ACT-PREP PhD and Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026: Apply for 25 Funded Research Opportunities in Africa

Muhammad Chishti

2 days ago

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Apply for 15 ACT-PREP PhD and 10 postdoctoral research fellowships in clinical trials and epidemic preparedness. Review funding, eligibility, research themes, documents, partner universities and September 2026 deadlines.

Applications are open for 25 ACT-PREP research fellowships designed to strengthen Africa’s capacity in clinical trials, infectious-disease surveillance, epidemic preparedness and emergency response.

The current call offers:

15 PhD research fellowships.
10 postdoctoral research fellowships.

The opportunities are available to eligible nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Applicants must propose research connected to clinical trials or epidemic preparedness and response while meeting the academic and institutional requirements of their selected fellowship category.

The programme provides tuition support, monthly stipends, research funding, mentorship, specialized training, access to research sites and datasets, and professional networking opportunities. The precise package depends on whether the candidate applies under PhD Round 1, PhD Round 2 or the postdoctoral category.

The official announcement from Makerere University was published on August 14, 2026.

ACT-PREP Research Fellowships at a Glance

Programme detail	Information
Programme	ACT-PREP
Available opportunities	15 PhD and 10 postdoctoral positions
Main fields	Clinical trials and epidemic preparedness and response research
Funding programme	HORIZON-JU-GH-EDCTP3
PhD funding period	Up to three years
Postdoctoral funding period	Up to 12 months
PhD Round 1 deadline	September 15, 2026
PhD Round 2 deadline	September 30, 2026
Postdoctoral deadline	September 30, 2026
Eligible nationalities	DRC, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda
Application languages	English or French
Application method	Submission by email
Number of priority themes	Seven
Female applicants	Strongly encouraged
Application fee	No application fee is stated

What Is ACT-PREP?

ACT-PREP is a multi-country research and capacity-strengthening initiative focused on improving Africa’s preparedness for infectious-disease outbreaks and other public-health emergencies.

The project seeks to strengthen the continent’s ability to conduct timely, ethical and scientifically rigorous clinical research before and during disease outbreaks. It focuses on institutionalizing clinical-trial preparedness within national public-health systems instead of treating research as a separate activity that begins only after an emergency occurs.

According to the official Global Health EDCTP3 project profile, ACT-PREP runs from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2031. The wider project has been awarded approximately €12.75 million in Global Health EDCTP3 funding.

This amount represents funding for the overall multi-year ACT-PREP project. It is not the individual amount payable to each fellow.

The initiative aims to build clinical research and outbreak-response capacity through:

PhD and postdoctoral research support.
Short- and long-term professional training.
Mentorship programmes.
Research exchanges.
Access to real-world datasets.
Practical training at clinical-trial and surveillance sites.
Training for clinical-trial monitors.
Strengthening of ethics and regulatory-review systems.
Improved surveillance and health-information systems.
Laboratory and data-management upgrades.
Standardized outbreak-research protocols.
Community engagement.
Institutional and regional research partnerships.

The wider project intends to train more than 700 senior researchers in advanced methods, support 15 PhD students and 10 postdoctoral researchers, and train an additional 80 clinical-trial monitors.

Why the ACT-PREP Programme Is Needed

Africa continues to experience a substantial burden of infectious diseases and public-health emergencies.

The official call reports that the African region recorded 2,234 acute public-health events between 2001 and 2022. Approximately 92% were infectious-disease events, while zoonotic outbreaks increased substantially during the period.

Recent outbreaks have repeatedly revealed structural limitations, including:

Fragmented disease-surveillance systems.
Weak integration of human, animal and environmental health information.
Delayed laboratory confirmation.
Limited diagnostic infrastructure.
Slow deployment of outbreak research.
Inadequate readiness to launch clinical trials during emergencies.
Limited research coordination across countries.
Delays in ethics and regulatory review.
Insufficient pharmacovigilance capacity.
Weak integration of research into emergency-response systems.

ACT-PREP seeks to address these gaps by strengthening research, surveillance, ethics, diagnostics, pharmacovigilance, regulation and policy across Africa’s emergency preparedness and response ecosystem.

