The AREF-MRC Towards Leadership Programme 2026/2027

The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) is delighted to announce the launch of the Towards Leadership Programme in partnership with the UKRI Medical Research Council.   

Aim 

The AREF Towards Leadership programme aims to empower talented, emerging scientists in Africa to compete successfully for UKRI MRC and other major funding opportunities in global health research. Together we are investing in talented African scientists in Africa, enhancing their global health research and leadership potential.  

The programme will run in March 2027 consisting of two residential workshops (opening and closing) and one virtual workshop.

The curriculum is designed to support engage and enhance the participants’ capabilities and to empower talented, emerging scientists in Africa to compete successfully on a level playing field for UKRI MRC and other major funding opportunities in global health research. The programme is directed towards to winning grant funding, empowering effective teams, collaborating internationally, influencing stakeholders, and building rewarding research careers.

Global Health Remit 

AREF and the MRC are keen to recruit talented researchers from a diverse range of biomedical, clinical, and health-related disciplines. AREF will ensure the selection of a balanced cohort of men and women for the programme. If you are unsure of whether your research falls within this remit, please email programmes@aref-africa.org.uk  

Eligibility 

• You are a citizen of a country in Africa. 

• You are currently employed in Africa by a recognised university and/or specialist research institution.  

• You are an early career researcher, having completed your research education and are now at the early stages of leading your own research group. 

• You will hold a research doctorate (PhD/DPhil/MD) from a recognised academic institution OR you have a medical/clinical qualification PLUS a research-relevant Master’s degree, both usually within the last 10 years. If it has been longer than 10 years since your last degree, please explain in your application why you should still be considered an early career researcher (i.e. caring responsibilities or career break/change impacting your research career).

• You are currently responsible for managing/supervising one or more research students and/or research staff members and are involved in building research collaborations. 

• You demonstrate evidence of being at the early stages of leading a research team or being an active member of a research team conducting Global Health Research. 

• A significant part of your current employee role is to develop and conduct health research. 

• You already have experience in obtaining research funding (typically more than £50,000 but must be less than the combined value of £500,000). 

How to apply 

The applications for the Towards Leadership Programme must be submitted online by 28 August 2026. Complete the application form via the portal at https://programmes.aref-africa.org.uk/

Key Dates 

Applications closing deadline 16:00 GMT 28 August 2026 

Successful applicants notified: 30 October 2026

Any questions? 

For general questions about the AREF Towards Leadership programme, you are welcome to contact us at  programmes@aref-africa.org.uk