CREATIVE Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Clinical Research Training Opportunity in Africa (EU-Funded Programme)

The Clinical ResEArch Training fellowship with Industry involVEment (CREATIVE Fellowship) is a prestigious, fully funded international programme designed to strengthen clinical research capacity across Sub-Saharan Africa. Funded by the European Union through Global Health EDCTP3, this fellowship offers a rare opportunity for early-career researchers to gain advanced academic training, practical research experience, and exposure to the global health industry.

This multi-country initiative is structured to empower African researchers by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to contribute meaningfully to health research and innovation on the continent and beyond.

Programme Overview

The CREATIVE Fellowship runs for a duration of 30 months and provides a comprehensive, multi-dimensional training experience. Fellows will be immersed in a rigorous programme that combines:

• Academic advancement
• Practical clinical research
• Industry exposure
• Professional mentorship

The fellowship is expected to begin in October 2026 and will be implemented across six African countries.

Key Components of the Fellowship

1. Work Placement at Leading Research Institutions

Fellows will be placed at one of six internationally recognized health research institutions in Africa. Each fellow will remain at their assigned institution throughout the fellowship, actively participating in impactful clinical research projects.

The host institutions include:

• Haramaya University (Ethiopia)
• Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service (Ghana)
• Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia
• MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit (Uganda)
• Zambart (Zambia)
• Biomedical Research and Training Institute (Zimbabwe)

Each institution will host two fellows, making a total of 12 fellowship slots available.

2. Academic Training (Master’s Degree)

Participants will enroll in a Distance Learning MSc programme at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), UK. Fellows will choose between:

• MSc in Clinical Trials (9 fellows)
• MSc in Epidemiology (3 fellows)

The academic programme will be completed within the fellowship duration and is designed to complement the hands-on research experience.

3. Industry Exposure

Fellows will have the opportunity to apply for a competitive industry internship, allowing them to gain valuable insights into how clinical research operates within the private and global health sectors.

4. Structured Mentorship

A key strength of the CREATIVE Fellowship is its strong mentorship component. Fellows will receive guidance from experienced professionals who will support:

• MSc completion
• Career development
• Networking opportunities
• Transition into post-fellowship roles

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a national of Ethiopia, Ghana, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe
• Apply for a fellowship hosted in their country of nationality
• Hold a first- or second-class honours degree in a relevant field such as:
  • Natural sciences
  • Life sciences
  • Epidemiology
  • Statistics
  • Medicine or related disciplines
• Have at least one year of experience in health research
• Meet Band B English language requirements (test results may be submitted later if not available at application stage)
• Be available to begin the fellowship full-time in October 2026
• Provide two reference letters, including one from a current employer

Application Requirements

Applicants must complete an online application and upload the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Academic transcripts
3. Academic certificates
4. Two reference letters
5. Proof of nationality

Additionally, applicants must submit a personal statement addressing:

• Motivation for applying
• Academic and professional background
• Expected outcomes from the fellowship
• Career plans after completion
• Preferred MSc programme (optional preference)

Applicants are encouraged to provide detailed and well-structured responses, as this plays a crucial role in the selection process.

Selection and Shortlisting Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

1. Academic merit (grades and qualifications)
2. Relevant work experience
3. Motivation and clarity of career goals

Only the most competitive candidates will be shortlisted for interviews.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 29 May 2026
• Interview Period: July 2026
• Programme Start: October 2026

Why You Should Apply

The CREATIVE Fellowship is more than just a scholarship—it is a career-transforming opportunity that bridges academia, research, and industry. Fellows gain:

• A fully funded Master’s degree
• Real-world clinical research experience
• Access to global health networks
• Career advancement opportunities

This programme is ideal for individuals passionate about advancing healthcare research and making a lasting impact in Africa.

Click here to learn more about CREATIVE Fellowship 2026

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