Diseases and Public-Health Areas Covered

ACT-PREP has a broad infectious-disease and health-security mandate. Its wider programme focuses particularly on:

HIV and AIDS.
Malaria.
Tuberculosis.
Neglected tropical diseases.
Emerging infectious diseases.
Re-emerging infectious diseases.
Epidemic-prone pathogens.
Zoonotic diseases.
Outbreak-related clinical research.

Applicants should ensure that their proposed research is relevant to the programme’s mandate and to an EDCTP-priority disease or health-security challenge.

Seven ACT-PREP Priority Research Themes

Applicants must align their proposed work with at least one of the following research themes:

1. Clinical Trials and Trial Readiness

This theme can include work on:

Clinical-trial design and implementation.
Trial-site preparedness.
Rapid activation of trials during outbreaks.
Clinical research quality systems.
Participant recruitment and retention.
Trial-monitoring approaches.
Community engagement in clinical research.
Standardized outbreak-trial protocols.
Trial data quality and management.

2. Disease Surveillance, Modelling and Artificial Intelligence

Relevant research may address:

Early-warning systems.
Disease forecasting.
Epidemiological modelling.
Digital surveillance.
Artificial intelligence for outbreak detection.
Integration of surveillance information.
Analysis of routine health data.
Predictive analytics.
Data visualization for emergency response.
Integration with health-information systems such as DHIS2.

3. Ethics and Regulatory Science

This area may include:

Ethics-review procedures during outbreaks.
Regulatory preparedness.
Rapid but responsible research review.
Protection of research participants.
Digital systems for ethics and regulatory authorities.
Regulatory coordination across countries.
Pharmacovigilance regulation.
Ethical governance of emergency research.
Research integrity.

4. Laboratory and Genomic Surveillance

Possible topics include:

Genomic sequencing.
Pathogen detection.
Diagnostic technologies.
Laboratory quality systems.
Molecular epidemiology.
Laboratory-network strengthening.
Data management for genomic surveillance.
Rapid diagnostic confirmation.
Laboratory preparedness for epidemics.

5. One Health

This theme recognizes the connection between human, animal and environmental health. Research can explore:

Zoonotic-disease surveillance.
Human-animal transmission pathways.
Environmental drivers of outbreaks.
Integrated surveillance systems.
Collaboration between medical, veterinary and environmental institutions.
Community-level disease prevention.
Cross-sector emergency preparedness.

6. Health-Systems Resilience

Relevant work may examine:

Health-system continuity during emergencies.
Preparedness of healthcare facilities.
Workforce readiness.
Supply chains during outbreaks.
Integration of research into routine public-health systems.
Emergency governance.
Community trust and engagement.
Equitable access to emergency interventions.

7. Epidemic Preparedness and Response

This broad area can cover:

National and regional preparedness.
Emergency-response systems.
Outbreak investigation.
Rapid research deployment.
Policy responses.
Public-health communication.
Emergency coordination.
Evaluation of preparedness plans.
Lessons from previous epidemics.

PhD Fellowships: Two Application Routes

ACT-PREP has created two separate PhD application rounds. Applicants must select the correct route based on whether they are already enrolled in a doctoral programme.

PhD Round 1: Currently Enrolled Doctoral Researchers

PhD Round 1 is intended for applicants who are already enrolled in a relevant doctoral programme at an ACT-PREP partner university.

Applicants must already be conducting or developing doctoral research under one of the seven ACT-PREP priority themes.

PhD Round 1 Eligibility

Applicants should:

Be nationals of an eligible ACT-PREP country.
Hold a relevant master’s degree or equivalent qualification.
Have an academic background in health, biomedical sciences, public health or a related discipline.
Be currently enrolled in a relevant doctoral programme at an ACT-PREP partner university.
Propose research aligned with an ACT-PREP priority theme.
Obtain formal endorsement from their home institution.
Provide two suitable referees.
Submit every required document before the closing date.
Commit to research quality, integrity and timely completion.

PhD Round 1 Duration

Fellows are expected to complete their doctoral programme within three years.

A justified no-cost extension may be considered under applicable university policies and approval procedures. Such an extension would not automatically provide additional fellowship funding.

PhD Round 1 Financial and Academic Support

The package may include:

Partial or full tuition and university fees.
A monthly stipend.
A one-time research or clinical-trial grant.
Mentorship from ACT-PREP specialists.
Core training courses.
Specialized courses connected to the research theme.
Access to consortium trial sites.
Access to relevant datasets.
Participation in research and mentorship networks.
Access to alumni opportunities.

