The Sub-Saharan Africa Health Research and Innovation (SAHRI) Fellowship is a fully funded, long-term capacity-building programme designed for mid-career researchers in health and biomedical sciences.
The fellowship supports professionals committed to advancing health research and translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions that improve public health outcomes across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Focus
The fellowship targets critical areas including:
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Infectious disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
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Health systems strengthening
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Biomedical and translational research
SAHRI is structured for researchers who combine academic excellence with a strong commitment to applied, impact-driven science. Its broader goal is to strengthen Africa’s research ecosystem by equipping fellows with the skills, exposure, and professional networks needed to address the continent’s most pressing health challenges.
Industry and research exposure
A core component of the fellowship is a six-month professional placement at BioNTech in Germany, where fellows gain hands-on experience in advanced research and development environments.
This international exposure is complemented by applied research placements at leading African research institutions, enabling fellows to engage directly with real-world health challenges and collaborative, multidisciplinary projects.
Funding details
The SAHRI Fellowship is fully funded, covering:
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Tuition fees
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Accommodation
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Research and training costs
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International travel
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Health insurance
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A living stipend
The total financial support is valued at well over $100,000 USD per fellow across the three-year programme, allowing participants to focus fully on research, learning and professional development.
Who can participate
This opportunity is open to nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries with relevant advanced academic qualifications and demonstrated potential in health research.
Applicants must meet the entry requirements for the associated Master’s programme and show a clear commitment to advancing health innovation and research capacity within the region.
Programme structure
The fellowship begins with an intensive academic phase that includes a research-focused Master of Science in Tropical Medicine, a 60-ECTS programme designed to strengthen scientific reasoning and research methodology.
This is complemented by specialised training in biotechnology and systems thinking, helping fellows understand how innovation operates within modern and complex health systems.
Deadline
The application deadline is February 1, 2026. Interested candidates should apply via the Institute of Tropical Medicine website.
Explore our Opportunities page for international health fellowships.
Summary not available at this time.
