The AEIP Scholars Programme 2026–2027 is now accepting applications from outstanding young researchers across Africa and Europe who are passionate about advancing research, innovation, and international collaboration. The programme offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging scholars to work across continents, co-create practical research solutions, strengthen academic partnerships, and contribute to addressing some of the world’s most pressing shared challenges.

Launched by the Africa-Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP), the Scholars Programme is a collaborative research initiative designed to foster stronger scientific cooperation between Africa and Europe. Through peer learning, joint research, innovation, and science communication, the programme empowers scholars to translate academic research into practical solutions that create meaningful impact for communities, institutions, women, and youth.

Successful applicants will become part of a highly selective international cohort and collaborate directly with scholars from another continent while receiving the opportunity to showcase their research at the prestigious AEIP Stakeholder Meeting in Europe in June 2027.

Applications are currently open and will close on 31 August 2026.

What is the AEIP Scholars Programme?

The AEIP Scholars Programme is a collaborative research impact programme that connects emerging scholars from Africa and Europe to encourage interdisciplinary research and strengthen long-term cooperation between both regions.

Rather than conducting research independently, selected participants will be paired with scholars from another continent to jointly develop innovative, solution-driven research outputs based on their existing work.

The programme focuses on transforming academic knowledge into practical innovations capable of addressing shared challenges facing both Africa and Europe.

It also encourages scholars to expand their international networks while developing skills in:

• Collaborative research
• Research impact
• Innovation
• Science communication
• International partnership building
• Knowledge exchange
• Cross-cultural academic collaboration

Programme Objectives

The AEIP Scholars Programme seeks to strengthen collaboration between African and European researchers by supporting research that aligns with the AU-EU Innovation Agenda, particularly its Capacities for Science Action.

The programme aims to:

• Foster collaborative research between Africa and Europe
• Encourage innovation through interdisciplinary partnerships
• Promote knowledge exchange between scholars
• Strengthen long-term academic cooperation
• Support practical research addressing global challenges
• Develop innovative solutions with measurable societal impact
• Increase science communication capacity
• Build stronger international research networks

Understanding the AU-EU Innovation Agenda

The Scholars Programme is built around the Capacities for Science Action under the AU-EU Innovation Agenda.

This initiative seeks to strengthen scientific cooperation by supporting:

• Collaboration between African and European universities
• Partnerships among research institutions
• Joint innovation activities
• Academic exchange programmes
• Knowledge transfer initiatives
• Learning mobility opportunities
• Research collaborations addressing socioeconomic challenges
• Joint training programmes
• Recognition of higher education qualifications
• Academic and professional mobility
• Curriculum development
• Capacity building for students, researchers and postdoctoral fellows
• Digital education systems
• Digital transformation
• Digital skills development
• Youth employability
• Reducing talent drain
• Inclusive innovation ecosystems

Through the Scholars Programme, participants contribute directly to these international objectives.

How the Programme Works

The programme follows a structured collaborative model.

Step 1: Selection

A total of 10 scholars will be selected.

Participants will come from both:

• Africa
• Europe

Step 2: Scholar Pairing

Each scholar will be paired with another participant from the opposite continent.

This creates:

• Five Africa-Europe research pairs

Pairing is based on:

• Shared research interests
• Complementary expertise
• Similar academic themes

Step 3: Collaborative Research

Each Africa-Europe scholar pair will work together to:

• Develop a collaborative research activity
• Produce a joint research output
• Design a practical innovation based on their research

The emphasis is on creating research that delivers real-world solutions rather than remaining purely theoretical.

Step 4: Expert Evaluation

The completed research outputs will be evaluated by an expert panel.

Projects will be reviewed according to several criteria, including:

• Innovation
• Practicality
• Scalability
• Social impact
• Research quality

Step 5: Final Pitching Event

The top-performing scholar pairs will present their research solutions through a competitive pitching process.

The three highest-ranked teams will become finalists.

