The sub-Saharan Africa Health Research and Innovation Fellowship Program (SAHRI Fellowship)
Background
The sub-Saharan Africa Health Research and Innovation Fellowship (SAHRI Fellowship) programme is an exceptional three-year training trajectory designed to empower 12 talented mid-career biomedical and clinical researchers from sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) to become leaders in biomedical innovation and clinical research, tackling the urgent challenges of infectious disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and control across the region.
The fellowship is fully funded by a grant from the Global Health EDCTP3 and implemented by a consortium of academic and research institutions from Europe and Africa, led by the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp in collaboration with BioNTech.
The programme is structured as a comprehensive professional development pathway, where SAHRI fellows grow through phases that include:
Academic phase: Fellows enrol in the research-oriented Master of Science in Tropical Medicine at the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (60 ECTS with a flexible and modular structure) and the Systems Thinking in Biotech Development course at the Access-To-Medicines (ATM) Research Centre of KULeuven, Belgium.
Placement phase: Fellows undertake a six-month internship at BioNTech headquarters in Mainz, Germany, followed by hands-on research experience with scientists from member centres of the East African Consortium for Clinical Research (EACCR) in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, or at the Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-CRUN) in Burkina Faso.
Return-home phase: In their third year, fellows implement a research project in their home country or region, advancing research and innovation with the opportunity to pursue a PhD programme and benefit from network connections, and contributing to sustainable impact within their home institutions and communities.
Each phase builds on the previous one, creating a seamless progression from academic excellence to practical experience and long-term community impact.
Team
Project promotors
Tom Decroo
Maria Zolfo
Programme coordinator(s)
Rodrigo Henriquez
Programme administrator(s)
Katrien Van Wymeersch
Contact
For general questions and more information, you can contact:
Who can apply?
We are looking for promising mid-career clinical or biomedical scientists from sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) with strong potential to become future leaders in clinical research and biomedical innovation to address infectious diseases.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must be a national of a sSA country and hold a valid passport for international travel.
Applicants must hold a university degree equivalent to a Master’s in the European Union (EU) and meet all admission requirements for the Master of Science in Tropical Medicine.
Applicants must demonstrate interest in infectious disease research aligned with EDCTP Strategic Research Agenda priorities. Previous research experience or publications are an advantage.
Proof of institutional support and commitment to allow leave of absence is required.
Applicants must have a clear vision of how the fellowship will be used to advance health research in Africa, a demonstrated commitment to building research capacity in home institution or country, and interest in biomedical innovation and entrepreneurship.
Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Fellowship coverage
The SAHRI Fellowship provides full financial support for the Master in Tropical Medicine programme and all subsequent phases. Coverage includes:
Tuition fees and internship costs
Accommodation
Living stipend
Research-related expenses
International air travel
Health insurance
How to apply?
Deadline for the 2026-2029 cohort: 1 February 2026
1. Apply to ITM's MSc in Tropical Medicine
Submit a formal application to the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp for admission to the Master in Tropical Medicine programme.
2. Submit your motivation letter
Provide a motivation letter clearly stating your interest in the SAHRI Fellowship and indicating your preferred track for one of the open positions (to be announced).
Funding
The project is supported by Global Health EDCTP3 and its members.
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