SSRC Individual Research Fellowships 2026: African Researchers Can Receive Up to $12,000
The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is inviting applications from African researchers, policy analysts and practitioners for its African Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics (APDD) Individual Research Fellowship (IRF). The fellowship supports independent African research focused on peacebuilding, governance and developmental dynamics across the continent.
Since its establishment in 2012, the Individual Research Fellowship has supported efforts to strengthen the quality and visibility of independent African peacebuilding research while making research findings more accessible to policymakers, practitioners and research institutions.
In 2026, up to nine individual fellowships will be awarded, with each fellowship providing a maximum award of US$12,000.
About the Fellowship
The APDD Individual Research Fellowship is designed for African scholars and professionals conducting research on conflict, peacebuilding, governance and development-related issues.
The programme seeks to generate evidence-based knowledge that can contribute to academic scholarship, public policy and peacebuilding practice in Africa. Fellows will undertake a structured research programme combining field-based research with analysis and writing.
The fellowship programme includes six months of field-based research followed by three months of analysis and writing, for a total period of nine months.
Through this process, fellows are expected to produce research that contributes meaningfully to regional and global discussions on peacebuilding.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to African citizens currently residing in an African country.
Two broad categories of applicants are eligible.
Academics
Academic applicants must:
- Be African citizens residing in Africa.
- Hold a full-time faculty or research position at an African university or research organisation.
- Have obtained a PhD no earlier than January 2016.
- Have received their PhD by the specified eligibility deadline.
Policy Analysts and Practitioners
Applicants working as policy analysts or practitioners must:
- Be African citizens residing in Africa.
- Be based at a regional or sub-regional institution, government agency, NGO, media organisation or civil society organisation.
- Hold at least a master’s degree obtained before January 2021.
- Have at least five years of demonstrated research and professional experience in peacebuilding-related activities in Africa.
This makes the fellowship particularly relevant to experienced African professionals whose work connects research, policy and practical peacebuilding.
What Fellows Will Receive
The fellowship offers more than financial support. Successful applicants will become part of a network of African scholars and practitioners working on peacebuilding and related issues.
Research and Thought Leadership
Fellows will undertake field-based research and develop research-based knowledge designed to influence scholarship, policy and practice.
Their research may contribute to discussions at regional and international levels while strengthening African perspectives in global peacebuilding debates.
Workshops and Mentorship
Fellows will participate in two mandatory APDD workshops held during the fellowship period. These workshops provide opportunities to refine research designs, discuss findings, strengthen research methods and explore ways to communicate findings to different audiences.
Participants will also have opportunities to network with senior academics, practitioners, facilitators and fellow researchers.
Publishing Opportunities
Fellows can contribute to the APDD’s knowledge platforms, including its working paper series and African Peacebuilding Policy Review and Analysis.
They may also have opportunities to develop their research for peer-reviewed journals, books, essays, blogs, opinion pieces and other public-facing platforms.
Professional Development
The fellowship provides an opportunity for researchers and practitioners to strengthen their professional networks and develop new research and communication skills.
Successful fellows will join a community of highly visible African scholars and practitioners capable of bringing African perspectives into international conversations about peacebuilding, governance and development.
Mentorship from experienced senior scholars will also support fellows in developing their research careers and building long-term professional collaborations.
Application Requirements
Applicants should prepare the required application materials, which include:
- Online application form
- Research proposal and bibliography
- Current CV
- Proposed research timeline
- Proposed research budget
- Two reference letters
- Language evaluation(s), where required
Applicants should ensure that their proposed research clearly demonstrates its relevance to peacebuilding, governance or developmental dynamics in Africa.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should consult the official APDD Fellowship Award Application Guidebook for complete eligibility requirements, application instructions and supporting documentation.
For inquiries or technical questions concerning the online application portal, applicants can contact the APDD team by email:
Fellowship at a Glance
Programme: APDD Individual Research Fellowship (IRF)
Organisation: Social Science Research Council (SSRC)
Eligible applicants: African citizens residing in Africa
Fellowships available: Up to 9
Maximum award: US$12,000 per fellow
Research period: 6 months field research + 3 months analysis and writing
Focus areas: Peacebuilding, governance and developmental dynamics
Application contact: apdd@ssrc.org
Funding: Andrew Carnegie Foundation
For African researchers, policy analysts and practitioners working on peacebuilding and development, this fellowship offers an opportunity to conduct impactful research while gaining mentorship, professional networks and greater visibility for African scholarship.
Applicants should carefully review the official fellowship guidance and ensure that their research proposal, budget and supporting documents meet all programme requirements before submitting their application.
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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.
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