Step 6: AEIP Stakeholder Meeting

Finalist teams will receive sponsorship to attend the AEIP Stakeholder Meeting in Europe in June 2027, where they will showcase their collaborative research to stakeholders, experts, and innovation leaders.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications submitted during the selection stage will be assessed based on:

• Relevance of the research
• Academic excellence
• Innovation potential
• Alignment with Africa-Europe cooperation priorities

During the collaborative phase, proposed solutions will be evaluated according to:

• Impact on women and youth
• Ability to strengthen communities and institutions
• Strength of the proposed solution
• Technology-driven innovation
• Practical feasibility
• Realistic implementation potential

Expected Programme Outcomes

The AEIP Scholars Programme aims to generate long-term impact by producing:

• Collaborative Africa-Europe research outputs
• Innovative practical solutions
• Stronger international academic partnerships
• Enhanced research capacity
• Improved knowledge exchange
• Sustainable development initiatives
• Inclusive innovation ecosystems
• Cross-border scientific collaboration

Benefits of the AEIP Scholars Programme

Selected scholars will enjoy numerous academic and professional benefits, including:

• Opportunity to collaborate internationally with leading young researchers
• Cross-continental research partnerships
• Peer learning opportunities
• Enhanced research visibility
• International networking
• Innovation development experience
• Science communication skills
• Exposure to expert reviewers
• Opportunity to present research before international stakeholders
• Sponsored participation at the AEIP Stakeholder Meeting in Europe (for finalist teams)
• Increased career development opportunities
• Contribution to solving shared global challenges

Who Can Apply?

The programme welcomes applications from young scholars who satisfy all eligibility requirements.

Applicants must:

• Be between 25 and 35 years old
• Be based in Africa or Europe
• Be enrolled in a PhD, Postdoctoral programme, or further studies during the application period
• Have ongoing or completed:
  • Research projects
  • Theses
  • Dissertations

Their research must align with the AU-EU Innovation Agenda Capacities for Science Action.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants must submit an Expression of Interest that includes an abstract of their research.

The submitted abstract should demonstrate:

• Research relevance
• Academic quality
• Innovation
• Potential impact
• Alignment with Africa-Europe priorities

Programme Timeline

July – August 2026

• Applications open
• Programme officially launched

31 August 2026

• Application deadline

September 2026

• Selection of 10 scholars
• Africa-Europe scholar pairing

September 2026 – March 2027

• Collaborative research period
• Development of joint research outputs

First Half of April 2027

• Evaluation of submitted projects
• Selection of the top three scholar pairs

June 2027

• AEIP Stakeholder Meeting in Europe
• Final presentations by the top three scholar pairs

How to Apply

Eligible applicants should submit their Expression of Interest through the official Africa-Europe Innovation Platform application process before the application deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully prepare a strong research abstract that clearly demonstrates:

• Originality
• Research excellence
• Practical relevance
• Innovation potential
• Alignment with the AU-EU Innovation Agenda

Early applications are strongly recommended.

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Need Assistance?

For programme enquiries, applicants may contact:

Email: info@africaeuropeinnovation.net

When contacting the organisers, include “Scholars Programme” in the subject line.

Application Deadline

31 August 2026

Late applications are unlikely to be considered. Interested scholars are encouraged to submit their Expression of Interest well before the deadline.

Conclusion

The AEIP Scholars Programme 2026–2027 offers an outstanding opportunity for emerging researchers from Africa and Europe to collaborate across borders, transform academic research into practical solutions, and strengthen international scientific partnerships. By combining innovation, knowledge exchange, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the programme prepares the next generation of scholars to address global challenges while expanding their academic and professional networks.

For young researchers seeking international exposure, collaborative research experience, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful innovation, the AEIP Scholars Programme represents an excellent platform for growth. Eligible scholars are encouraged to prepare their strongest research abstracts and submit their applications before 31 August 2026.

Visit the OFY website for more Fellowship Opportunities.