ViGOR Research Fellowships 2026: Advance Virus Genomics and Outbreak Skills in Africa
Are you a researcher in Central or East Africa looking to advance your skills in virus genomics or outbreak modeling? The ViGOR Research Fellowships 2026 offer a great chance to lead projects with real public health impact. These fellowships support early-career experts to build local capacity for handling virus outbreaks.
What Are the ViGOR Research Fellowships?
The ViGOR Research Fellowships 2026 come from the Virus Genomics for Outbreak Response consortium. This group works to improve public health in Central and East Africa. Partners include the University of Warwick in the UK, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme and KEMRI-Centre for Virus Research in Kenya, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, la Pêche et l’Environnement in Comoros.
The project focuses on expanding access to genomics, bioinformatics, and outbreak modeling tools. It trains local experts to drive research and quick responses to viral threats. Fellowships last 9 to 12 months and aim to grow skills right on the African continent.
Types of Fellowships Available
Two main fellowships are open:
Genomic Research Fellowships (GRF): These focus on sequencing and bioinformatics. Five spots are available. Fellows work on projects that analyze virus genomes to track outbreaks.
Outbreak Modelling Fellowships (OMF): These center on mathematical and epidemiological modeling. Five positions exist here too. Fellows build models to predict and manage disease spread.
Each fellowship requires a research project with clear public health benefits in one of these areas.
Funding Details
Successful applicants get budget support for their projects. The amounts are:
- Up to £10,000 for Outbreak Modelling Fellowships.
- Up to £15,000 for Genomics Fellowships.
You must submit a research proposal with a justified budget. Use the provided templates to outline your plan.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility targets early-career researchers and public health workers. Key requirements include:
- A Master’s or PhD (up to 6 years after PhD).
- Full-time job or affiliation with a university, government lab, or research institute in Eastern or Central Africa.
- Skills to handle the proposed project.
Your home institution must provide stipend or salary support during the fellowship.
How to Apply
The deadline is April 30, 2026. Submit these documents:
- A 2-3 page research proposal with budget and justifications (use templates).
- CV up to 3 pages.
- Details on your home institute supervisor.
- Academic certificates.
- Motivation statement explaining why you fit.
- Institutional support letter for stipend.
- Letter from your supervisor.
Apply online through the official form. For full details, check the ViGOR Research Fellowships page. This is your chance to contribute to stronger outbreak responses in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ViGOR Research Fellowships?
They are 9-12 month programs from the Virus Genomics for Outbreak Response consortium to train local experts in genomics, bioinformatics, and outbreak modeling in Central and East Africa.
Who can apply for these fellowships?
Early-career researchers with a Master’s or PhD (up to 6 years post-PhD), full-time affiliation in Eastern or Central Africa, and relevant skills qualify.
What funding do the fellowships provide?
Genomic Research Fellowships offer up to £15,000, while Outbreak Modelling Fellowships provide up to £10,000 for project budgets.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Submit a research proposal, CV, motivation statement, and other required documents online by April 30, 2026; use the provided templates.