The ACT-PREP Consortium has opened applications for 25 fully funded research fellowships, including 15 PhD Fellowships and 10 Postdoctoral Fellowships, aimed at strengthening Africa’s capacity in clinical trials and epidemic preparedness and response research.
Funded through the HORIZON-JU-GH-EDCTP3 programme, the initiative supports outstanding researchers from seven African countries with tuition, stipends, research funding, mentorship, and access to leading research networks. The programme seeks to develop the next generation of African scientific leaders capable of responding to infectious disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.
About the ACT-PREP Programme
Africa continues to experience a high burden of infectious diseases and health emergencies. Between 2001 and 2022, the continent recorded more than 2,200 acute public health events, with the vast majority linked to infectious diseases. The ACT-PREP project was established to strengthen surveillance systems, clinical research, laboratory capacity, ethics, regulatory science, and epidemic preparedness across the region.
The fellowship programme supports researchers whose work contributes to building resilient health systems and improving Africa’s readiness for future epidemics.
Fellowship Categories
The programme offers two competitive fellowship pathways:
PhD Fellowships (15 positions)
The PhD programme supports researchers who are either currently enrolled in, or seeking admission to, a PhD at an ACT-PREP partner university. Funding is available for up to three years and includes structured academic training alongside research mentorship.
Postdoctoral Fellowships (10 positions)
The postdoctoral programme provides up to 12 months of research funding for early-career researchers wishing to develop independent research leadership in clinical trials and epidemic preparedness.
ACT-PREP Priority Research Themes
Applicants must align their proposed research with one of the following seven themes:
- Clinical trials and trial readiness
- Disease surveillance, modelling and artificial intelligence
- Ethics and regulatory science
- Laboratory and genomic surveillance
- One Health
- Health systems resilience
- Epidemic preparedness and response
Research concepts should demonstrate scientific merit, feasibility, and relevance to Africa’s public health priorities.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows will receive a comprehensive support package that may include:
- Full or partial tuition and university fees (PhD)
- Monthly living stipend
- Research or clinical trial grant
- Mentorship from African and international experts
- Specialized training in clinical research and epidemic preparedness
- Access to ACT-PREP trial sites and research datasets
- Opportunities for conference participation and scientific publishing
- Membership in the ACT-PREP alumni and mentorship network
The exact benefits vary depending on the fellowship category and programme conditions.
Eligible Countries
The fellowship is open to nationals of the following ACT-PREP partner countries:
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
Qualified female researchers are strongly encouraged to apply.
Partner Universities
PhD fellows will study or conduct research at one of the ACT-PREP partner institutions:
- Makerere University (Uganda)
- Somali National University (Somalia)
- Université de Kinshasa (DR Congo)
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Tanzania)
- University of Global Health Equity – UGHE (Rwanda)
- Université Cheikh Anta Diop (Senegal)
- University of Juba (South Sudan)
Applicants must be endorsed by their home or host institution.
Eligibility Requirements
PhD Fellowship
Applicants must:
- Be a national of an eligible ACT-PREP country
- Hold a relevant Master’s degree in health, biomedical sciences, public health, or a related discipline
- Be currently enrolled in, or eligible to register for, a PhD at an ACT-PREP partner university
- Submit a research concept aligned with an ACT-PREP priority theme
- Obtain institutional endorsement and provide two referees
Postdoctoral Fellowship
Applicants must:
- Be a national of an eligible ACT-PREP country
- Hold a PhD awarded within the past five years
- Have a strong research record appropriate to career stage
- Secure endorsement from a home or host institution
- Propose research related to clinical trials or epidemic preparedness
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
- Completed ACT-PREP application form
- Updated Curriculum Vitae
- Motivation letter
- Two to three-page research concept note
- Institutional endorsement letter
- Two referee recommendation letters
- Copies of academic certificates and transcripts
Applications may be submitted in English or French.
Selection Process
Applications will undergo a competitive review consisting of:
- Eligibility and completeness screening
- Scientific evaluation of the research proposal
- Interviews for shortlisted candidates
- Notification of successful applicants
- Fellowship onboarding and commencement
Selection is based on academic excellence, research quality, leadership potential, institutional fit, motivation, and commitment to strengthening research capacity in Africa.
Application Deadlines
| Fellowship | Deadline |
|---|---|
| PhD Fellowship – Round 1 | 15 September 2026 |
| PhD Fellowship – Round 2 | 30 September 2026 |
| Postdoctoral Fellowship | 30 September 2026 |
Early submission is strongly encouraged to ensure all required documents are received before the closing date.
How to Apply
Complete the required application documents and submit the full application electronically to the ACT-PREP Secretariat before the relevant deadline.
