Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) Women Grant Writing Skills Programme – Applications Open for June-September 2025
The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) is excited to announce the launch of its Women Grant Writing Skills Programme for June-September 2025. This initiative aims to empower and equip women in Africa who are in the early stages of their research careers with the critical skills required to successfully develop and write competitive research proposals for grants.
Research funding remains one of the most significant barriers for many early-career researchers in Africa, particularly women, who often face additional challenges in securing funding and recognition. The Women Grant Writing Skills Programme is designed to address this gap by providing tailored training to enhance participants’ abilities to successfully apply for and secure research grants. By participating in this programme, women researchers will gain invaluable skills that will help them move from early-stage research to leading impactful health research projects that can contribute to solving the continent’s most pressing health challenges.
This opportunity is part of AREF’s broader efforts to advance scientific research excellence in Africa, particularly by supporting women researchers who are poised to become leaders in their fields. The programme will offer specialized training in the art of grant writing, focusing on strategies to write compelling proposals, understanding the intricacies of funder priorities, and effectively managing the process of securing research funding.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for this prestigious programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Gender and Nationality: You must be a woman who is a citizen of an African country.
- Career Stage: You should be in the early stages of your research career. This typically means that you have completed your research education and have been awarded a research doctorate (PhD, DPhil, MD) from a recognized academic institution within the last 6 years (i.e., your degree was awarded on or after 1 January 2019). Alternatively, applicants with a medical/clinical qualification combined with a research-relevant Master’s degree (both awarded on or after 1 January 2019) may also apply.
- Current Employment: You must be currently employed by a recognized university or specialist research institution in Africa. Your role should involve a significant amount of health research development and execution.
- Previous Grant Writing Experience: Applicants should have previous experience in obtaining research funding, with a combined value of £250,000 or less. This ensures that candidates have some exposure to the challenges of securing research funding but are still in the early stages of developing advanced grant-writing skills.
- No Prior Training: This programme is intended for researchers who have not previously participated in equivalent proposal development or grant-writing training. This ensures that the programme targets individuals who will benefit the most from this specialized training.
What to Expect from the Programme:
The Women Grant Writing Skills Programme is designed to provide in-depth, hands-on training in grant writing and proposal development. The key components of the programme will include:
- Fundamentals of Grant Writing: You will receive detailed training on how to structure a successful grant proposal, how to clearly communicate your research aims, and how to align your objectives with the funders’ priorities.
- Understanding the Funder’s Perspective: One of the core aspects of the programme will focus on how to read and interpret grant application guidelines, ensuring that proposals meet the expectations and specific criteria of funding agencies.
- Proposal Review and Feedback: Participants will have opportunities to present their draft proposals for review and receive personalized feedback from seasoned experts in the field.
- Networking and Collaboration: You will join a community of like-minded researchers across Africa, sharing knowledge and insights. This network can serve as a valuable resource for future collaborations and professional development.
- Mentorship and Coaching: Successful applicants will also benefit from personalized mentorship and coaching from experienced researchers and grant writers. This mentorship will guide you throughout the application process and help you refine your skills.
Programme Benefits:
- Increased Competitiveness in Grant Applications: By the end of the programme, you will be equipped with the tools and skills needed to develop high-quality research proposals that are competitive in the global grant landscape.
- Increased Research Funding Success: As you enhance your grant-writing skills, you will increase your chances of securing funding for your own research projects, ultimately contributing to the advancement of health research in Africa.
- Professional Development and Career Advancement: The knowledge gained in this programme will be a valuable asset to your career, whether you continue in academia, move into research administration, or become involved in policy development related to health research.
Application Process:
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to take the next step in advancing your career, applications for the Women Grant Writing Skills Programme are now open. The application deadline is 14 April 2025. To apply, visit the provided link and submit all the necessary documents as part of your application.
Apply Here: Women Grant Writing Skills Programme Application
This is an incredible opportunity to enhance your skills, expand your professional network, and make a significant impact on the future of health research in Africa.
Don’t miss out! Empower yourself with the tools to shape your career and contribute to transformative research in the African continent.
Deadline: 14 April 2025
Start your journey towards becoming a leader in health research grant writing today!
