Future Leaders Fellowship: An Opportunity for African Researchers

The Africa Clean Air Network and the Health Effects Institute are offering a valuable opportunity for early-career researchers in Africa. The Future Leaders Fellowship is a part-time, virtual program designed to help graduate students build their skills and networks in the critical field of air pollution. This fellowship provides a structured environment for aspiring researchers to gain practical experience and contribute to important work.

Understanding the Fellowship Program

The Future Leaders Fellowship is a six-month program running from September 2026 to March 2027. It is specifically designed for graduate students currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program at an African university or institution. The program aims to support 3 to 4 fellows, pairing them with experienced mentors from academic or research institutions across Africa. This mentorship is key to guiding fellows as they work on a specific research project related to air pollution and health.

Research Focus Areas

Fellows will have the chance to work on projects aligned with their interests in air quality and health. The program outlines several areas of focus, allowing applicants to indicate their preferences. These areas include:

• Air Quality and Health: Research that explores the connections between air pollution and health outcomes in African populations.
• Air Quality Monitoring and Modelling: Projects focused on how to effectively measure and predict air quality across the continent.
• Environmental and Air Quality Policy and Engagement: Work that looks at the policies surrounding air quality and how to engage the public and stakeholders on these issues.

Specific mentor opportunities are available, covering topics such as assessing emissions inventories, reviewing literature on air pollution and heat, mapping air quality monitoring, analyzing long-term air quality trends, and examining public perception of air pollution through media.

Benefits for Fellows

Participants in the Future Leaders Fellowship will receive several key benefits. Each fellow will be awarded USD $1,800, paid directly to them. Additionally, the fellowship includes support for travel to attend the Africa Clean Air Forum in 2027. This provides a chance to present their work and connect with a wider community of professionals in the field.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Future Leaders Fellowship, applicants must meet specific criteria. They must be currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program at a university or institution located in Africa. For Master’s students, they must have completed at least one full year of their program by the start of the fellowship. This means students entering their first year in September 2026 are not eligible. The fellowship is not open to postdoctoral researchers or faculty members.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit their applications by June 12, 2026, at 11:59 GMT. The application requires candidates to express their interest and focus on one of the specified research topics. The program encourages applications from students who are passionate about contributing to the understanding and improvement of air quality in Africa.

Conclusion

The Future Leaders Fellowship represents a significant opportunity for graduate students in Africa to deepen their expertise in air pollution research. By providing mentorship, financial support, and a platform to present their findings, the fellowship equips the next generation of environmental health leaders with the skills and connections needed to make a difference. Aspiring researchers focused on air quality and health are encouraged to explore this valuable program.