Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund: A Gateway for African Researchers
The Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund offers a significant opportunity for researchers in sub-Saharan Africa to collaborate with institutions at the University of Cambridge. Established in 2012 with support from The ALBORADA Trust, this fund aims to foster and strengthen research partnerships across all academic fields. It provides grants to support joint research projects, training activities, and engagement initiatives between Cambridge-based researchers and their counterparts in African institutions. This analysis will explore the fund’s purpose, eligibility criteria, benefits, and the application process, highlighting its role in advancing scientific collaboration.
Purpose of the Fund
The primary goal of the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund is to encourage and support research, training, and engagement activities that connect the University of Cambridge with institutions across Africa. It is designed to facilitate the initiation and strengthening of research collaborations between researchers at Cambridge and those in African institutions. A key principle of the fund is to ensure that the collaboration is genuine and mutually beneficial. Funding is not intended to support one institution carrying out work on behalf of the other, but rather to promote co-creation and shared research endeavors.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund, researchers must meet specific criteria. The fund supports pairs of researchers, with both individuals needing to be at a post-doctoral level or above. One researcher must be affiliated with the University of Cambridge or an affiliated institution, such as the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, NIAB, or the British Antarctic Survey. The other researcher must be from an African institution. Both applicants must have the support of their Head of Department or an equivalent authority within their institution to apply. This requirement ensures that the proposed research projects have institutional backing and are aligned with departmental objectives.
Benefits and Grant Amounts
The Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund competitively awards grants ranging from £1,000 to £25,000. These grants can be used to cover various research-related expenses. This includes costs for essential research materials such as reagents and equipment. The fund also supports fieldwork necessary for data collection and analysis. Furthermore, it can provide financial assistance for conducting research training activities within Africa, such as organizing courses or workshops. These benefits are designed to provide tangible support for collaborative research projects and capacity building.
Application Procedure
The application process for the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund requires a joint effort from both the Cambridge-based and African-based principal investigators (PIs). Both applicants must register and complete a saveable online application form, which is available on the Cambridge-Africa website. The final submission must include several key documents. These include a detailed case for support outlining the research and collaboration plans, and an itemized budget using a provided template. Additionally, letters of support are required from the department or faculty of the Cambridge PI and from the department or institution of the African PI. Curriculum Vitae (CVs) for both PIs, limited to a maximum of two pages each, must also be submitted. The deadline for submission is September 3, 2026, and applications can be submitted at any time before this date. Any questions regarding the application process should be directed to the provided email address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund?
The fund aims to encourage and support research, training, and engagement activities that connect the University of Cambridge with institutions across Africa, fostering mutually beneficial collaborations.
Who is eligible to apply for the fund?
Eligibility requires two researchers, both at post-doctoral level or above: one from the University of Cambridge (or affiliated institution) and one from an African institution, with support from their respective departments.
What kind of expenses can the grant cover?
Grants, ranging from £1,000 to £25,000, can be used for research materials, equipment, fieldwork, and research training activities within Africa.
What documents are needed for the application?
Applicants need a joint online form, a case for support, an itemized budget, letters of support from both institutions, and CVs for both principal investigators.
