Future Leaders Fellowship 2026 for African Researchers | $1,800 Grant & Air Quality Research Opportunity

Applications are now open for the 2026 Future Leaders Fellowship, a prestigious six-month virtual programme jointly organised by the Africa Clean Air Network and the Health Effects Institute to support the next generation of African researchers in air pollution, environmental health, air quality monitoring, modelling, and policy engagement.

The part-time fellowship, running from September 2026 to March 2027, is designed for graduate students across Africa who are passionate about environmental research and public health. Fellows will gain hands-on research experience, collaborate with leading scientists, and contribute to impactful projects shaping Africa’s environmental future.

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Program Overview

The fellowship offers a mentorship-driven research experience where selected participants will work closely with experienced researchers from top academic and research institutions across Africa and beyond.

Key features of the programme include:

• One-on-one mentorship with established researchers
• Participation in professional development seminars
• Collaboration with the Africa Clean Air Network Secretariat
• Networking opportunities with environmental and public health experts
• Presentation of final research outcomes during a public webinar
• Opportunities to contribute to peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, and blogs

Fellows are expected to have access to a computer and attend regular virtual meetings throughout the programme.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• A fellowship award worth USD 1,800
• Travel support to attend the Africa Clean Air Forum 2027
• Access to a continental network of researchers and policymakers
• Technical and professional skill-building opportunities
• Visibility through public presentations and possible publications

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Mentor-Led Research Opportunities

Applicants may choose from the following research themes:

1. Assessment of available emissions inventories for key air pollution sources in Africa
2. Mentor: Dr. Evelyne Toure, Université Félix Houphouët Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire
3. Rapid review of peer-reviewed literature on air pollution and heat in Africa
4. Mentor: Dr. Adelaide Lusambili, NextGen for Earth, Kenya
5. Mapping and assessment of air quality monitoring across Africa
6. Mentors: Dr. Deo Okure (AirQo, Uganda) and Dr. Allison Hughes (Afri-SET, Ghana)
7. Assessment of long-term air quality trends in African cities
8. Mentor: Dr. Pallavi Pant, Health Effects Institute, USA
9. Analysis of public perception of air pollution in Africa using news and social media
10. Mentor: Dr. Melina Platas, New York University Abu Dhabi

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be enrolled in a Master’s or PhD programme at an African institution
• Have completed at least one full year of study by September 2026 (for Master’s students)
• Have research interests aligned with one of the fellowship topics
• Not be postdoctoral researchers or faculty members
• Demonstrate strong interest in air quality, environmental health, or related fields

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Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Quality and clarity of the application
• Relevance of the fellowship to the applicant’s academic goals
• Potential contribution to environmental science and air quality research

Key Dates

• Applications Open: May 18, 2026
• Application Deadline: June 12, 2026 (11:59 GMT)
• Application Review: July 2026
• Selection of Fellows: August 2026
• Programme Start Date: September 1, 2026
• Programme End Date: March 2027

• Scholarship Alerts/JOB UPDATES: To receive Scholarship/Available Job Alerts on WhatsApp, Click HERE

Program Sponsor

The fellowship is supported by the KRN

mosaic Charitable Foundation, an organisation committed to advancing global health and education initiatives.

Method of Application

Interested and qualified candidates should apply using the official application link provided by the organisers.

Application Deadline: 12th June 2026

Apply here