SAHRI Fellowship 2026–2029 — Fully Funded Health Research & Innovation Fellowship Program
Salisu Iliyasu
The Sub-Saharan Africa Health Research and Innovation (SAHRI) Fellowship Program is a fully funded three-year training fellowship designed to develop future leaders in biomedical innovation and clinical research across sub-Saharan Africa. The programme supports talented mid-career clinical and biomedical researchers committed to addressing infectious disease challenges through research, innovation, and sustainable impact.
The fellowship is implemented by a consortium led by the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) Antwerp in collaboration with partners including KU Leuven, BioNTech, and leading African research institutions. It offers an integrated pathway combining advanced academic training, industry exposure, hands-on research placements, and practical implementation in home institutions.
Programme Structure
The SAHRI Fellowship comprises three key phases:
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Academic Phase: Fellows complete a Master of Science in Tropical Medicine (60 ECTS) at ITM and take part in the ‘Systems Thinking in Biotech Development’ course at KU Leuven.
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Placement Phase: Fellows undertake a 6-month internship at BioNTech in Germany and research placements at leading African research centres.
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Return-Home Phase: The final year is dedicated to implementing a research or innovation project in the fellow’s home country, contributing to local health priorities and building institutional capacity.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
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Be nationals of a sub-Saharan African country with plans to return home.
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Hold a Master’s or equivalent qualification in a biomedical or clinical discipline that meets the fellowship’s academic requirements.
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Demonstrate research experience and interest in infectious disease research and innovation.
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Secure institutional support from their home institution.
Women and candidates from under-represented regions are strongly encouraged to apply.
Benefits / Support
Fellows receive full financial support covering:
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Tuition and academic costs for structured training programmes.
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Accommodation and living stipend during all phases.
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International travel and health insurance for training and internship phases.
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Research-related expenses and mentorship.
Key Dates
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Application Deadline: 1 February 2026
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Programme Start: 31 August 2026
The SAHRI Fellowship aims to empower African researchers to become global research leaders and drive sustainable innovation in health systems and infectious disease response across the region.
