Deadline: April 30, 2026
Applications are open for the ViGOR Research Fellowships 2026. The Virus Genomics for Outbreak Response (ViGOR) in Central/East Africa consortium invites applications for Research Fellowship from qualified candidates in two areas: Virus Genomics and Outbreak Modelling.
The ViGOR consortium is an NIHR-funded Global Health Research Project bringing together the Mathematics Department of the University of Warwick (UK), KEMRI–Wellcome Trust Research Programme (Kenya), KEMRI-Centre for Virus Research (CVR) (Kenya), the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB, Democratic Republic of the Congo), and the Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, la Pêche et l’Environnement (INRAPE, Comoros).
The ViGOR project aims to strengthen public health systems in the Central/East Africa region by expanding access to genomics, bioinformatics, and outbreak modelling tools during virus outbreaks. The fellowships are an enhanced development of local expertise on the African continent, capable of driving outbreak research and innovation and effective responses to viral disease threats.
Available Fellowships
Two types of fellowships are available. Genomic Research Fellowships (GRF) focused on sequencing and bioinformatics (5 positions) and Outbreak Modelling Fellowships (OMF) focused on the application of mathematical/epidemiological modelling (5 positions). The fellowships are expected to run for 9-12 months.
Funding
The fellowship involves undertaking a few months’ research project that has clear public health significance in one of the two major areas listed (virus genomics or outbreak modelling). Applications include a research project description and a justified budget. Successful applicants will receive a budget support of up to:
- £10,000 maximum for Outbreak Modelling Fellowships
- £15,000 maximum for Genomics Fellowships
Eligibility
- Individuals working in the public health labs/departments/early-career researchers with a Master’s and or PhD qualification (up to 6 years post PhD Award) already have many of the relevant skills to undertake the proposed project.
- Full time Affiliation/employment in a recognized academic institution (universities), government /public health labs, or research institution in Eastern or Central Africa
Application
Application requirements include:
- A brief 2–3 page research proposal including budget and clear justifications (use the proposal and budget template provided).
- Up-to-date CV (maximum 3 pages)
- Details of the home institute supervisor, including appropriateness.
- Relevant academic certificates
- Motivation statement of why you should benefit from this fellowship scheme.
- Institutional support letter confirming availability of stipend/salary support during the proposed fellowship period ( 9-12 months)
- Support letter from immediate institutional supervisor/ project supervisor
For more information, visit ViGOR Research Fellowships.
