Future Leaders Fellowship: An Opportunity for Air Quality Research in Africa

The Africa Clean Air Network and the Health Effects Institute are offering a valuable opportunity for graduate students across Africa. The Future Leaders Fellowship is a part-time, virtual program designed to help early-career researchers develop their skills and expand their professional connections in the critical field of air pollution. This fellowship provides a structured environment for participants to work on specific research projects alongside experienced mentors, contributing to a better understanding of air quality and its health impacts on the continent.

Understanding the Fellowship Program

The Future Leaders Fellowship is a six-month program, running from September 2026 to March 2027. It aims to support three to four fellows who are currently enrolled in graduate programs at African universities. The program is structured to provide hands-on research experience. Fellows will be paired with mentors from academic or research institutions within Africa. These mentors will guide fellows in working on a research project tailored to their interests and the program’s focus areas.

The fellowship also involves coordination with the Africa Clean Air Network secretariat. This collaboration ensures that the research aligns with broader network goals and that fellows receive administrative and logistical support. At the conclusion of the fellowship, fellows are expected to present their final outcomes and deliverables. This often includes contributions to public webinars, peer-reviewed publications, blog posts, or policy briefs, allowing their work to reach a wider audience.

Research Focus Areas and Mentor Opportunities

Fellows can choose to focus their research on several key areas related to air quality and health in Africa. These include air quality monitoring and modeling, environmental and air quality policy, and public engagement. The program outlines specific mentor opportunities, each led by an expert in the field.

For example, one project involves assessing available emissions inventories for major air pollution sources in Africa, guided by Dr. Evelyne Toure. Another opportunity is a rapid review of literature on air pollution and heat in Africa, led by Dr. Adelaide Lusambili. Fellows interested in mapping and assessing air quality monitoring across the continent can work with Dr. Deo Okure and Dr. Allison Hughes. Dr. Pallando Pant offers guidance on analyzing long-term air quality trends in African cities, while Dr. Melina Platas focuses on analyzing public perception of air pollution using media data.

Benefits for Future Leaders

Participants in the Future Leaders Fellowship program receive several key benefits designed to support their research and professional development. Each fellow will be awarded USD $1,800, which is paid directly to them. This financial support can help cover research-related expenses or provide a stipend during the fellowship period.

In addition to the financial award, fellows will receive travel support to attend the Africa Clean Air Forum in 2027. This provides an invaluable opportunity to network with other professionals, present their research, and learn about the latest developments in air quality management and research in Africa. The mentorship component itself is a significant benefit, offering personalized guidance from established researchers.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Future Leaders Fellowship, applicants must meet specific criteria. Firstly, candidates must be currently enrolled in a graduate program, either a Master’s or PhD, at a university or institution located in Africa. For those in Master’s programs, they must have successfully completed at least one full year of their program by the time the fellowship begins in September 2026. This means students entering their first year of a Master’s program in September 2026 are not eligible.

Furthermore, applicants’ current research interests must align with one of the specified topics of the fellowship. It is important to note that this opportunity is specifically for graduate students and is not open to postdoctoral researchers or faculty members. These requirements ensure that the fellowship effectively supports early-career researchers at a crucial stage of their academic journey.

Application Process

Prospective fellows must submit their applications by June 12, 2026, at 11:59 GMT. The application is submitted online through a provided link. It is advisable for interested individuals to review the detailed research topics and mentor profiles on the application portal to ensure their interests are well-matched. Carefully preparing the application, including any required statements of purpose or research proposals, will be key to a successful submission.

Frequently Asked Questions