The AREF Research Development Fellowship (RDF) Programme is being launched to support African researchers who are working on important challenges for human health in Africa.
The Programme Aim: To support researchers in Africa who are emerging leaders and are working on important challenges for human health to develop their skills as a researcher.
What we offer: A three to nine-month placement at a leading research institution in Europe or Africa, with additional support at your home institution before and after the placement, up to a maximum of £40,000.
Who is eligible: Research active post-doctoral scientists and clinicians who are nationals of and employed in Sub-Saharan Africa who were awarded their doctorate after May 2014; and clinicians without a doctorate but who have a research-relevant Master’s degree and at least two and up to seven years active research experience.
The AREF RDF Programme aims to enhance the research competitiveness of emerging African researchers who are working on important challenges for human health in Africa. In 2020, these challenges will include infectious disease and non-communicable diseases. AREF’s goal is to transform the opportunities for up to 15 talented postdoctoral scientists in Africa in 2020 to contribute to reducing the burden of disease through leading research that is responsive to African settings.
The RDF Programme enables talented early-career researchers to:
• acquire advanced research skills
• develop and test their own compelling research questions
• develop highly effective mentoring relationships
• grow their potential collaborations
• raise their profile through international networking
The RDF Programme will support a placement of between three to nine months for each Fellow at a leading research organisation in Europe or Africa, with time either side of the placement for preparation and follow-up. This aims to promote development of technical skills, collaborations and networks. The RDF Programme does NOT provide Fellows with funds for a whole research project; it focuses on developing researcher skills.
The maximum award for the fellowship placement is £40,000 (GB Pounds). Additionally, AREF will fully fund all workshops and mentorship support costs associated with the programme. Applicants will need to demonstrate a credible, ambitious vision for their research career in an area of human-health challenge for Africa; and a transformational, well-supported development plan that would be significantly enhanced by the RDF Programme. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their plans at an early stage with their employing and potential host organisations.
Equality and diversity are core values of AREF and we encourage applications by scientists irrespective of gender, colour, race, or creed. We strongly welcome eligible applicants from francophone and lusophone countries as well as from anglophone countries.
For more information visit: http://www.africaresearchexcellencefund.org.uk/2020/06/18/africa-research-excellence-fund-researcher-development-fellowship-2020/
