Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 edition of the AREF-MRC Towards Leadership Programme. This initiative is designed to nurture promising African researchers who are in the early stages of their careers, with the goal of equipping them to successfully apply for funding from UKRI MRC and other prominent sources that support global health research. Through this collaboration, both AREF and MRC are committed to supporting Africa-based scientists and enhancing their research capabilities and leadership potential in the global health field.

The programme will span from December 2025 to November 2026 and includes two in-person workshops — one at the beginning and one at the end — as well as a virtual session scheduled in the middle of the programme.

To be eligible, applicants must hold citizenship in an African nation and be employed by a recognised academic or research institution within the continent. The programme targets researchers who have recently completed their academic training and are now beginning to establish their own research groups. Applicants must either possess a doctoral degree (PhD, DPhil, or MD) from an accredited institution or hold a clinical or medical qualification along with a relevant Master’s degree, typically obtained within the past ten years. If more time has passed since completing their highest degree, candidates must clearly explain any interruptions or diversions in their career path, such as caregiving responsibilities or a professional shift, to justify their status as early-career researchers.

Eligible applicants should currently be engaged in managing or mentoring junior researchers or students and actively working to develop collaborative research efforts. It is essential that they are contributing to or leading a research project in global health and that a substantial portion of their professional role is focused on conducting health-related research. They should also have a proven track record of securing research grants, with total funding received not exceeding £500,000.

All travel, accommodation, and participation costs related to the workshops will be fully covered by the programme’s funders. The first residential workshop is expected to take place from December 1st to 3rd, 2025. The second session will be held online, tentatively scheduled for April 2026, and the programme will conclude with a final in-person workshop in November 2026.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity