Call to support African research leaders

Following a pilot call last year, the Medical Research Council (MRC) has now launched a second call to support African Research Leaders.

Jointly funded by the MRC and the UK’s Department for International Development (DfID), this is a prestigious award for non-clinical and clinical researchers of exceptional ability. The aim of the scheme is to strengthen research leadership across sub-Saharan Africa, by attracting and retaining researchers of high ability. The call has been re-focused this year on ‘rising star’ African Research Leaders.

MRC emphasises that a “lack of grant funding and research infrastructure in some sub-Saharan African countries can make it difficult to retain and attract talented African scientists. As such, African nationals are currently under-represented as leaders in medical research in the region. We will, therefore, particularly welcome applications from researchers from less resourced sub-Saharan African countries. Applications are also encouraged from African researchers currently working overseas who wish to return to sub-Saharan Africa.”

For more information visit the MRC website.