AREF Towards Leadership Programme 2026–2027 (Fully Funded Leadership Programme for African Health Researchers)

Applications are now open for the AREF Towards Leadership Programme 2026–2027, a fully funded professional development programme designed to strengthen the leadership, research management, and grant-winning capabilities of emerging health researchers across Africa. Delivered by the Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) in collaboration with the UK Medical Research Council (MRC), the programme equips talented scientists with the practical skills needed to compete successfully for international research funding and lead impactful global health research initiatives.

The programme recognizes that scientific excellence alone is often not enough to build a successful research career. Researchers also need leadership skills, effective communication, grant-writing expertise, project management abilities, and the confidence to lead multidisciplinary teams. Through a carefully structured blend of residential workshops, virtual learning, mentoring, and collaborative activities, participants receive comprehensive support to develop these essential competencies.

Rather than funding research projects directly, the Towards Leadership Programme focuses on developing researchers themselves. Participants learn how to design competitive research proposals, manage research teams, communicate scientific findings effectively, engage stakeholders, and build sustainable research careers that contribute to solving Africa's most pressing health challenges.

About the Programme

The AREF Towards Leadership Programme is part of AREF's broader mission to strengthen research capacity across Africa by investing in promising scientists at critical stages of their careers. The programme targets researchers who have already begun establishing themselves as independent investigators and are preparing to compete for larger national and international research grants.

Participants complete a year-long blended learning programme consisting of three major workshops held approximately six months apart. Two workshops are delivered in person, while one is conducted virtually to allow continued engagement and collaboration between participants.

Throughout the programme, participants work alongside fellow researchers from across Africa, exchanging experiences, developing professional networks, and learning from experienced facilitators with expertise in research leadership, funding, and global health. The curriculum is highly practical, encouraging participants to apply newly acquired knowledge directly to their own research environments and career development plans.

Programme Benefits

Selected participants will receive:

• Fully funded participation in the programme.
• Accommodation during residential workshops.
• International and local travel support for official programme activities.
• Access to expert-led leadership training.
• Practical grant writing and proposal development training.
• Professional coaching and mentorship.
• Networking opportunities with researchers across Africa.
• Access to webinars, tutorials, and online learning resources.
• Personal leadership development planning.
• Improved competitiveness for international research funding opportunities.
• Membership in an expanding network of African research leaders.

All approved programme-related travel, accommodation, and workshop costs are covered by AREF and the UK Medical Research Council, allowing participants to focus entirely on their professional development.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of an African country.
• Be employed by a recognized university or specialist research institution located in Africa.
• Be early-career researchers who have completed their research training.
• Hold a PhD, DPhil, MD, or a medical/clinical qualification together with a research-related Master's degree.
• Normally have obtained their highest qualification within the past 10 years, although career breaks may be considered.
• Be actively involved in global health research.
• Supervise one or more research students or staff members.
• Demonstrate evidence of beginning to lead a research team or research programme.
• Have responsibilities that include conducting and developing health research.
• Have previous success in securing research funding, typically exceeding £50,000 but with a cumulative value below £500,000.

Required Application Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Completed online application form.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Details of academic qualifications.
• Employment information.
• Evidence of research leadership experience.
• Information on previous research funding.
• Description of current research activities.
• Personal statement explaining career goals and leadership aspirations.
• Additional supporting documents requested during the application process.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Academic and research achievements.
• Leadership potential.
• Commitment to a career in global health research.
• Research management experience.
• Potential to benefit from the programme.
• Evidence of developing an independent research career.
• Likelihood of securing future international research funding.
• Commitment to strengthening research capacity within Africa.

How to Apply

To apply for the AREF Towards Leadership Programme 2026–2027:

1. Visit the official AREF online application portal.
2. Carefully review the programme guidance and eligibility requirements.
3. Complete the online application form.
4. Upload all required supporting documents.
5. Review your application carefully before submission.
6. Submit your application no later than September 8, 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to allow sufficient time to prepare all required information before the application portal closes.