The call does not state the monetary value of the monthly stipend or one-time research grant.

PhD Round 1 Deadline

September 15, 2026

PhD Round 2: Applicants Seeking Doctoral Enrolment

PhD Round 2 is intended for candidates who are not necessarily enrolled in a doctoral programme but are eligible and willing to register at an ACT-PREP partner university.

These applicants must commit to completing their doctoral training within three years.

PhD Round 2 Eligibility

Applicants should:

Be nationals of an ACT-PREP partner country.
Hold a relevant master’s degree or equivalent.
Have a suitable academic background in health, biomedical sciences, public health or a related field.
Be eligible to register for a relevant doctoral programme at an ACT-PREP partner university.
Propose work under one of the seven priority themes.
Secure institutional endorsement.
Identify an appropriate host institution and mentor.
Provide two referees.
Commit to completing doctoral training within three years.

Applicants affiliated with an ACT-PREP institution, including eligible junior researchers, will receive priority consideration.

PhD Round 2 Support

The fellowship may provide:

Tuition and university fees.
A monthly stipend.
A one-time research or clinical-trial grant.
Mentorship from ACT-PREP experts.
Core and specialized training courses.
Access to research sites and datasets.
Professional networking.
Alumni and mentorship opportunities.

The fellowship can be supported for up to three years, subject to programme and institutional requirements.

PhD Round 2 Deadline

September 30, 2026

Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

The ten postdoctoral positions are designed to help early-career African researchers develop independent research leadership in clinical trials and epidemic preparedness.

Selected researchers will join ongoing ACT-PREP research activities while developing and leading their own research outputs.

Their work must either:

Integrate appropriate clinical-trial methodologies; or
Address a substantive epidemic preparedness and response topic.

Postdoctoral researchers will be expected to uphold high standards of research quality, ethics and integrity.

Postdoctoral Eligibility

Applicants must:

Be nationals of an eligible ACT-PREP country.
Hold a PhD in a relevant health, biomedical or related field.
Have obtained the PhD within the past five years.
Demonstrate a research record appropriate to their postdoctoral career stage.
Propose research aligned with an ACT-PREP priority theme.
Confirm an appropriate host institution.
Obtain endorsement from the home or host institution.
Identify a suitable mentor.
Provide two referees.
Demonstrate potential for research leadership and scientific independence.
Submit a complete application before the deadline.

Postdoctoral Support

Selected postdoctoral researchers may receive:

A mentored position at a consortium partner institution.
A monthly stipend.
Research support.
Mobility support.
Funding for up to 12 months.
Training in scientific writing.
Training in research leadership.
Training in grant administration.
Specialized methodological training.
Exposure to modelling, bioinformatics and real-world evidence methods.
Support to publish research.
Support to present findings at conferences.
Guidance on securing follow-on research funding.
Mentorship from local and international experts.

The call does not specify the stipend, research-support or mobility-support amounts.

Postdoctoral Deadline

September 30, 2026

Eligible ACT-PREP Countries

Applicants must be nationals of one of the following seven countries:

Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Rwanda.
Senegal.
Somalia.
South Sudan.
Tanzania.
Uganda.

Citizenship or nationality is required. Residence in one of these countries without holding an eligible nationality may not satisfy the requirement.

ACT-PREP Partner Universities

The PhD opportunities are connected to the following universities:

Makerere University, Uganda.
Somali National University, Somalia.
Université de Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania.
University of Global Health Equity, Rwanda.
Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Senegal.
University of Juba, South Sudan.

PhD Round 1 applicants must already be enrolled at a relevant ACT-PREP partner university. Round 2 applicants must be eligible to register at a partner university.

Postdoctoral applicants must confirm an appropriate host institution and obtain the required institutional endorsement.

Application Languages

Applications may be prepared in:

English; or
French.

French-language applications are accepted, particularly from applicants connected to francophone ACT-PREP institutions, including Université de Kinshasa and Université Cheikh Anta Diop.

Applicants should use one language consistently and ensure that all documents are clear, professionally written and complete.

Required Application Documents

Applicants should submit a complete application package containing the following:

1. Completed Application Form

Applicants must complete Document D from the official application package.

