The TDR Clinical Research Leadership (CRL) Fellowship Programme is now accepting applications for its third round. Designed to strengthen clinical research capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the programme equips researchers with both technical and leadership skills essential for driving change in the global health sector.
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA), the fellowship is administered by TDR — the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases — and co-sponsored by UNICEF, UNDP, the World Bank, and WHO.
What is the CRL Fellowship Programme?
The CRL Fellowship aims to empower mid-career researchers from LMICs who are engaged in clinical trials or research related to infectious diseases of poverty, emerging diseases, pandemic preparedness, antimicrobial resistance, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases.
The programme focuses on four main pillars:
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Pillar 1: Strengthened clinical research skills through placements at leading Training Partner Organizations (TPOs).
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Pillar 2: Tailored leadership development and coaching at the fellows’ home institutions.
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Pillar 3: Promotion of gender equity through inclusive participation and flexible arrangements.
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Pillar 4: Institutional development via reintegration planning and peer capacity building.
Fellowship Structure
Successful fellows will:
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Spend 6–12 months at one of the selected TPOs around the world.
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Follow this with a 12-month reintegration period at their home institution.
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Receive comprehensive support including:
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One round-trip economy class ticket.
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Monthly stipend based on host country.
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Health insurance.
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Support to attend an international conference.
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Access to the CRL alumni network.
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Reintegration funding, contingent on a progress report.
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Placements are offered in a variety of areas including clinical trial design, vaccine development, diagnostics, biostatistics, data management, and pharmacovigilance.
Where Will Fellows Be Placed?
Fellows will be matched with renowned institutions such as:
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BioNTech SE – Germany
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GSK Biologicals – Belgium
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DNDi – Brazil, Kenya, or DRC
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Infectious Diseases Data Observatory – UK
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Institut Pasteur Dakar – Senegal
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Novartis – Switzerland and USA
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University of Cape Town – South Africa
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UVRI–IAVI HIV Vaccine Program – Uganda
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And many more across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas
A total of approximately 30 placements are available for this cohort.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must:
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Be nationals and residents of an LMIC.
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Have an MD or postgraduate degree (PhD or Master’s) in clinical trials, pharmacy, or a related field.
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Be employed in a clinical research role for at least the past 24 months at a legally registered institution in an LMIC.
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Demonstrate experience in clinical research or trial-related activities in diseases of poverty.
Note: Fellows must commit to returning to their home institution for at least two years after the fellowship to ensure long-term impact.
Gender Equity and Flexibility
TDR actively encourages women and gender-diverse applicants. For fellows with young families, flexible arrangements such as remote and on-site blended fellowships can be arranged. A current example includes placements at UVRI-IAVI HIV Vaccine Program under the mentorship of former fellow Dr. Brenda Okech.
How to Apply
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Register online at the WHO registration portal to access the application form.
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Complete the form using the individual link received via email.
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Deadline for applications: 15 September 2025, 13:00 (CET).
Contact Mr. Daniel Hollies at holliesd@who.int for support during the application process.
Selection Process
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Applications are screened for eligibility.
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Eligible applications are shared with TPOs.
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TPOs shortlist candidates and conduct interviews in collaboration with TDR.
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Final matches are confirmed, and contractual agreements begin.
Why Apply?
The CRL fellowship is more than just training — it’s a career-transforming opportunity that enhances your technical skills, cultivates leadership, and allows you to contribute meaningfully to your home institution and country. As previous cohorts have shown, fellows go on to become national leaders, mentors, and change-makers in the clinical research landscape.
For more opportunities, visit opportunitiesforyouth.org.