African Career Accelerator Awards

Duration, location and funding

Fellowships were offered for a duration of up to two years, each with a value of up to £145,000.

The fellowships are undertaken in at least two locations including the Crick (UK), one of our partner institutions and optionally a third African institution.

Support and mentoring

Fellows are supported by two supervisors/advisors: one each from the Crick and the partner institution. They also have the option of support from one of the Crick science technology platforms (STPs) which specialise in specific techniques and technologies.

In addition to conducting the proposed research programme, fellows participate in advanced training which provides the necessary skills to make the transition to becoming an independent research leader on the African continent. 

To facilitate this, fellows are supported to submit a research grant proposal to major international funders  to be able to continue their work after the end of the fellowship.

Research areas

The scope of the research themes are defined as a biomedical study of infectious diseases of poverty, with an emphasis on tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS, but also extending to neglected tropical diseases or non-communicable diseases with an infection component.

Eligibility

CAN Fellows must have citizenship of or permanent residency status in one of the 55 African nations, as defined by the African Union. Applicants must also have a PhD and no more than six years’ postdoctoral research experience.

Application assessment

The fellowships are designed to accelerate careers that have already shown great potential both scientifically and in leadership. These awards have identified individuals who will go on to make significant contributions to research as well as science and knowledge on the African continent.

The applications for African Career Accelerator awards are assessed by international peer review, followed by interviews.