Apply: sub-Saharan Africa Health Research and Innovation Fellowship Program
Applications are now open for the sub-Saharan Africa Health Research and Innovation Fellowship Program. A groundbreaking three-year fellowship that will train 12 of sub-Saharan Africa’s most promising mid-career biomedical and clinical scientists to become the next generation of research leaders is now accepting applications.
The sub-Saharan Africa Health Research and Innovation Fellowship (SAHRI), fully funded by the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP3) under the Global Health programme, is one of the most ambitious capacity-building initiatives ever launched for infectious disease research in Africa. Starting in 2026, the selected fellows will combine advanced clinical training, cutting-edge research, and entrepreneurial skills to tackle the region’s biggest health threats — HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, emerging viral infections, antimicrobial resistance, and neglected tropical diseases.
About the sub-Saharan Africa Health Research and Innovation Fellowship (SAHRI)
SAHRI is a €4.8 million consortium project led by the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) Antwerp (Belgium) in close partnership with BioNTech (Germany) and a powerful network of African and European institutions including the Ifakara Health Institute (Tanzania), Makerere University (Uganda), University of Buea (Cameroon), and the African Research Excellence Fund (AREF), among others.
The fellowship responds directly to Africa’s chronic shortage of senior investigators capable of designing, leading, and translating large-scale clinical trials and biomedical innovations. While Africa bears over 25% of the global disease burden, it hosts less than 1% of global clinical trials and produces only a fraction of the vaccines and therapeutics it needs. SAHRI aims to reverse this by creating a cohort of African scientist-entrepreneurs who can attract major funding, build sustainable research ecosystems, and deliver solutions that save millions of lives.
The Three-Year Journey: From Master’s Training to Independent Leadership
The programme is structured in three progressive phases:
- Year 1 – Master of Science in Tropical Medicine (Antwerp, Belgium) Full-time residential training at ITM Antwerp, including a 3-month clinical internship in a high-burden African setting.
- Year 2 – Mentored Research & Innovation Project Return to your home country/institution to implement a mentored research project with seed funding, plus tailored training in grant writing, trial design, and product development.
- Year 3 – Leadership & Entrepreneurship Acceleration Advanced leadership modules, BioNTech-hosted innovation bootcamps, and support to develop spin-offs, secure large grants (EDCTP, NIH, Wellcome, Grand Challenges), or launch translational start-ups.
What the Fellowship Covers (100% Funded)
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition & internship costs | Fully covered for the MSc in Tropical Medicine |
| Accommodation | Provided in Antwerp and during field placements |
| Monthly living stipend | Generous allowance for the entire 36 months |
| International travel | Return flights for training phases and conference attendance |
| Health insurance | Comprehensive coverage throughout the fellowship |
| Research budget | Dedicated funding for your Year 2–3 project |
| Mentorship & networking | Access to ITM, BioNTech, and consortium faculty + global conferences |
Who Should Apply? Ideal Candidate Profile
SAHRI is looking for:
- Nationals of sub-Saharan African countries with a valid passport
- Holders of a Master’s-level degree (or EU-equivalent) in medicine, biomedical sciences, pharmacy, public health, or related fields
- Mid-career professionals (typically 5–15 years post-first degree) with demonstrated research interest in infectious diseases
- Strong alignment with EDCTP3 priorities (HIV, TB, malaria, neglected diseases, emerging infections, One Health, etc.)
- Institutional backing: a letter confirming leave of absence and post-fellowship reintegration
- Clear vision for becoming a principal investigator or research entrepreneur in Africa
- Women are especially encouraged — the programme aims for ≥50% female fellows
Previous publications or trial experience are an advantage but not mandatory.
Why This Fellowship Is Different
- BioNTech partnership: direct exposure to mRNA technology pioneers and potential pathways to vaccine/antibody development
- Full salary replacement for three years — no financial sacrifice required
- Guaranteed reintegration support at your home institution
- Entrepreneurship focus: training in IP management, regulatory affairs, and start-up creation
- Proven track record: modelled on ITM’s highly successful tropEd-accredited Master’s, with alumni leading national programmes across Africa
Application Timeline
- Now – 1 February 2026: Applications open
- February–March 2026: Shortlisting and interviews
- April 2026: Final selection announced
- September 2026: Programme starts in Antwerp
For More Information and to Apply: Visit the Official Webpage of the sub-Saharan Africa Health Research and Innovation Fellowship Program
If you are a driven African scientist ready to lead the continent’s fight against infectious diseases and build the research enterprises of tomorrow, this is your moment. Submit your application before 1 February 2026 and join the cohort that will redefine health innovation in Africa.
