The Michigan Institute for Data and AI in Society (MIDAS) at the University of Michigan is inviting applications for the 2027 Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellowship, a prestigious fully funded programme for early- and mid-career faculty members based at African universities and research institutions.
This two-year fellowship enables outstanding researchers to apply artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies to address significant scientific and engineering challenges while building long-term research capacity across Africa. The 2027 cohort also represents the final application cycle for this internationally recognized fellowship.
About the Fellowship
The African Faculty Fellowship supports researchers who want to integrate AI into their scientific research rather than pursue AI as a standalone discipline. Fellows spend one year in residence at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor before returning to their home institutions to implement an ambitious research, training, and impact programme.
Artificial intelligence is broadly defined within the fellowship and includes machine learning, robotics, Bayesian inference, simulation, and other advanced computational methodologies applicable to scientific discovery.
The programme emphasizes collaborative research between African institutions and the University of Michigan while strengthening sustainable AI ecosystems across the African continent.
Scientific Fields Supported
Applicants may propose AI-driven research projects within the following domains:
- Biological and biomedical sciences
- Earth and environmental sciences
- Engineering
- Physical sciences and mathematics
Biomedical proposals are eligible only if they focus on basic biological processes, disease mechanisms, or disease propagation using in silico, in vitro, or animal models. Projects centered on disease diagnosis, prevention, or treatment are outside the fellowship’s scope.
Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship provides extensive financial, research, and professional support over two years.
Successful fellows will receive:
- Annual stipend of $35,000
- Comprehensive medical insurance during residency
- Fully funded housing in Ann Arbor
- Round-trip travel between Africa and the United States
- Visa fees covered
- Funding for computers and software licenses
- Support for conference travel and AI training workshops
- Publication support for research outputs
- A $50,000 pilot grant upon returning to Africa to implement the approved research and impact plan
In addition, each University of Michigan faculty host receives $40,000 to support the collaborative research project during the fellow’s residency.
Program Structure
The fellowship begins in July 2027 and runs for two years.
During the first year, fellows are based at the University of Michigan, where they conduct collaborative research within MIDAS and their host laboratory. They also participate in AI bootcamps, summer academies, collaborative learning sessions, and interdisciplinary research activities.
The second year focuses on implementing an Individualized Training, Research, and Impact Plan (I-TRIP) at the fellow’s home institution in Africa. Fellows are expected to continue collaborating with their University of Michigan mentors while expanding AI education and research within their local scientific communities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Hold a primary faculty appointment at an African university, or an equivalent research appointment at an African research institution.
- Possess a PhD before 1 July 2027.
- Be an early- or mid-career researcher whose PhD or first faculty appointment began on or after 1 July 2017.
- Demonstrate expertise in a scientific or engineering field with potential for AI-enabled research.
- Show a strong commitment to acquiring AI skills and applying them to impactful scientific challenges relevant to Africa.
Importantly, applicants do not need to identify a University of Michigan faculty host before submitting Phase 1, although doing so is optional.
Two-Phase Application Process
Phase 1
Applicants submit:
- Curriculum Vitae
- A four-page Individualized Training, Research, and Impact Plan (I-TRIP)
- Optional faculty host letter of support
The I-TRIP should outline:
- A compelling AI-enabled research vision
- A high-level research approach
- A plan for developing AI capacity in Africa after returning home
- The applicant’s qualifications and motivation for the programme
Eligible applications with a host letter automatically advance to Phase 2. Other applications are reviewed by prospective University of Michigan faculty hosts for possible mentorship.
Phase 2
Selected applicants work with their assigned faculty host to strengthen their proposal before submitting:
- Revised I-TRIP
- Three AI methodology keywords
- An eight-word research tagline
- A 300-word public research summary
- Three best research papers
- Faculty host letter of support
- Home institution approval letter confirming leave and return
- Two to three academic references
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated through a competitive merit-based process based on:
- Alignment with the fellowship’s AI in Science mission
- Research excellence and academic achievements
- Potential to develop advanced AI skills
- Originality and feasibility of the proposed research
- Long-term impact on AI research capacity in Africa
- Prospects for sustained collaboration between African researchers and the University of Michigan
The fellowship particularly values transformative projects capable of advancing both scientific discovery and institutional capacity building.
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 application deadline | 5 October 2026 |
| Phase 2 application deadline | 23 November 2026 |
| Acceptance notifications | Early February 2027 |
| Fellowship start | 1 July 2027 |
All Phase 1 applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EDT on 5 October 2026.
Why Apply?
The University of Michigan African Faculty Fellowship is one of the most comprehensive AI research opportunities available to Africa-based faculty. Beyond generous funding, it combines world-class mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, advanced AI training, and a substantial pilot grant that enables fellows to establish lasting research and educational impact within their home institutions.
For researchers committed to using artificial intelligence to solve pressing scientific and engineering challenges while strengthening Africa’s research ecosystem, this fellowship offers an exceptional platform for international collaboration and long-term leadership.
Key Fellowship Details
- Institution: University of Michigan – MIDAS
- Programme: Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellowship
- Duration: 2 years
- Residency: 1 year in Ann Arbor, USA
- Annual Stipend: $35,000
- Pilot Grant: $50,000
- Housing, Travel & Visa: Fully funded
- Eligible Applicants: Faculty members based at African universities and research institutions
- Phase 1 Deadline: 5 October 2026
- Phase 2 Deadline: 23 November 2026
