The Essential Grant Writing Skills Programme (June–July 2026) is a specialized online training initiative designed to help early-career researchers in Africa develop competitive research funding proposals. The programme is organised by the Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) to strengthen research capacity across the continent and support scientists addressing critical health challenges.
Through intensive training sessions, participants will learn how to design compelling research proposals, understand funding requirements, and prepare applications that can successfully compete for international, regional, and national research grants.
About the Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF)
The Africa Research Excellence Fund supports the development of talented scientists in Africa, particularly those working on research that improves health outcomes and tackles pressing public health issues. By providing targeted training opportunities, AREF aims to empower emerging researchers with the skills and resources needed to secure research funding and build independent scientific careers.
Programme Overview
The Essential Grant Writing Skills Programme is delivered entirely online and is structured as a two-phase training series with an extended break in between. This break allows participants to apply their learning by developing a mini research proposal and reviewing the proposals of fellow participants.
The programme focuses on helping researchers make tangible progress toward a strong grant proposal by the end of the training period.
Training Schedule
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Phase 1: 1–5 June 2026 – Daily online sessions (3 hours each)
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Independent Work Period: Participants draft a mini research proposal
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Phase 2: 29–31 July 2026 – Follow-up sessions and peer review
All sessions are conducted via Zoom and delivered in English. Learning materials and preparatory exercises are provided before and between sessions.
Key Skills Participants Will Learn
During the training programme, participants will gain practical knowledge on essential aspects of grant proposal development, including:
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Identifying and defining a unique research niche
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Formulating clear and compelling research questions
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Understanding expectations of research funders
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Writing research proposals in clear and concise English
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Structuring different sections of a grant application
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Developing a strong “case for support” or project description
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Planning project timelines and research budgets
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Managing collaborations and research teams effectively
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Understanding peer-review processes
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Preparing for fellowship interviews
These skills are designed to help researchers build stronger proposals that attract funding and support long-term research careers.
What the Programme Does Not Cover
Although the training focuses heavily on proposal development, it does not include:
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Guidance on obtaining research ethics approvals
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Instructions on filling out specific funder application forms
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Detailed intellectual property management
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Research communication training
The facilitators will use real examples of grant proposals for learning purposes but will not directly edit or develop participants’ individual proposals.
Expectations for Participants
To successfully complete the programme, participants must commit to the following:
Mandatory Requirements
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Attend all scheduled online sessions
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Actively participate in discussions and exercises
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Complete daily preparatory readings and assignments
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Draft a research proposal during the break period between sessions
Technical Requirements
Participants should have reliable internet access, a computer or laptop capable of running Zoom, and preferably a smartphone to support interactive activities during sessions.
Research Fields Covered
Applications are welcome from researchers working on human health challenges in disciplines such as:
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Biomedical sciences
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Clinical research
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Epidemiology
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Public health
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Pharmacology and physiology
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Environmental health
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Veterinary and “One Health” research
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Health data science
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Behavioural and mental health research
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Health policy and systems research
This wide disciplinary scope ensures the programme benefits researchers working across diverse health-related fields.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Be a citizen of an African country
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Be an early-career researcher
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Hold a PhD, DPhil, MD, or equivalent research doctorate awarded in 2020 or later,
OR possess a clinical qualification plus a research-relevant master’s degree -
Be employed by a recognized university or research institution in Africa
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Not have previously completed equivalent grant-writing training
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Not currently hold major international research grants exceeding £250,000 combined value
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Be actively involved in health-related research work.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on the candidate’s potential to benefit from the programme and contribute to research capacity development in Africa.
Key assessment factors include:
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Research experience and academic achievements
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A clear vision for career development in health research
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Potential to apply the training to secure research funding
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Commitment to sharing knowledge with colleagues and institutions
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Adequate English language proficiency
AREF also aims to maintain gender balance and institutional diversity among participants, ensuring no more than two candidates are selected from a single institution.
Important Dates
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Call for Applications Opens: 4 March 2026
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Application Deadline: 3 April 2026
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Notification of Results: 4 May 2026
How to Apply
Interested researchers must submit their applications through the AREF online portal. Applicants will need to create an account before accessing the application form and supporting documents.
Applicants are encouraged to review the application guidance and FAQs provided on the portal before submission.
Apply here
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✅ Tip: This programme is particularly valuable for early-career scientists who have obtained small research grants but are still working toward securing larger funding opportunities to support independent research careers.
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