AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme: A Unique Opportunity for African Researchers-Open to Researchers from Any Academic Discipline
The AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme offers a remarkable opportunity for exceptional African researchers to collaborate with scholars at the University of Oxford.
This fellowship is designed to facilitate the development of international networks and support research projects of the fellows’ choice, in partnership with Oxford-based academics.
Fellowship Overview
The AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme provides an environment for multidisciplinary collaborations, fostering scholarly exchange and the advancement of research that addresses critical global challenges.
Fellows will be affiliated with both a Department and a College within the University of Oxford for a period of 12 months. This engagement includes ten months of virtual interaction, complemented by a two-month in-person visit to Oxford, which typically takes place during Trinity Term (May to June).
The programme is highly competitive and invites applications for a diverse range of research fields, especially those aligned with AfOx’s various partnership themes. Importantly, all applicants must identify an Oxford-based researcher who will act as their collaborator for the project. This is a core requirement for the fellowship application.
Key Focus: Improving Equitable Access to Healthcare
One of the primary themes within the AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme is the Improving Equitable Access to Healthcare fellowship. This specific fellowship invites researchers to submit proposals focusing on improving healthcare access in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Applicants in this category can collaborate with researchers from any department at Oxford, as long as their project aligns with the theme of equitable healthcare access.
The programme strongly encourages applications from female researchers and those from underrepresented groups, aiming to foster diversity and inclusion within the global research community.
Programme Benefits
AfOx fellows benefit from numerous opportunities during their time at Oxford:
- Collaborative Opportunities: Fellows work alongside Oxford-based scholars, enabling them to establish long-term professional partnerships and networks. Many fellows have formed enduring relationships that have resulted in joint publications, new research projects, and increased collaboration with policymakers.
- Research Impact: Previous AfOx fellows have contributed significantly to the intellectual and social fabric of Oxford, engaging with both academia and wider communities. Their work has led to breakthroughs in policy influence and substantial funding for research initiatives in Africa.
- Access to Resources: Fellows gain access to the vast range of resources, knowledge, and expertise available at the University of Oxford, enabling them to strengthen their research and professional development.
How to Apply
To apply for the AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme, candidates must first ensure that they have an Oxford-based researcher who is willing to collaborate on their project. The fellowship is open to researchers from any academic discipline, but the project must align with one of the fellowship’s thematic areas.
The application process includes:
- A detailed proposal outlining the intended research project.
- Information about the Oxford collaborator who will support the project.
- A clear alignment of the project with the fellowship’s objectives, particularly regarding equitable healthcare access in LMICs.
Eligibility
- Researcher Affiliation: Applicants must be affiliated with a university or research institution in Africa.
- Collaborator Requirement: An Oxford-based researcher must be named as a collaborator on the application.
- Targeted Research Areas: The fellowship encourages multidisciplinary research that addresses global challenges, with a focus on topics such as healthcare access, policy engagement, and social development in Africa.
Programme Duration
The fellowship spans 12 months, with ten months of virtual engagement and two months of in-person collaboration at Oxford, typically during the Trinity Term (May-June).
Application Deadline
The deadline for fellowship applications is 11:59 AM (UK time) on June 6, 2025. Interested applicants should ensure they submit all necessary documents before the closing time.
Call to Action
The AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme is an incredible opportunity for African researchers to expand their academic networks, collaborate on transformative research, and contribute to addressing some of the most pressing issues faced by low- and middle-income countries, particularly in the healthcare sector. Fellows will gain exposure to Oxford’s vast academic resources and have the chance to make a lasting impact on their fields of expertise.
