Background

The sub-Saharan Africa Health Research and Innovation Fellowship (SAHRI Fellowship) is now accepting applications for 2026. This prestigious, three-year training trajectory is designed to empower talented mid-career clinical and biomedical scientists from sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) to become leaders in biomedical innovation and clinical research.

The goal of the SAHRI Fellowship is to develop a cohort of 12 exceptional researchers equipped to tackle the urgent challenges of infectious disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and control across the continent.

Program Overview

This opportunity is one of the premier Fully Funded Programs in African health research. It is supported by a grant from the Global Health EDCTP3 and implemented by a consortium of academic and research institutions, led by the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp in collaboration with BioNTech.

Training Pathway

The SAHRI program is structured to maximize professional growth, transitioning fellows from specialized study to high-impact field work and capacity building. The three phases of the training trajectory include:

• Academic Phase (ITM Antwerp): Focuses on the Master of Science in Tropical Medicine. This includes a research-oriented MSc (60 ECTS) and specialized course in Systems Thinking in Biotech Development at KU Leuven.
• Placement Phase (BioNTech & African Centres): Involves hands-on research and innovation, including a 6-month industry internship at BioNTech headquarters in Mainz, Germany, complemented by practical research experience at leading African research centres.
• Return-Home Phase (Implementation & Capacity Building): Focuses on designing and implementing a research project in the fellow's home country/institution, applying skills, and mentoring future researchers to build local capacity.

This rigorous and supportive pathway ensures fellows are prepared not only scientifically but also as innovators and entrepreneurs capable of driving sustainable change.

Financial Coverage

The SAHRI Fellowship provides full financial support for the Master in Tropical Medicine programme and all subsequent phases, ensuring fellows can focus entirely on their professional development. The comprehensive coverage includes:

• Tuition Fees and internship costs.
• Accommodation and a competitive Living Stipend.
• Research-related expenses.
• International Air Travel.
• Health Insurance.

• Complete Master of Science in Tropical Medicine program
• Participate in specialized course in Systems Thinking in Biotech Development
• Complete 6-month industry internship at BioNTech headquarters
• Conduct practical research at leading African research centres
• Design and implement a research project in home country/institution
• Mentor future researchers to build local capacity
• Tackle urgent challenges of infectious disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and control

• Strong interest in infectious disease research
• Biomedical innovation capabilities
• Clinical research skills
• Entrepreneurship mindset
• Capacity building and mentoring abilities
• Systems thinking in biotech development

• Nationality: Must be a national of a sub-Saharan African (sSA) country with a valid passport for international travel
• Education: Hold a university degree equivalent to a Master's in the European Union (EU) and meet admission requirements for the Master of Science in Tropical Medicine
• Research Interest: Must demonstrate a strong interest in infectious disease research aligned with EDCTP Strategic Research Agenda priorities
• Commitment: Must have a clear vision of how the fellowship will be used to advance health research in Africa, demonstrate commitment to building research capacity in their home institution, and express interest in biomedical innovation and entrepreneurship
• Institutional Support: Proof of institutional support and commitment to allow a leave of absence for the duration of the fellowship is mandatory