The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) has launched the 2026/27 call for its Research Development Fellowship (RDF), a competitive funding programme designed to strengthen research leadership capacity in Africa. The fellowship supports early career researchers who are addressing important challenges in human health and are committed to developing their skills as independent investigators. This opportunity provides structured career development support combined with an international research placement, positioning African researchers to enhance their expertise, expand collaborations, and increase the impact of their work within their home institutions and beyond. Purpose of the Fellowship The primary aim of the AREF Research Development Fellowship is to support emerging research leaders in Africa by equipping them with advanced research skills, mentorship, and institutional support. The programme is specifically focused on human health research and seeks to strengthen Africa-based research systems by investing directly in talented scientists and clinicians. AREF’s broader vision is to build a sustainable and competitive African research ecosystem. By enabling fellows to gain exposure at leading research institutions while maintaining strong ties with their home organisations, the programme contributes to long-term capacity development across the continent. What the Fellowship Offers The fellowship provides funding of up to £47,000 for a three to nine-month placement at a leading research institution in the United Kingdom, Europe, or Africa. The placement is complemented by structured support before and after the visit to ensure that fellows maximise the benefits of the experience. The funding covers reasonable costs related to: Accommodation Travel Subsistence Training and research development activities It is important to note that AREF does not reimburse the fellow’s salary during the placement period. Applicants must therefore secure agreement from their employing institution to continue salary support while they are away. In addition to financial support, fellows benefit from mentorship, exposure to advanced research environments, and opportunities to develop new collaborations that can strengthen future grant applications and research outputs. Eligibility Criteria The fellowship is open to early career researchers who meet the following requirements: Research-active postdoctoral scientists or clinicians with higher qualifications Nationals of an African country Employed at an institution in Africa Working on research related to important challenges in human health Applicants must carefully review the detailed eligibility criteria provided in the official scheme documentation to ensure compliance before beginning their application. The programme is designed for researchers who are already demonstrating leadership potential and are ready to take the next step in their academic careers. It is particularly suited to individuals seeking to consolidate their research focus, build independence, and strengthen their capacity to compete for larger research grants in the future. Application Process Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to read all guidance documents thoroughly before developing their proposal. These documents include: Scheme Information Guidance on Completing Application Forms AREF Terms and Conditions Applications must be submitted via the official AREF online portal at https://programmes.aref-africa.org.uk/. AREF emphasises the importance of early discussions with both the employing organisation and the proposed host institution. Institutional support and sponsorship are critical components of a competitive application. Applicants should ensure that senior leaders at their home institution endorse their career development plans and agree to support their absence during the placement. Key Dates The deadline for submission of all application documents is 13:00 GMT on 08 May 2026. Applicants with questions not addressed in the scheme information document are encouraged to contact AREF via the portal by 27 April 2026. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by December 2026. Successful fellowships may begin between June 2027 and December 2027. Given the competitive nature of the programme, early preparation is strongly advised. Strategic Importance The AREF Research Development Fellowship plays a critical role in strengthening Africa-led health research. By investing in early career scientists and clinicians, the programme contributes to improved research quality, stronger institutional capacity, and enhanced regional and international collaboration. For researchers committed to advancing human health research in Africa while developing their leadership and technical capabilities, the 2026/27 AREF Research Development Fellowship represents a significant opportunity for professional growth and long-term impact. APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the fellowship For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.