• Clearly outline research plan and expected impact

• Show commitment to building collaborations and networks

• Demonstrate readiness to prepare competitive grant proposals

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without meeting the minimum research role requirement (30% FTE)

• Submitting proposals not aligned with African health priorities

• Failing to secure host institution support

• Applying while PhD is incomplete or viva not passed

• Ignoring the mentorship and training components of the fellowship

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible for the fellowship?

Early-career African health researchers with a PhD, specialist clinical qualifications, or relevant MBBS plus Master’s research experience.

2. What diseases or health topics are prioritized?

Infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases significant or neglected in Africa.

3. How long is the fellowship?

Up to 15 months, including preparatory (1–3 months), placement (3–9 months), and follow-up (1–3 months) phases.

4. How much funding is provided?

Up to £25,000 for 3 months, £37,000 for 6 months, and £47,000 for 9 months placements.

5. Can fellows outside Africa apply?

Yes, if they hold an honorary contract at an African institution and spend ≥70% of their time in Africa.

6. Are there additional funding opportunities?

Yes, the AREF Seed Fund provides up to £50,000 for pilot research toward the end of the fellowship.

7. What is the main goal of the fellowship?

To develop emerging African research leaders, strengthen their skills, networks, and outputs, and prepare them to secure substantial research funding.

Conclusion

The AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme is a comprehensive initiative for emerging African health researchers. With structured mentorship, funding of up to £47,000, international placements, and opportunities for further Seed Fund support, the programme equips fellows to lead impactful research, strengthen collaborations, and address pressing health challenges in Africa.