The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), with support from the Mastercard Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, is offering Early-Career Research Fellowships. This initiative aims to support early-career researchers in conducting globally competitive research within ARUA's network.

Fellowship Overview

This program will fund up to forty-two (42) early-career researchers. The fellowships are intended to support research at the host and affiliated institutions of ARUA’s thirteen (13) Centres of Excellence (CoEs). This provides a unique opportunity to engage with established research hubs.

Each fellowship will have a duration of six months, taking place between July 2025 and June 2026. Up to four fellows will be assigned to each CoE, ensuring a collaborative research environment. All positions are expected to be filled by December 2025.

This fellowship aims to foster research excellence and collaboration among African researchers. It provides a platform for early-career individuals to advance their research and contribute to global knowledge.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this fellowship, applicants must meet specific criteria. The primary requirement is that applicants must be no older than 35 years at the time of application. This criterion focuses on supporting researchers at the early stages of their careers.

• Applicants must be citizens of African countries.

• Must hold a PhD degree or equivalent research experience.

• Demonstrated research potential and alignment with ARUA's CoEs.

Meeting these eligibility requirements is crucial for consideration. Applicants are advised to carefully review all criteria before applying.

Key Benefits

The Early-Career Research Fellowship offers several significant benefits to selected fellows. Fellows will receive funding to support their research activities during the six-month period. This financial support enables focused dedication to their research projects.

Fellows will gain access to the resources and expertise within ARUA’s Centres of Excellence. This includes mentorship from established researchers and access to state-of-the-art facilities. The fellowship also provides opportunities for networking and collaboration with other researchers in the ARUA network.

Participation in this fellowship can significantly enhance a researcher's career prospects. It provides a platform to showcase research, build collaborations, and contribute to impactful research outcomes.

Research Focus Areas

The ARUA Centres of Excellence cover a wide range of research areas. Applicants should align their research proposals with the focus areas of these CoEs. This ensures that the research contributes to ARUA's strategic objectives.

Potential research areas include, but are not limited to, climate change, sustainable development, public health, and education. Interdisciplinary research proposals that address complex challenges are particularly encouraged. The program seeks to foster innovation and impactful research outcomes.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the specific research interests and expertise within each CoE. Aligning their research with these areas will strengthen their application.