Future Leaders Fellowship 2026: A Transformative Opportunity for Africa’s Emerging Air Quality Researchers

The Future Leaders Fellowship 2026, jointly organized by the Africa Clean Air Network (AfriCAN) and the Health Effects Institute (HEI), is a prestigious part‑time, virtual fellowship designed to empower the next generation of African researchers in the fields of air pollution, environmental health, air quality monitoring, modelling, and policy engagement. This six‑month program (September 2026 – March 2027) offers graduate students across Africa a rare chance to deepen their expertise, collaborate with leading scientists, and contribute to impactful research that shapes the continent’s environmental future.

Program Overview

The fellowship provides a structured, mentorship‑driven research experience. Selected fellows will be paired with expert mentors from top academic and research institutions across Africa and beyond. Each fellow will work on a tailored research project, gaining hands‑on experience, technical skills, and professional exposure.

Key components of the program include:

• One‑on‑one mentorship with established researchers
• Participation in professional development seminars
• Collaboration with the Africa Clean Air Network Secretariat
• Engagement with a broader network of environmental and public health experts
• Presentation of final research outcomes during a public webinar
• Opportunities to produce peer‑reviewed publications, policy briefs, or blogs

Fellows must have access to a computer and be able to attend regular virtual meetings throughout the program.

Fellowship Benefits

The Future Leaders Fellowship offers meaningful support to ensure fellows can fully engage in their research:

• USD 1,800 fellowship award, paid directly to each fellow
• Travel support to attend the Africa Clean Air Forum 2027
• Access to a continental network of researchers, policymakers, and environmental advocates
• Skill‑building through seminars, mentorship, and collaborative research
• Visibility through public presentations and potential publications

Mentor‑Led Research Opportunities

Applicants may select from the following research themes, each guided by a distinguished mentor:

1. Assessment of available emissions inventories for key air pollution sources in Africa Mentor: Dr. Evelyne Toure, Université Félix Houphouët Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire
2. Rapid review of peer‑reviewed literature on air pollution and heat in Africa Mentor: Dr. Adelaide Lusambili, NextGen for Earth, Kenya
3. Mapping and assessment of air quality monitoring across Africa Mentors: Dr. Deo Okure (AirQo, Uganda) and Dr. Allison Hughes (Afri‑SET, Ghana)
4. Assessment of long‑term air quality trends in African cities Mentor: Dr. Pallavi Pant, Health Effects Institute, USA
5. Analysis of public perception of air pollution in Africa using news and social media Mentor: Dr. Melina Platas, New York University, Abu Dhabi

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be enrolled in a graduate program (Master’s or PhD) at an institution based in Africa
• Master’s students must have completed at least one full year of study by September 2026
• Research interests must align with one of the listed fellowship topics
• Applicants must not be postdoctoral researchers or faculty members
• Must demonstrate strong interest in air quality, environmental health, or related fields

Evaluation Process

Applications will be reviewed by the HEI and AfriCAN program committee. Selection will be based on:

• Quality and clarity of the application
• Relevance of the fellowship to the applicant’s academic and research goals
• Potential contribution to environmental science and air quality research

Key Dates

• Applications open: May 18, 2026
• Applications close: June 12, 2026 at 11:59 GMT
• Review of applications: July 2026
• Selection of fellows: August 2026
• Program start date: September 1, 2026
• Program end date: March 2027

Program Sponsor

This fellowship is generously supported by the KRNmosaic Charitable Foundation, whose mission centers on improving global health and education.

Suggested Follow‑Up Actions

• Explore the research themes
• Learn about mentor backgrounds
• Review application tips

 

 

For more information about this opportunity and to apply visit here.

Discover more  fellowship opportunities here.