Call for Applications: Afrique Research Support Hub (ARSH) Program – West and Central Africa Cohort
The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), in collaboration with Wellcome, is excited to announce the opening of applications for the Afrique Research Support Hub (ARSH) Program for the West and Central Africa cohort.
This innovative capacity-strengthening initiative aims to build regional capacity for African researchers, specifically focusing on post-PhD early and mid-career researchers. The primary goal of the program is to support researchers in the West and Central Africa region to secure competitive research grants from international funders, thereby advancing research excellence across Africa.
The ARSH Program is a comprehensive, multi-year initiative that will establish one central research support hub with three regional satellite stations. These stations will be located in key regions of Africa: West and Central Africa, Southern Africa, and Eastern Africa.
Each of the regional hubs will focus on providing support to researchers within their respective regions, with the West and Central Africa station offering bilingual services in both French and English. This approach is designed to ensure inclusivity and broad access to high-quality research support across the continent.
Overview of the ARSH Program
The ARSH Program is specifically designed to strengthen the capacity of post-PhD researchers to effectively design and execute high-quality research projects. The program achieves this by offering an integrated mentorship and training model that focuses on the key skills required for securing competitive international research grants. Through a combination of online learning and in-person activities, successful applicants will undergo a 12-month capacity-building and mentorship program that will equip them with the necessary skills to improve the quality and impact of their research.
The ARSH Program’s mentorship model places a strong emphasis on personalized support for each participant. Applicants will have the opportunity to engage with seasoned researchers and experts who will guide them through the complex process of writing competitive research proposals, navigating funding opportunities, and implementing their projects. This mentorship will not only enhance their research skills but also build critical knowledge around research grant management, project implementation, and academic networking.
The hybrid training model employed by the ARSH Program is designed to provide flexibility and accessibility for researchers. While the core training modules will be delivered online, there will also be in-person workshops, seminars, and collaborative events to foster interaction and knowledge-sharing among participants. These face-to-face activities are integral to building a collaborative community of African researchers and providing direct, hands-on learning opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
The ARSH Program is targeted at early and mid-career researchers who have completed their PhD and are working within the fields of health, social science, and other related disciplines in the West and Central Africa region. The program is open to researchers from the following countries:
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)
- Central African Republic (CAR)
- Chad
- Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo)
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Liberia
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville)
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
Applicants must be committed to enhancing their skills in securing international research grants and have a track record of conducting research within their respective fields. Applicants from a wide variety of disciplines related to health, development, and social sciences are encouraged to apply.
Program Structure and Support
The 12-month mentorship program is divided into several key components to ensure participants receive comprehensive training and support:
- Online Learning Modules: These will cover core topics such as research design, proposal writing, data management, and research ethics. These modules will be delivered through an easy-to-access online platform that allows participants to learn at their own pace while receiving regular guidance from expert facilitators.
- In-Person Activities: To supplement the online learning, participants will attend in-person workshops and networking events that will facilitate deeper engagement with peers and mentors. These in-person sessions will focus on proposal review, mock grant writing exercises, and network-building activities designed to help participants forge connections with other researchers and potential funding bodies.
- Mentorship: One of the program’s key strengths is the one-on-one mentorship each participant will receive. Experienced researchers and academics will serve as mentors, providing tailored support to help participants refine their research proposals, navigate funding opportunities, and strengthen their grant applications. The mentorship process also includes guidance on developing professional skills such as project management and academic writing.
- Grant Writing Support: Participants will receive practical support throughout the grant application process, including how to approach different international funders, create compelling proposals, and effectively communicate their research ideas.
Application Process
To apply for the ARSH Program, interested candidates must complete a two-step application process:
- Indicate Intent: First, applicants are required to complete a survey to indicate their intent to submit an application. This survey ensures that applicants are aware of the program’s objectives and eligibility requirements.
- Submit Supporting Documents: After completing the intent survey, applicants will be redirected to a second survey where they will upload the necessary documents, such as their CV, academic transcripts, research proposal, and any other required documents.
By submitting your application, you will also consent to the anonymized use of your data for programmatic research purposes. The information provided will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality and will not be shared or disclosed in any reports or publications.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: Applicants must complete and submit their materials by April 24, 2025.
- Program Duration: The ARSH Program will run for 12 months, with flexible learning options available throughout the program.
Conclusion
The ARSH Program represents a unique opportunity for early and mid-career researchers in West and Central Africa to enhance their research skills and build capacity in securing international research funding. Through personalized mentorship, comprehensive training, and a collaborative learning environment, participants will gain the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in the competitive world of international research funding. Apply today to be part of this exciting initiative that will help shape the future of research in Africa!
For full details and to begin the application process, access the full CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA.docx.
