Call for Applications: Afrique Research Support Hub (ARSH) Program for West and Central Africa – Grantsmanship and Research Fundraising Training for Post-PhD Researchers
Introduction / Background
The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), in partnership with Wellcome, has launched a call for applications for the West and Central Africa cohort of the Afrique Research Support Hub (ARSH) Program. This capacity-strengthening initiative is designed to empower early and mid-career African researchers to secure international research funding by providing comprehensive training, mentorship, and support.
The ARSH Program focuses on supporting discovery research in applied settings—targeting innovative, evidence-generating studies that tackle critical health and development challenges across the African continent.
Opportunity Details
What is the Opportunity?
A 12-month capacity-building and mentorship program for post-PhD African researchers. The program combines online and in-person training and offers the chance to compete for seed funding.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
– Hold a PhD in fields related to health and development (e.g. Public Health, Epidemiology, Biomedical Sciences, etc.)
– Be early to mid-career researchers (within 15 years post-PhD)
– Be citizens of West or Central African countries
– Be affiliated with a recognized academic or research institution in the region
– Be fluent in English
– Submit a discovery research proposal that addresses public health and development challenges in Africa
Eligible Countries Include:
Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
Program Design Highlights
– Cohort Size: 25 early to mid-career researchers
– Training Format: Hybrid model (online + face-to-face)
– Online modules and assignments
– In-person grants writing workshop (August 25–29, 2025 in Dakar, Senegal)
Mentorship:
– 12 months of structured mentorship
– Monthly mentor meetings and quarterly reporting
– Support in grant writing, career development, networking, and professional growth
Seed Funding:
– Up to 10 mini-grants of $7,500 USD
– For activities like preliminary studies, institutional visits, conferences, or team retreats
Timeline (All dates in EAT)
– April 8, 2025: Call for Applications Opens
– April 23, 2025 (23:59): Deadline to submit “Intent to Submit” form
– May 8, 2025 (23:59): Full Application Deadline
– May 15 – June 30, 2025: Review of applications
– July 1–5, 2025: Notification of selection outcomes
– July 6–31, 2025: Virtual self-directed course and assignments
– August 25–29, 2025: In-person workshop in Dakar
– September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026: Ongoing mentorship phase
Selection Criteria
Applications will be judged based on:
– Innovation and originality of the proposed research
– Relevance to African health and development challenges
– Feasibility of the proposed work
– Applicant potential for growth in research and fundraising
– Diversity and inclusion across gender, geography, and disciplines
– Collaborative approach and multidisciplinary partnerships
How to Apply
The application process consists of two mandatory stages:
1. Intent to Submit (Deadline: April 23, 2025)
– Submit full name, institution, proposed research title
– Brief statement (max 200 words) on research alignment with ARSH priorities
2. Full Application (Deadline: May 8, 2025)
Submit the following documents:
– Research concept note (template provided)
– Updated CV (template provided)
– PhD certificate and passport bio page
– Motivation letter
– Letter of institutional support from a supervisor
Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. Ensure all documents are uploaded before the deadline.
Submit Applications: Here
For questions, email: arshprogram@aphrc.org
Conclusion
This is a valuable opportunity for post-PhD researchers in West and Central Africa to strengthen their capacity in grantsmanship, receive expert mentorship, and position themselves to win international research grants. Don’t miss the chance to enhance your research career and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s development.
For more opportunities, visit http://opportunitiesforyouth.org