The Sub‑Saharan Africa Health Research and Innovation (SAHRI) Fellowship is a prestigious, fully funded program designed to cultivate a new generation of biomedical and clinical researchers from sub‑Saharan Africa. Targeting mid-career professionals, the fellowship provides a unique platform for fellows to develop advanced scientific knowledge, research skills, and leadership capabilities. Over the course of three years, the program empowers 12 highly talented individuals to address critical health challenges in the region, particularly in the field of infectious diseases.
The SAHRI Fellowship integrates academic training, industry exposure, and research application to ensure that participants gain both theoretical expertise and practical experience. By combining these elements, the program aims to strengthen the research capacity of African institutions while fostering innovation and collaboration between local and international scientific communities.
Program Structure
The fellowship is structured around three interconnected phases: academic training, industry placement, and a return-home research project. In the first phase, fellows undertake a Master of Science in Tropical Medicine, designed to equip them with advanced knowledge in infectious diseases, epidemiology, and biomedical research. Additionally, fellows participate in specialized courses on systems thinking and biotech development, which enhance their ability to design innovative solutions to public health problems.
The second phase consists of a six-month placement at an industry partner, offering fellows direct exposure to cutting-edge biotechnological research and development. This phase allows participants to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting, gain hands-on experience with innovative health technologies, and understand the processes involved in translating research into practical solutions. Concurrently, fellows engage with leading African research centers, collaborating on projects that address local health priorities and contributing to high-impact research initiatives.
The final phase emphasizes the application of knowledge gained through the fellowship. Participants return to their home institutions to implement a research project aligned with local public health needs. This phase ensures that the skills and experience acquired abroad are transferred to African research environments, promoting sustainable capacity building and the development of local expertise. Fellows receive ongoing mentorship throughout the program, supported by experienced researchers from both African and international institutions. This mentorship fosters scientific growth, leadership development, and the formation of professional networks across regions.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be nationals of a sub-Saharan African country with a strong commitment to contributing to health research in their home region. Eligible candidates typically hold a degree equivalent to a European Master’s in disciplines such as Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Microbiology, or Pharmaceutical Sciences. The program seeks individuals with three to ten years of professional experience post-graduation, demonstrating a clear interest in infectious disease research, prior publications, or relevant research experience.
Candidates are also required to show institutional support, including a letter of commitment from their home organization, and to present a clear vision for leveraging the fellowship to enhance research capacity locally. Women researchers are strongly encouraged to apply, reflecting the program’s commitment to gender equity and diversity.
Benefits of the Fellowship
The SAHRI Fellowship offers a comprehensive support package, covering tuition fees for the master’s program, research expenses, international travel, and accommodation. Fellows receive a monthly stipend for living costs and health insurance coverage throughout the program. This fully funded structure ensures that participants can focus entirely on their academic, research, and professional development without financial concerns.
Strategic Impact
The SAHRI Fellowship is designed to produce highly skilled, innovative African researchers capable of leading health research initiatives in their countries. By combining rigorous academic training, industry exposure, and mentorship, the program strengthens local research institutions and promotes sustainable development in public health. Fellows become agents of change, equipped to implement innovative solutions to pressing health challenges and to foster scientific collaboration both within the region and globally.
Through this fellowship, sub-Saharan Africa can cultivate a new generation of leaders in biomedical research, capable of driving innovation, improving healthcare outcomes, and contributing to global scientific progress. The program ultimately aims to reinforce the region’s research ecosystem, enabling African scientists to lead transformative health research and innovation initiatives.
