The sub-Saharan Africa Health Research and Innovation Fellowship (SAHRI Fellowship) is a fully funded, three-year training trajectory designed to develop 12 talented mid-career biomedical and clinical researchers from sub-Saharan Africa (sSA). The program aims to empower these scientists to become leaders in biomedical innovation and clinical research focused on infectious diseases. Funded by a grant from Global Health EDCTP3 and led by the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp in collaboration with BioNTech, the fellowship covers full financial support including tuition fees, accommodation, a living stipend, research expenses, international travel, and health insurance. The application deadline is 1 February 2026.
Fully Funded SAHRI Fellowship 2026-2027 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Program Name | sub-Saharan Africa Health Research and Innovation (SAHRI) Fellowship |
| Host Institution | Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (Lead), BioNTech, and Consortium Partners |
| Category | Fully Funded Mid-Career Clinical/Biomedical Research Training |
| Eligible Participants | Mid-career biomedical and clinical researchers from sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) |
| Program Focus | Infectious Disease Research, Biomedical Innovation, and Clinical Research Leadership |
| Duration | Three-year training trajectory |
| Award Value | Full financial support (Tuition, Stipend, Accommodation, Travel, Insurance) |
| Application Deadline | 1 February 2026 |
Sub-Saharan Africa Health Research and Innovation (SAHRI) Fellowship Program Details
The sub-Saharan Africa Health Research and Innovation Fellowship (SAHRI Fellowship) is an exceptional, fully funded three-year program aimed at cultivating the next generation of leaders in biomedical innovation and clinical research within sub-Saharan Africa (sSA). The trajectory is designed to empower 12 selected mid-career scientists to tackle the urgent regional challenges related to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and control of infectious diseases.
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SAHRI Fellowship 2026-2027 Fellowship Benefits
The SAHRI Fellowship provides a comprehensive financial package, ensuring fellows can focus entirely on their research and training without financial burden. This package covers all necessary expenses for the Master’s program and all subsequent phases of the three-year trajectory.
Tier 1: Core Academic and Living Support (Full Financial Support for 3 Years)
This tier ensures that the entire academic and daily living aspects of the fellowship are covered, eliminating all direct costs associated with participation.
- Tuition Fees and Internship Costs: Full coverage for the rigorous Master in Tropical Medicine program and any required internship phase.
- Accommodation: Fully covered housing expenses for the duration of the fellowship.
- Living Stipend: A generous stipend provided to cover daily personal and living expenses throughout the three-year training period.
Tier 2: Research and Professional Advancement Support (Research Expenses & Travel)
This tier funds the direct costs of the research activities and necessary international mobility, facilitating high-impact work.
- Research-Related Expenses: Financial resources dedicated to the execution of the fellow’s research project, including materials, lab access, and data collection costs.
- International Air Travel: Coverage for necessary international air travel, including relocation and program-related travel.
Tier 3: Health and Security Support (Health Insurance)
This tier ensures the physical well-being and security of the fellow throughout their international and demanding training trajectory.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage is provided for the duration of the fellowship.
Eligibility Requirements for the SAHRI Fellowship
Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic background, a clear focus on infectious disease research, and a commitment to advancing research capacity within their home institutions or countries.
- Nationality & Travel Status: Applicants must be a national of a sSA country and hold a valid passport for international travel.
- Academic Qualification: Applicants must hold a university degree equivalent to a Master’s in the European Union (EU) and meet all admission requirements for the Master of Science in Tropical Medicine.
- Research Focus & Experience: Applicants must demonstrate interest in infectious disease research aligned with EDCTP Strategic Research Agenda priorities. Previous research experience or publications are considered an advantage.
- Institutional Commitment: Proof of institutional support and commitment is required to allow the applicant a leave of absence for the three-year duration.
- Leadership Potential: Applicants must have a clear vision of how the fellowship will be used to advance health research in Africa, a demonstrated commitment to building research capacity in their home institution or country, and interest in biomedical innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply for the SAHRI Fellowship (Step by Step)
The application process is managed by the consortium and requires documentation confirming both the applicant’s qualifications and their institutional support.
- Meet Program Requirements: Ensure all eligibility criteria are met, particularly the academic qualification (Master’s equivalent) and the focus on infectious disease research.
- Secure Institutional Support: Obtain the necessary official documentation demonstrating your institution’s commitment to grant you a leave of absence for the three-year program.
- Complete the Application Form: Access the official online application portal (via the “CLICK HERE TO APPLY” link) and accurately fill in personal details, academic history, and research interests.
- Submit Vision Statement and Supporting Documents: Upload required documents, including the statement outlining your vision for advancing health research in Africa and proof of institutional support, before the deadline.
Application Deadline: 1 February 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main objective of the SAHRI Fellowship?
The main objective is to empower 12 talented mid-career biomedical and clinical researchers from sub-Saharan Africa to become future leaders in biomedical innovation and clinical research focused on tackling infectious diseases in the region.
2. Who is funding and implementing the SAHRI Fellowship?
The fellowship is fully funded by a grant from Global Health EDCTP3 and implemented by a consortium of European and African academic and research institutions, led by the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp in collaboration with BioNTech.
3. What is the total duration of the SAHRI Fellowship program?
The SAHRI Fellowship is a comprehensive three-year training trajectory, combining academic study (Master’s) with subsequent phases focusing on leadership, innovation, and clinical research.
4. Is the fellowship open to applicants outside of sub-Saharan Africa?
The fellowship is strictly targeted towards nationals of a sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) country. Applicants must hold a valid passport from a sSA country.
5. Does the fellowship require applicants to already have research experience?
While not a mandatory prerequisite, applicants must demonstrate an interest in infectious disease research. Previous research experience or publications are considered an advantage during the selection process.
6. What is the required academic qualification for applying?
Applicants must hold a university degree equivalent to a Master’s in the European Union (EU) and must satisfy all admission requirements for the Master of Science in Tropical Medicine.
7. What does the “full financial support” cover?
Full financial support covers all major costs, including tuition fees and internship costs, accommodation, a living stipend, research-related expenses, international air travel, and health insurance.
8. Is institutional support mandatory for the application?
Yes, proof of institutional support and commitment to allow leave of absence for the full three years is required to ensure the applicant can complete the trajectory uninterrupted.
9. Are there specific research areas prioritized in the application review?
Yes. Applicants must demonstrate interest in infectious disease research that is aligned with the EDCTP Strategic Research Agenda priorities.
10. Is there a preference for applicants based on gender?
Yes. The program explicitly states that women are strongly encouraged to apply to promote gender balance and diversity in health research leadership.
