African Research Leaders 2023

Apply for funding to support excellent global health research and strengthen research leadership across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

We aim to attract and retain exceptionally talented ‘rising star’ individuals who will lead high quality research on key global health issues pertinent to SSA.

Researchers should be supported by an enthusiastic local research environment and by a UK-based mentor as part of a partnership between the African and UK institutions.

Awards will provide support for up to five years and the requested amount should not exceed £750,000 in total.

Lack of grant funding and research infrastructure in many SSA countries can make it difficult to attract and retain talented African scientists. As a result, African nationals are currently under-represented as leaders in medical research in the region.

This scheme seeks to support talented early-to-mid career African researchers who are either already based in a SSA country, or currently working overseas who wish to return to a SSA country.

You can apply for this opportunity if you are a researcher based at an eligible African research institution with sufficient research capacity to manage and deliver research. This includes:

• universities or higher education institutions based in SSA with degree-awarding powers recognised by the government in which the organisation is based. This includes the MRC units at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in Uganda and the Gambia
• research focused institutes based in SSA either funded by the government of the country in which the organisation is based or by a not-for-profit organisation
• research focused not-for-profit organisations based in SSA with dedicated research capacity.

If a candidate is returning to work in SSA, they are expected to make their own arrangements for relocating and obtaining a tenured academic position at an eligible African research institution if one is not already held (and should be in post by the start of any award).

The successful candidate would be expected to continue their appointment at the African research institution beyond the term of this award.

The African candidate will:

• have completed a PhD
• be well-qualified for academic research having spent at least the last three years in active research (post-PhD)
• be building a track record of independence in their selected field and demonstrating promise as a future research leader.

Outstanding candidates who do not have a PhD but who are educated to master’s level and have substantial research experience, as evidenced by their publication record, may also be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Applications from women are encouraged. Candidates wishing to combine their research with domestic responsibilities may seek the award on a part-time basis. The terms and conditions of the award make allowances for maternity or paternity leave. Allowance will also be made to those researchers whose career has been affected, either by a late start or by interruption, for personal or family reasons.