ARUA Early-career Research Fellowships: A Pathway for African Researchers

The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) is offering early-career researchers a valuable opportunity to advance their work through its 2026 fellowship program. This initiative, supported by the Mastercard Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, aims to build research capacity across African universities. It provides a structured environment for promising academics to collaborate with experienced researchers and contribute to globally competitive research. This program is designed to give early-career scientists the time and resources needed to focus on their research away from their regular teaching duties.

Program Goals and Structure

The ARUA Early-career Research Fellowships are designed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. The program will fund up to 42 early-career researchers. These fellows will conduct research at ARUA’s thirteen Centres of Excellence (CoEs) or within the twenty-two Africa-Europe Clusters of Excellence (CoREs). A key aspect of the program is that each host institution is expected to welcome research fellows from countries different from their own. This cross-national exchange is intended to broaden perspectives and strengthen international research networks.

Fellow Responsibilities

Selected fellows will undertake several key responsibilities during their six-month tenure. They will assist in spreading the research findings of their host CoE or CoRE. Working alongside other researchers, fellows will conduct various studies under the guidance of a mentor. A primary output requirement is the publication of at least one academic paper in a high-impact journal, such as one indexed in Scopus or Web of Science. This paper can be jointly authored, provided the fellow is the first or lead author. Alongside the academic paper, fellows must produce a policy brief or blog post for the host institution’s platforms.

Furthermore, fellows are expected to present their work at least twice and participate in technical workshops. These activities will involve engagement with fellow researchers and other relevant stakeholders. The program also encourages fellows to help build and strengthen new partnerships between their host CoE or CoRE and other organizations. This aspect of the fellowship emphasizes the development of collaborative relationships beyond the immediate research project.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful candidates will be contracted by ARUA for a period of six months. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of US$2,000. Additionally, a modest payment for accommodation and travel support, including a return ticket to the host institution, will be provided. It is important to note that relocation expenses are not covered by the fellowship. For eligible women who may need extra support, such as for childcare, additional financial assistance is available. The host CoE will also provide the research fellow with dedicated office space to facilitate their work.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the ARUA Early-career Research Fellowships, applicants must meet specific criteria. They must be African nationals who hold a PhD in a field related to the thematic area of the Centre of Excellence or Cluster of Research Excellence they are applying to. Applicants should have completed their PhD within the last five years. They should also be young faculty or research members at an ARUA university, although eligible candidates from non-ARUA universities can also apply.

Female postdoctoral fellows may be considered in limited circumstances. Applicants must not be older than 35 years at the time of application. A strong track record relevant to the fellowship opportunity is required, along with a willingness to develop an international standing and research reputation. Fellows must be available to spend six months away from their home university and commit to returning to their home institution afterward.

Applicants should be working on an ongoing project related to the host CoE or CoRE and have data readily available to support their proposed research activities. The program strongly encourages eligible women to apply, with at least 70% of the fellowships designated for female candidates. This aims to promote gender equity in research leadership across Africa.

Application Process

The application for this research fellowship requires several documents. Applicants must submit a cover letter detailing their reasons for applying, how they will fulfill the fellowship’s roles and responsibilities, their relevant experience, and how they meet the eligibility criteria. The cover letter must specify the particular ARUA CoE or Africa-Europe CoRE the applicant is applying to. If an applicant has prior experience at the proposed host institution, they should explain how this new visit will build upon that existing relationship. Applicants may also suggest potential supervisors, ideally after having contacted them. Information regarding visa requirements and estimated processing times for the host country should also be included.

A full Curriculum Vitae (CV) is necessary, including personal details, PhD qualifications, research output, contributions to jointly authored publications, and details of two referees. Referees should not be based at the proposed host CoE or CoRE. Shortlisted candidates will need to arrange for these referees to submit a brief report assessing their suitability. A Letter of Support from the applicant’s home institution is also required, confirming their suitability and commitment to return.

Proof of PhD award is essential. Applicants must also provide a Brief Concept Note, not exceeding 1,500 words, outlining their proposed research project. This plan must be feasible within the six-month fellowship period and align with the objectives of the host CoE and CoRE. Candidates who can show they have the necessary data or research materials will have a significant advantage. Finally, applicants need to submit two academic writing samples, such as peer-reviewed journal articles or book chapters, excluding chapters from their doctoral thesis. For jointly authored pieces, the applicant’s specific contribution must be described. The biodata page of a valid passport is also required.