The form requests:

Full name.
Sex or gender.
Nationality.
Date of birth.
Email address.
Telephone number.
Current position.
Current institution.
Nominating or home institution.
Academic qualifications.
Proposed research title.
Selected ACT-PREP research theme.
Proposed host institution.
Proposed mentor or mentors.
Signed declaration.

2. Academic Documents

Applicants should provide copies of relevant:

Degrees.
Academic certificates.
Transcripts where required.
Proof of current doctoral enrolment for Round 1.
Evidence of eligibility for doctoral registration for Round 2.
Proof of PhD completion date for postdoctoral applicants.

3. Updated Curriculum Vitae

The CV should clearly present:

Education.
Research experience.
Employment history.
Research projects.
Technical and analytical skills.
Research methods.
Conference participation.
Professional affiliations.
Awards or recognition.
Relevant training.
Publications.

Postdoctoral applicants should include a complete or appropriately selected publication list.

4. Research Concept Note

Applicants must prepare a research concept of approximately two to three pages.

It should include:

Working research title.
Selected ACT-PREP priority theme.
Background and rationale.
Research problem.
Objectives.
Proposed methodology.
Expected results or contributions.
Relevance to clinical trials or epidemic preparedness.
Alignment with an EDCTP-priority disease.
Implementation work plan.
Proposed host institution.
Proposed mentor or supervisory arrangement.
Expected contribution to African research capacity.

The work plan must be realistic for the fellowship duration. PhD applicants should design work that can be completed within three years, while postdoctoral candidates should present a plan achievable within 12 months.

5. Motivation Letter

The motivation letter should explain:

Why the applicant is interested in ACT-PREP.
How the opportunity relates to the applicant’s career.
The applicant’s relevant academic and research experience.
Why the selected research theme is important.
How the applicant will contribute to the consortium.
The applicant’s commitment to research quality and integrity.
How the applicant intends to strengthen research and epidemic preparedness in Africa.
The applicant’s intention to remain connected to and contribute to the region.

6. Institutional Endorsement Letter

An institutional endorsement or nomination letter is mandatory for both PhD and postdoctoral applicants.

It should be prepared on the nominating institution’s official letterhead and confirm:

The candidate’s status as a staff member, registered researcher or person eligible to enrol.
The institution’s formal support for the application.
Alignment of the proposed work with institutional priorities.
Willingness to host and support the fellow.
Availability of mentorship.
Support for enrolment where applicable.
Permission to participate in ACT-PREP training and research activities.
Institutional support throughout the fellowship period.

7. Two References

Applicants must identify two referees. The application checklist also requires two reference letters.

Referees should comment on:

How long they have known the applicant.
The capacity in which they know the applicant.
The applicant’s research ability.
Research independence.
Suitability for the fellowship.
Potential for research leadership.
Likelihood of timely completion.
Motivation.
Integrity.
Teamwork.

The official guidance instructs referees to submit their recommendations directly to the recruitment email by the applicable deadline. Applicants should therefore contact referees early and confirm that their letters have been sent.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically by email.

Primary Submission Address

recruitment@act-prep.org

Addresses to Copy

actprep@musph.ac.ug
noahzyah@gmail.com

Applicants should attach all required documents and clearly identify whether they are applying for:

PhD Round 1.
PhD Round 2.
Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Although the call does not prescribe a mandatory email subject, candidates should use a clear subject that identifies the fellowship category and their full name.

Applicants should use the forms and templates included in the official application package.

Application Deadlines

Fellowship route	Deadline
PhD Round 1	September 15, 2026
PhD Round 2	September 30, 2026
Postdoctoral Fellowship	September 30, 2026

The announcement does not specify a closing time or time zone. Applicants should submit well before the relevant date and obtain confirmation that the application has been received.

Selection Process

Applications will undergo a competitive, multi-stage selection process.

Stage 1: Application Screening

The selection team will verify:

Completeness.
Eligible nationality.
Required academic qualification.
Programme enrolment or registration eligibility.
Institutional endorsement.
Presence of two referees.
Research-theme alignment.
Submission by the deadline.

Incomplete or ineligible applications may not proceed.

Stage 2: Scientific Evaluation

Eligible applications will undergo scientific review.

