The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University is inviting applications for 20 short-term training fellowships designed to strengthen genomic surveillance and infectious disease research capacity in South Africa. The programme offers practical, hands-on training in wet-lab genomic data production, bioinformatics, phylogenetic analysis and epidemiology.
The fellowships are intended to equip participants with technical skills that support pathogen surveillance, outbreak investigation and public health research.
Fellowship Overview
- Host Institution: Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), Stellenbosch University
- Location: South Africa
- Number of Fellowships: 20
- Application Deadline: 6 November 2026
- Wet-Lab Training: 25–29 January 2027
- Bioinformatics Training: 1–5 February 2027
- Combined Training: 25 January–5 February 2027
- Funding: Travel, accommodation, meals and ground transfers within South Africa are covered.
- Programme Type: Short-term professional and research training
Available Training Tracks
Applicants can select the training track that best aligns with their professional responsibilities and development needs.
1. Wet-Lab Genomic Data Production
The wet-lab track will provide practical training in genomic data production. Participants will have an opportunity to develop laboratory skills relevant to pathogen genomics and infectious disease research.
Training is scheduled for 25–29 January 2027.
2. Bioinformatics, Phylogenetic Analysis and Epidemiology
The bioinformatics track focuses on analytical approaches used to interpret genomic data and investigate infectious disease transmission. Relevant areas include bioinformatics, phylogenetic analysis and epidemiology.
Training is scheduled for 1–5 February 2027.
3. Combined Wet-Lab and Bioinformatics Training
Applicants interested in both laboratory and computational aspects of genomic research can apply for the combined programme, running from 25 January to 5 February 2027.
This option provides a longer training period covering both genomic data production and downstream analysis.
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to individuals affiliated with eligible institutions and organisations in South Africa, including:
- National institutes of health.
- Academic organisations.
- Historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs).
- Other research organisations.
The opportunity may be particularly relevant to researchers, laboratory personnel and professionals working in genomics, infectious disease surveillance, bioinformatics and epidemiology.
Applicants should consult the official application form for any additional eligibility requirements, selection criteria and supporting documentation.
Fellowship Benefits and Funding
Selected fellows will receive financial support for essential participation-related expenses, including:
- Travel.
- Accommodation.
- Meals.
- Ground transfers within South Africa.
This support can reduce the financial barriers associated with attending specialised scientific training. The announcement does not specify a salary, stipend or research grant, so applicants should not assume that additional cash funding is available.
Why Apply for the CERI Fellowship?
The programme offers an opportunity to strengthen practical scientific skills in fields central to epidemic preparedness and public health research.
Participants can develop competencies in genomic data production and analysis, gain exposure to phylogenetic methods and epidemiological approaches, and build expertise relevant to infectious disease monitoring.
For professionals working in institutions with limited access to specialised genomic training, the fellowship may also support institutional research capacity and improve their ability to contribute to collaborative surveillance and outbreak response efforts.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the official application form before the deadline.
Application steps:
- Review the available wet-lab, bioinformatics and combined training options.
- Confirm eligibility and suitability for the selected track.
- Prepare any information or supporting documents requested in the application form.
- Submit the application through the official form.
- Ensure the application is submitted before 6 November 2026.
Application Form: https://t.co/n8gJZeMe9I
How to Strengthen an Application
Applicants should clearly demonstrate how the training relates to their current institutional responsibilities and future research goals. Relevant experience in laboratory science, genomics, bioinformatics, epidemiology or infectious disease surveillance may help establish the value of participation.
Applicants should also identify the specific skills they hope to acquire and explain how they could apply those skills within their organisation. Before submitting, they should check the application form carefully to ensure that all required information is complete and accurate.
Application Deadline
The deadline is 6 November 2026. The training will take place in South Africa in January and February 2027.
Eligible candidates are encouraged to review the official application requirements and submit their applications before the closing date.
