About the opportunity
The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF), in partnership with the UKRI Medical Research Council, offers the Towards Leadership Programme to empower talented, emerging scientists in Africa. The initiative is designed to help participants compete successfully for UKRI MRC and other major funding opportunities in global health research. The curriculum focuses on winning grant funding, empowering effective teams, collaborating internationally, influencing stakeholders, and building rewarding research careers across five integrated themes: leadership, effectiveness, communication, proposal writing and application, and management. The programme consists of three blended workshops at six-monthly intervals, supported by supplementary webinars, tutorials, and online resources.
Funding and benefits
- Costs of the workshops, associated accommodation, and travel of selected nominees will be met by MRC and AREF.
- Participation in three blended workshops at six-monthly intervals.
- Supplementary webinars, tutorials, and online resources.
- Baseline and end-of-programme assessments and evaluation.
Who can apply?
- You are a citizen of a country in Africa.
- You are currently employed in Africa by a recognised university and/or specialist research institution.
- You are an early career researcher, having completed your research education and now at the early stages of leading your own research group.
- You hold a research doctorate (PhD/DPhil/MD) from a recognised academic institution OR you have a medical/clinical qualification PLUS a research-relevant Master's degree, both usually within the last 10 years.
- You are currently responsible for managing/supervising one or more research students and/or research staff members and are involved in building research collaborations.
- You demonstrate evidence of being at the early stages of leading a research team or being an active member of a research team conducting Global Health Research.
- A significant part of your current employee role is to develop and conduct health research.
- You already have experience in obtaining research funding (typically more than £50,000 but must be less than the combined value of £500,000).
Required documents
- Completed application form submitted via the portal
- Supporting letter from an authorised senior representative of your employing institution confirming eligibility and authorisation to attend all workshops
When to apply
- Applications closing deadline: 16:00 GMT on 8 September 2026
- Successful applicants notified: 30 October 2026
- Opening workshop: 17-19 March 2027
- Workshop 2 (virtual): Anticipated September 2027
- Closing workshop: Anticipated March 2028
How to apply
- Complete the application form via the portal at https://programmes.aref-africa.org.uk/
- Submit your application online by the deadline of 8 September 2026 at 16:00 GMT.
Additional information
- Nominees must be fully committed to participating in all three workshops of the Programme; partial attendance is NOT an option.
- For inquiries regarding the global health remit or general questions, contact programmes@aref-africa.org.uk
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Citizens of a country in Africa currently employed by a recognised university or specialist research institution.
- Early career researchers holding a research doctorate or a clinical qualification plus a research-relevant Master's degree within the last 10 years.
- Researchers actively supervising staff or students and looking to enhance grant-winning and leadership capacities in global health.
What should you think carefully about?
- Nominees must commit fully to attending all three blended workshops, as partial attendance is not allowed.
- Applicants must already have experience securing research funding typically exceeding £50,000 but staying under £500,000.
- Candidates should verify specific institutional sign-off requirements and travel logistics.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
The program supports early career researchers aiming to build effective teams, win major international grants, and advance their global health research careers through structured mentoring and workshops.
Our take
Emerging African health researchers managing their own teams who want to scale their funding success should apply, whereas those without prior grant-seeking experience or unable to commit to all workshops are not eligible.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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