The University of Michigan, through the Michigan Institute for Data & AI in Society (MIDAS), has announced applications for the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellows Program, an initiative designed to strengthen artificial intelligence (AI)-driven scientific research across Africa. The prestigious fellowship supports African university faculty and equivalent researchers who are applying AI methodologies to address critical scientific and engineering challenges while fostering long-term international research collaboration.
The two-year fellowship provides selected African researchers with the opportunity to spend equal periods at the University of Michigan and within their home institutions in Africa. Participants will receive institutional support to develop innovative AI-enabled research projects, expand scientific capacity, and contribute to sustainable AI ecosystems across the continent.
The fellowship reflects a growing commitment to advancing AI in Science by enabling African researchers to leverage cutting-edge computational methods to solve pressing local and global challenges. It also strengthens collaborative partnerships between African institutions and one of the world’s leading research universities.
Fellowship Aims to Accelerate AI-Driven Scientific Innovation
The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellows Program has been established to promote the application of artificial intelligence in scientific discovery and engineering research.
Through the initiative, the University of Michigan seeks to:
- Support AI-enabled scientific research with strong societal impact.
- Enable research breakthroughs that address challenges particularly relevant to Africa.
- Build sustainable AI in Science research capacity across African institutions.
- Foster long-term collaborations between African researchers and the University of Michigan.
- Strengthen knowledge exchange between African and international scientific communities.
The program recognizes the growing importance of AI in accelerating discoveries across multiple scientific disciplines, including environmental science, health, engineering, agriculture, and computational research.
Two-Year Fellowship Structure
The fellowship follows a unique two-year model that balances international research exposure with local implementation.
Selected fellows will participate in:
- Twelve months in residence at the University of Michigan, where they will develop AI-enabled scientific research alongside leading faculty, researchers, and interdisciplinary teams.
- Twelve months based in Africa, during which fellows will continue their research projects while undertaking training, capacity-building, and collaborative activities supported by the fellowship.
This dual-location approach ensures that research outcomes benefit both the individual fellow and their home institution while strengthening AI research ecosystems across Africa.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to African researchers who meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
Applicants should be:
- University faculty members based in Africa.
- Researchers holding equivalent positions within African organizations.
- Individuals conducting research in science or engineering.
- Researchers interested in applying artificial intelligence methodologies to significant scientific questions.
- Candidates committed to advancing AI research capacity within Africa.
The program particularly encourages applicants whose research has the potential to generate meaningful scientific impact while addressing challenges affecting African communities.
Research Focus
The fellowship supports researchers working across a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines where artificial intelligence can accelerate discovery and innovation.
Successful projects may involve AI applications in areas such as:
- Scientific data analysis.
- Engineering research.
- Environmental and climate science.
- Health and biomedical research.
- Agriculture and food systems.
- Computational sciences.
- Other emerging AI-enabled scientific fields.
The emphasis is on developing innovative research that combines disciplinary expertise with advanced AI methodologies.
Strong Institutional Support and Collaboration
The fellowship is managed by the Michigan Institute for Data & AI in Society (MIDAS) with extensive support and guidance from the African Studies Center at the University of Michigan.
Participants also benefit from connections with an extensive network of collaborators working across science, technology, research, and innovation. These collaborations provide opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement, knowledge sharing, and long-term partnerships that extend beyond the fellowship period.
The initiative contributes to broader efforts aimed at expanding Africa’s leadership in AI research while promoting equitable global scientific collaboration.
Expanding AI Research Capacity Across Africa
Artificial intelligence continues to transform scientific research worldwide by enabling faster analysis, predictive modeling, and data-driven discoveries. However, access to AI research infrastructure and international collaboration opportunities remains uneven across many regions.
The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellows Program seeks to address this gap by investing directly in African researchers and institutions. By combining advanced research training at the University of Michigan with continued work in Africa, the fellowship supports sustainable capacity development rather than short-term engagement.
The program also encourages fellows to transfer newly acquired knowledge and research expertise to colleagues and students within their home institutions, helping create lasting benefits for African higher education and research systems.
Application Information
Researchers interested in the fellowship are encouraged to review the official program guidance before submitting an application.
Applicants should carefully examine:
- Fellowship eligibility requirements.
- Application procedures.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
- Information for prospective hosts.
- Program expectations and timelines.
Detailed guidance is available through the Michigan Institute for Data & AI in Society’s African Faculty Fellowship portal.
The fellowship represents a valuable opportunity for African researchers seeking to advance AI-driven scientific innovation, establish international collaborations, and contribute to solving complex scientific challenges through artificial intelligence.
African faculty members working at the intersection of AI and science are encouraged to explore the program and prepare competitive applications for this prestigious international research opportunity.
