AREF-MRC Towards Leadership Programme 2026/2027 Opens Applications for Emerging African Health Researchers
The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF), in partnership with the UK Research and Innovation Medical Research Council (UKRI MRC), has launched applications for the AREF-MRC Towards Leadership Programme 2026/2027.
The programme is designed to support talented emerging scientists across Africa who are developing their research leadership capabilities and seeking to compete successfully for major funding opportunities in global health research.
The programme will take place in March 2027 and will combine residential and virtual learning, providing participants with opportunities to strengthen their research leadership, grant-writing, collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills.
AREF-MRC Towards Leadership Programme 2026/2027 at a Glance
- Programme: AREF-MRC Towards Leadership Programme 2026/2027
- Organisations: Africa Research Excellence Fund and UKRI Medical Research Council
- Location: Africa / Programme-based workshops
- Programme Date: March 2027
- Format: Two residential workshops and one virtual workshop
- Eligible Applicants: Citizens of African countries
- Field: Global health research
- Application Deadline: 28 August 2026 at 16:00 GMT
- Successful Applicants Notified: 30 October 2026
What Is the Towards Leadership Programme?
The AREF-MRC Towards Leadership Programme aims to help emerging African scientists build the skills, experience and confidence required to compete for major research funding opportunities.
The programme focuses on researchers who are already beginning to lead research teams and who have demonstrated potential to develop successful careers in global health research.
Participants will be supported to strengthen their ability to:
- Develop competitive research funding applications.
- Build and lead effective research teams.
- Establish international research collaborations.
- Influence stakeholders.
- Develop sustainable research careers.
- Compete for UKRI MRC and other major global health funding opportunities.
The programme reflects a wider investment in strengthening research leadership within Africa and supporting talented scientists to conduct high-quality research from institutions across the continent.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The programme is aimed at early-career researchers who are citizens of African countries and currently working in Africa.
Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements.
They should:
- Be a citizen of a country in Africa.
- Be employed in Africa by a recognised university or specialist research institution.
- Be an early-career researcher who has completed their research education and is beginning to lead their own research group.
- Hold a PhD, DPhil or MD from a recognised academic institution, or a medical/clinical qualification combined with a research-relevant Master’s degree.
- Normally have obtained their qualifying degree within the last 10 years.
Researchers whose qualifications were obtained more than 10 years ago may still be considered if they can explain circumstances such as caring responsibilities, career breaks or career changes that affected their research trajectory.
Research Leadership Experience
Applicants should already be taking on research leadership responsibilities.
This includes responsibility for managing or supervising:
- Research students
- Research staff
- Research collaborations
- Research teams
Candidates should demonstrate evidence that they are either beginning to lead a research team or are actively contributing to a research team conducting global health research.
A significant part of the applicant’s current employment should also involve developing and conducting health research.
Research Funding Experience
Applicants should already have some experience securing research funding.
Typically, candidates should have experience obtaining research funding of more than £50,000, while the combined value of funding obtained must be less than £500,000.
This requirement makes the programme particularly relevant to researchers who have already demonstrated an ability to secure funding but are seeking to progress towards larger and more competitive grants.
Global Health Research Areas
AREF and the MRC are seeking researchers from a diverse range of biomedical, clinical and health-related disciplines.
The programme is therefore not limited to one specific area of health research.
Researchers who are uncertain whether their research falls within the programme’s global health remit can contact the programme team at programmes@aref-africa.org.uk for clarification.
AREF also aims to build a balanced cohort of men and women participating in the programme.
Programme Structure
The Towards Leadership Programme will run in March 2027.
Participants will take part in:
- Two residential workshops, including opening and closing sessions.
- One virtual workshop.
- Research leadership development.
- Grant funding preparation and development.
- Team leadership and collaboration activities.
- Stakeholder engagement and influence-building.
The curriculum is designed to provide practical support rather than focusing solely on academic theory.
Why This Programme Matters
Access to competitive research funding remains an important factor in strengthening research capacity and scientific leadership.
For African researchers, developing the ability to successfully compete for major international grants can help expand research programmes, build stronger teams and create opportunities for collaboration across institutions and countries.
The AREF-MRC programme therefore provides an opportunity for emerging scientists to develop capabilities that extend beyond individual research projects.
Participants can strengthen their grant-development skills while also learning how to lead teams, collaborate internationally and communicate with stakeholders.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official AREF application portal.
Application deadline: 28 August 2026 at 16:00 GMT
Apply through the AREF programme portal
Successful applicants are expected to be notified on 30 October 2026.
Applicants with questions about eligibility or the programme can contact programmes@aref-africa.org.uk.
Key Takeaway
The AREF-MRC Towards Leadership Programme 2026/2027 presents an opportunity for emerging African health researchers to strengthen their research leadership and prepare for larger funding opportunities.
With training focused on grant funding, team leadership, international collaboration, stakeholder engagement and research career development, the programme is particularly suited to researchers who have already begun building independent research careers.
Eligible African researchers should review the requirements carefully and submit their applications before the 28 August 2026 deadline.
Opportunity: AREF-MRC Towards Leadership Programme 2026/2027
Eligible Applicants: African citizens working in Africa
Field: Biomedical, clinical and health-related research
Programme: March 2027
Format: Residential and virtual workshops
Deadline: 28 August 2026, 16:00 GMT
Notification: 30 October 2026
Application: AREF Programme Portal
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
