Advancing clinical research capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa is a major milestone for healthcare professionals and researchers aiming to transform global health outcomes. However, the high costs of postgraduate tuition at world-class institutions like LSHTM often prevent brilliant African scientists from achieving Financial Significance while pursuing specialized training, creating a barrier to high-impact clinical trials on the continent.
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The 2026 LSHTM Clinical ResEArch Training fellowship with Industry involVEment (CREATIVE) is a premier professional support program designed to solve this challenge. Funded by the European Union, this 30-month fellowship provides the Economic Stability and academic infrastructure required for 12 outstanding fellows to earn an MSc from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine while gaining hands-on experience at leading African research institutions.
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2026 LSHTM CREATIVE Fellowship Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | LSHTM & Six African Research Partners |
| Locations | Ethiopia, Ghana, Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe |
| Target Audience | Nationals of the 6 Host Countries |
| Primary Benefit | Fully Funded MSc + 30-Month Work Placement |
| Program Type | Academic Training & Industry Exposure |
| Fellowship Duration | 30 Months (Starting October 2026) |
| Application Deadline | May 29, 2026 |
About the 2026 LSHTM CREATIVE Fellowship (Clinical Research Training)
The CREATIVE Fellowship is an elite intervention in the global Financial Services Ecosystem of health research and development. The program is specifically designed to foster a comprehensive blend of academic excellence and industry exposure. Fellows are based at internationally recognized institutions like the Kintampo Health Research Centre or the MRC Unit in The Gambia, where they engage in meaningful clinical research that bridges the gap between local health needs and global scientific standards.
Participants gain access to structured mentorship and the opportunity to apply for competitive industry internships. This fellowship serves as a foundation for future Corporate Restructuring of how clinical trials are managed in Africa. By providing Alternative Financing for elite education, LSHTM enables researchers to focus on projects with high public health relevance. Whether mastering Strategic Management of clinical trials or analyzing disease patterns through an MSc in Epidemiology, the program offers a unique platform for career-long growth in the international research sector.
Core Objectives of the Program
- To strengthen international clinical research capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa through collaborative training.
- To provide Economic Stability for researchers via a fully funded 30-month academic and work placement.
- To foster technical expertise in clinical trials and epidemiology through a world-renowned Distance Learning MSc.
Benefits of the 2026 LSHTM CREATIVE Fellowship: Fully Funded Clinical Research Training in Africa
- Full funding for a 30-month fellowship starting in October 2026.
- Enrollment in a Distance Learning MSc in Clinical Trials or MSc Epidemiology at LSHTM.
- Work placement at one of six prestigious African health research institutions.
- Competitive industry exposure opportunities through specialized internships.
- Structured mentorship from global experts for career development and networking.
- Coverage of all academic fees, research costs, and personal support during the 3-year period.
Eligibility and Requirements of the 2026 LSHTM CREATIVE Fellowship: Fully Funded Clinical Research Training in Africa
- Nationality: Must be a national of Ethiopia, Ghana, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
- Academic Level: Hold a first- or second-class honors degree in a relevant field (e.g., life sciences, medicine, statistics).
- Professional Experience: Minimum of one year experience working within a health research organization.
- Residency: Must be available to be based full-time at the relevant host institution in your home country.
- Language: Ability to meet the LSHTM Band B English language requirements.
- Commitment: Available to commence the fellowship full-time from October 2026 for the 30-month duration.
Detailed Application Phases for the 2026 LSHTM CREATIVE Fellowship
Phase 1: Institutional and Academic Alignment
- Identify the host research institution in your country of nationality (e.g., Zambart in Zambia or BRTI in Zimbabwe).
- Choose your preferred MSc track: Clinical Trials (9 spots) or Epidemiology (3 spots).
- Review the LSHTM Distance Learning requirements to ensure your academic background is suitable.
- Confirm your ability to commit to a 30-month full-time placement starting October 2026.
Phase 2: Document Preparation and Formatting
- Update your Curriculum Vitae (CV) to reflect your one year of health research experience.
- Gather certified academic transcripts and certificates for all completed degrees.
- Obtain proof of nationality (Passport or National ID).
- Ensure all files are clear and ready for upload to the online application portal.
Phase 3: Personal Statement and Career Mapping
- Draft a statement explaining your academic suitability and why you wish to apply.
- Detail what you hope to achieve during the fellowship and your career plans afterward.
- Discuss how the fellowship will help you achieve Strategic Management goals in your local health sector.
- Mention your MSc preference (noting that preferences are considered but not guaranteed).
Phase 4: References and Employer Support
- Request two letters of reference that confirm your suitability for clinical research training.
- Ensure at least one reference is from your current employer.
- The letters should speak to your potential for leadership and Economic Stability in the research field.
- Submit all documents, including the reference letters, via the online application form.
Phase 5: Submission and Selection Process
- Complete the online application and upload all required PDF documents.
- Ensure your submission is finalized before the May 29, 2026, deadline.
- Monitor your email for screening updates or interview invitations from the LSHTM coordination team.
- Prepare for the start of the MSc and work placement in October 2026 if selected.
Jamnet Expert Advice (STAR and SMART Methods)
- Use the SMART Method: Be Specific about your research interests, ensure your MSc study goals are Measurable, and keep your career plans Relevant to the health needs of your home country.
- Apply the STAR Technique: In your personal statement, describe a health research Situation, the Task you handled, the Action you took, and the Result that shows your potential as a fellow.
- Emphasis: Highlight your “Local Impact.” Explain how training at a world-class institution like LSHTM will allow you to solve specific health challenges in your local community.
- Proactive Tip: If you don’t have English test results yet, apply anyway! You can often list the test as a condition of your offer rather than a barrier to applying.
Deadline: May 29, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the 2026 LSHTM CREATIVE Fellowship: Fully Funded Clinical Research Training in Africa
- Which countries are eligible for the CREATIVE Fellowship? Only nationals of Ethiopia, Ghana, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe can apply.
- Can I apply for a fellowship in a different country? No, applicants may only apply for a fellowship based in their country of nationality.
- What is the duration of the funding? The fellowship is fully funded for a duration of 30 months.
- What degree will I earn? You will earn an MSc in Clinical Trials or an MSc in Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
- Is the MSc full-time on-campus in London? No, the academic training is conducted through Distance Learning while you are based at your local host institution.
- What is the industry exposure component? Fellows have the opportunity to apply for competitive internships within the pharmaceutical or health industry.
- How many fellowships are available? Up to 12 fellowships are available, with two fellows hosted at each of the six partner institutions.
- Do I need to pay for my English language test before applying? You can apply without results, though a test may be required as a condition of your fellowship offer.
- When is the application deadline? The application deadline is May 29, 2026.
- When does the program start? Selected fellows must be available to start the program full-time in October 2026.
