SAHRI Fellowship Program: Empowering Future Leaders in Health Research in Sub-Saharan Africa 

The sub-Saharan Africa Health Research and Innovation Fellowship Program (SAHRI Fellowship) is a prestigious and fully funded opportunity designed to nurture the next generation of biomedical and clinical researchers. It aims to address critical gaps in health research and innovation across sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on infectious disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and control.

Program Overview

The SAHRI Fellowship is a three-year, comprehensive training program for 12 talented mid-career biomedical and clinical researchers from sub-Saharan Africa. Fellows will undergo a rigorous, multi-phase professional development journey, which includes academic training, international placements, and impactful research work in their home countries. The program is fully funded by Global Health EDCTP3, in partnership with academic and research institutions in Europe and Africa, led by the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp and BioNTech.

Program Structure

The SAHRI Fellowship is structured into three phases:

1. Academic Phase (Year 1)
   Fellows will complete a Master of Science in Tropical Medicine at the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (60 ECTS). This program is research-oriented and flexible. Fellows will also participate in the Systems Thinking in Biotech Development course at KULeuven in Belgium.
2. Placement Phase (Year 2)
   Fellows will gain hands-on research experience during a six-month internship at BioNTech headquarters in Mainz, Germany. This will be followed by field research at East African Consortium for Clinical Research (EACCR) member centres in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, or the Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro in Burkina Faso.
3. Return-Home Phase (Year 3)
   In their final year, fellows will implement a research project in their home country or region. This phase will foster sustainable impact, while also offering the possibility to pursue a PhD program and build valuable connections for future collaborations.

Who Can Apply?

The SAHRI Fellowship is open to mid-career biomedical and clinical researchers from sub-Saharan Africa with a strong potential to become leaders in infectious disease research. Key eligibility requirements include:

• Nationality: Must be from a sub-Saharan African country with a valid passport for international travel.
• Academic Qualifications: Must hold a degree equivalent to a Master’s in the European Union (EU).
• Research Interest: Demonstrate interest in infectious disease research aligned with EDCTP Strategic Research Agenda.
• Previous Experience: Research experience or publications in the field are preferred.
• Institutional Support: Proof of institutional support is required for leave of absence during the fellowship.
• Commitment: A clear vision to advance health research and contribute to building research capacity in Africa.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Fellowship Coverage

The SAHRI Fellowship covers all expenses for the Master’s program and subsequent phases, including:

• Tuition fees and internship costs
• Accommodation
• Living stipend
• Research-related expenses
• International air travel
• Health insurance

How to Apply?

To apply for the 2026-2029 cohort, follow these steps:

1. Apply for the MSc in Tropical Medicine at the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp as part of the SAHRI Fellowship application process.
2. Submit a formal application for the MSc program and ensure all supporting documents are included.

Deadline for Applications: 1 February 2026

Why Apply?

The SAHRI Fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to advance your career, contribute to cutting-edge health research, and drive impactful innovations in the fight against infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.

Learn More & Apply

For more details about the program and application process, visit SAHRI Fellowship Program Website.