Deadline: February 1, 2026
The Sub-Saharan Africa Health Research and Innovation Fellowship Programme (SAHRI Fellowship) is a fully funded, three-year capacity-building initiative designed to develop mid-career biomedical and clinical researchers across sub-Saharan Africa. The programme aims to equip emerging researchers with world-class scientific, academic, and innovation skills while promoting long-term collaboration between African and international research institutions. The SAHRI Fellowship strengthens the continent’s health research ecosystem by combining academic training, industry exposure and a return-home research phase that ensures sustainable impact.
About the Opportunity
The SAHRI Fellowship prepares talented African researchers to become future leaders in infectious disease research, innovation, and biotechnology development. Led by the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM), Antwerp, the programme targets key infectious disease challenges, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment and control. It promotes collaboration between European and African institutions and fosters both North–South and South–South scientific partnerships.
The Fellowship is delivered in collaboration with KU Leuven (Belgium), BioNTech (Germany), and leading African research organisations, including the East African Consortium for Clinical Research and the Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro in Burkina Faso. The programme is funded under the Global Health EDCTP3 initiative.
Programme Structure
The SAHRI Fellowship runs for three years and consists of three distinct phases:
1. Academic Phase
- Fellows undertake a Master of Science in Tropical Medicine (60 ECTS) at ITM, Antwerp.
- Additional training includes a Systems Thinking in Biotech Development course at KU Leuven.
- Fellows gain rigorous scientific grounding and exposure to advanced research methodologies.
2. Placement Phase
- A six-month industry internship at BioNTech, Mainz, Germany.
- A research placement at African centres of excellence such as EACCR or CRUN, offering hands-on experience in field-relevant scientific environments.
- This phase bridges academic learning with practical research in both industry and African research ecosystems.
3. Return-Home Phase
- A 12-month research or innovation project implemented in the fellow’s home country or region.
- Designed to reinforce local institutional capacity and support long-term scientific leadership.
- Fellows may continue into PhD-level studies depending on project alignment and performance.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a national of a sub-Saharan African country.
- Hold a university qualification equivalent to a European Master’s degree.
- Demonstrate strong interest and experience in infectious disease research, aligned with EDCTP priorities.
- Show clear potential to contribute to health research and innovation in their home country.
- Provide evidence of institutional support, confirming the ability to participate fully in all phases.
- Present a forward-looking vision for applying the fellowship’s outcomes to community, national or regional health challenges.
- Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Benefits / Award Details
The SAHRI Fellowship is fully funded, covering:
- Full tuition for the MSc programme
- Accommodation during academic and placement phases
- Monthly living stipend
- International travel costs
- Health insurance
- Research-related expenses for the return-home phase
- Access to international mentorship, high-level research networks, and advanced laboratory exposure
Application Requirements / Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) demonstrating relevant experience
- Motivation letter outlining research interests and alignment with programme goals
- Proof of institutional support from home institution
- Valid identification documents
- Any prior research outputs (preferred but not mandatory)
Timeline / Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 February 2026
- Programme Duration: 2026 – 2029
- Phases: Academic → Placement → Return-Home
How to Apply
Interested candidates must first apply to the Master of Science in Tropical Medicine at ITM. The SAHRI Fellowship selection process is then completed based on academic merit, research potential and alignment with programme objectives.
Selection Process
The selection committee evaluates:
- Academic background
- Research experience and potential
- Strength of motivation statement
- Institutional endorsement
- Capacity to contribute to African health research
- Commitment to completing all programme phases
Only 12 fellowships are awarded, making the programme highly competitive.
Additional Information / Terms
- Participation requires readiness to relocate to Belgium, Germany, and assigned African research centres.
- Fellows must commit to completing the three-year programme in full, including the mandatory return-home phase.
- The fellowship does not automatically guarantee a PhD position; this depends on performance and project suitability.
- Communication and enquiries may be directed to the programme management team via the official SAHRI Fellowship administrative email.
Host Organisation
The Fellowship is hosted by the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM), Antwerp, one of the world’s leading centres for infectious disease research, global health, and scientific training. The programme is implemented in partnership with KU Leuven, BioNTech, and leading African scientific institutions.
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