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Research Development Fellowship 2024/25

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Information for researchers

The Africa Research Excellence Fund is pleased to launch the call for the 2024/25 AREF Research Development Fellowship Programme. 

Programme Overview

Aim. To support researchers in Africa who are emerging leaders and working on important challenges for human health, to develop their skills as a researcher.

What we offer. A three to nine-month placement at a leading research institution in the UK, Europe or Africa, with additional support at your home institution before and after the placement. Up to £47,000 available

Who is eligible? Early career researchers. These are research active post-doctoral scientists and clinicians with higher qualifications who are nationals of and employed in Africa (see detailed eligibility criteria).

How to apply. Read the guidance documents carefully before developing your proposal and starting your application. Complete the application form via the portal at https://programmes.aref-africa.org.uk/

Timelines

We aim to notify all applicants of the outcomes of their applications by April 2025.  

Successful Fellowships are expected to start between July 2025 and no later than December 2025.  

Deadline for submission of all application documents: 13:00 GMT, 4 October 2024 

Questions. Should you have any further questions that are not contained in the scheme information document, please contact us via the “Contact Us” section on the portal which can be found on the lefthand panel on your homepage preferably by 27 September 2024.

It is essential that you discuss your plans for an AREF Fellowship in the context of your career development with appropriate leaders within your Employing Organisation and Host Organisation at an early stage. You need your sponsors and other senior people to agree and support your plans.

AREF does not reimburse your Employing Organisation for your salary while you are away on placement: we do, however, support reasonable accommodation, travel and training costs.

What you need before starting your application: 

  1. Read the Application  Scheme Information Scheme Information
  2. Thoroughly review the  Guidance on Completing the Application Forms 
  3. AREF Terms and Conditions .This is also available on the portal 

You can read more about our fellowship, and what kind of topics our Fellows who come from Africa have been researching.

Next steps:

We will be hosting information sessions, and providing more insights about the Research Development Fellowships to applicants. You can stay connected by Following our Twitter and LinkedIn for updates, and subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to hear about our opportunities.