2026 GSK Africa Open Lab Fellowship: Fully Funded for African Biostatisticians
Are you an early-career scientist from Africa with skills in biostatistics or health data science? The 2026 GSK Africa Open Lab Postgraduate Fellowship offers a fully funded chance to build your expertise. This program targets nationals of Sub-Saharan Africa and provides hands-on training in key research areas.
Fellowship Overview
The 2026 GSK Africa Open Lab Postgraduate Fellowship takes place at the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, part of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. It focuses on the Statistics and Computational Bioinformatics department. Fellows join active research programs and work on clinical trials, epidemiology, modeling and machine learning, and bioinformatics. The program lasts 12 months and starts in mid-April 2026.
Who Can Apply
To qualify, you must meet these requirements. First, be a national and resident of a Sub-Saharan African country. You need a BSc with at least a 2:1 grade or equivalent in mathematics, statistics, or a related field. Also required is an MSc with a GPA of 3.2 or higher in biostatistics, health data science, or a similar area. Applicants should have at least one year of relevant work experience and know how to code in R, Stata, or SAS, or be ready to learn more. English proficiency is a must. Those with a PhD are welcome to apply too.
Training and Experience
This fellowship gives practical skills in study design, data management, and statistical analysis. You will receive mentorship from expert biostatisticians and researchers. Training covers statistical methods, software tools, and scientific writing. Fellows get exposure to real biomedical and public health research projects. You also gain access to the ISEP network for ongoing learning and teamwork.
Key Benefits
The program covers all major costs. Fellows receive an annual stipend to support living expenses. Accommodation is provided on-site. Return air travel to The Gambia is included. These perks let you focus on your research without financial stress.
How to Apply
Send your application to mrcg-training@lists.lshtm.ac.uk. Prepare all documents in PDF format with specific file names. Include your CV as “cv_YourName.pdf”. Add a personal statement named “ps_YourName.pdf”. Provide two references as “re1_YourName.pdf” and “re2_YourName.pdf”. Submit academic transcripts as “at_YourName.pdf”. For full details, check the official webpage.
Deadlines and Next Steps
The application deadline is 18 April 2026 at 23:00 GMT. Applications open now, so start gathering your materials early. This fellowship can boost your career in health research across Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the 2026 GSK Africa Open Lab Postgraduate Fellowship?
You must be a national and resident of a Sub-Saharan African country with a BSc (at least 2:1) in math or stats and an MSc (GPA 3.2+) in biostatistics or health data science, plus coding skills in R, Stata, or SAS.
What training does the fellowship provide?
It offers hands-on skills in study design, data management, statistical analysis, and scientific writing, with mentorship from expert biostatisticians on real research projects.
What benefits does the program include?
Fellows get a stipend, on-site accommodation, and return air travel to The Gambia, covering all major costs so you can focus on research.
How and when should I apply?
Email your PDF documents (CV, personal statement, references, transcripts) to mrcg-training@lists.lshtm.ac.uk by 18 April 2026 at 23:00 GMT; applications are open now.