Reviewers will assess:

Quality of the research concept.
Scientific merit.
Relevance.
Feasibility.
Alignment with ACT-PREP themes.
Alignment with EDCTP priorities.
Potential contribution to clinical trials or epidemic preparedness.
Likely scientific or public-health impact.
Suitability of the work plan.

Stage 3: Interviews

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview to evaluate:

Academic and research readiness.
Understanding of the proposed research.
Motivation.
Communication.
Suitability for the fellowship.
Ability to complete the research within the available time.
Potential for research leadership.
Fit with the proposed host and mentor.

Stage 4: Notification

Successful candidates will receive formal notification following the selection process.

Stage 5: Fellowship Commencement

Selected candidates will receive further instructions concerning:

Fellowship start date.
University enrolment.
Host-institution arrangements.
Mentorship.
Financial arrangements.
Training requirements.
Onboarding.

A detailed selection schedule will be communicated to shortlisted candidates.

How Applications Will Be Scored

Eligible applications will be evaluated according to:

Academic record.
Research experience appropriate to the applicant’s career stage.
Quality of the proposed research.
Feasibility of completing the work.
Relevance to clinical trials or epidemic preparedness.
Alignment with EDCTP research priorities.
Research capability.
Potential for leadership and scientific independence.
Suitability of the host institution.
Suitability of the proposed mentor.
Likelihood of timely completion.
Quality of motivation.
Commitment to contribute to the region.
Contribution to the consortium’s equity objectives.
Gender balance.
Equitable representation across partner countries.

Where two candidates receive equivalent scores, preference may be given to the underrepresented gender and to achieving equitable representation among ACT-PREP partner countries.

Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Practical Tips for a Competitive Application

Choose the correct fellowship route

Currently enrolled doctoral researchers should apply under Round 1. Candidates seeking admission to a doctoral programme should use Round 2.
Confirm nationality before applying

The current call is restricted to nationals of the seven listed ACT-PREP countries.
Secure institutional endorsement early

The endorsement is mandatory and may require approval from senior university or institutional officials.
Identify a credible host and mentor

The strength of the host arrangement and the likelihood of timely completion are part of the selection criteria.
Align the concept with one priority theme

Avoid presenting a general public-health topic without showing its direct connection to ACT-PREP and clinical-trial or epidemic-response priorities.
Develop a realistic work plan

The project must be achievable within three years for PhD applicants and 12 months for postdoctoral applicants.
Explain the regional value of the research

Show how the work will strengthen African research systems, institutions, policy, outbreak readiness or clinical-trial capacity.
Demonstrate research integrity

Address ethical practice, responsible data management and the protection of research participants where relevant.
Use measurable objectives

Ensure that each objective can be linked to a method, output and realistic timeline.
Contact referees immediately

Reference letters must be sent directly by the referees before the deadline.
Include publications where applicable

Postdoctoral applicants should present a research record appropriate to their career stage.
Submit before the final day

Early submission provides time to correct missing documents or email-delivery problems.

Important Points to Remember

There are 15 PhD and 10 postdoctoral opportunities.
The programme is restricted to nationals of seven ACT-PREP countries.
PhD Round 1 is for candidates already enrolled at partner institutions.
PhD Round 2 is for candidates eligible to register for a relevant doctoral programme.
Postdoctoral applicants must have obtained their PhD within the past five years.
Institutional endorsement is mandatory.
Two referees are required.
Research must align with an ACT-PREP priority theme.
Applications can be submitted in English or French.
The exact stipend and research-funding amounts are not stated.
PhD Round 1 closes earlier than the other categories.
Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Conclusion

The ACT-PREP PhD and Postdoctoral Research Fellowships provide an important opportunity for African researchers to develop expertise in clinical trials, disease surveillance, artificial intelligence, ethics, regulation, laboratory science, One Health, health-systems resilience and epidemic response.

Through academic funding, stipends, research support, specialized training, mentorship and access to a multi-country research network, the programme aims to prepare a new generation of African researchers to lead high-quality research before, during and after disease outbreaks.

Applicants must select the appropriate fellowship category, establish strong alignment with one of the seven priority themes, secure institutional endorsement and prepare a focused research concept that can be completed within the specified period.

PhD Round 1 applications must be submitted by September 15, 2026, while PhD Round 2 and postdoctoral applications must be submitted by September 30, 2026.

For more global opportunities, click HERE.