Royal Society African Career Acceleration Awards 2027

Overview

The Royal Society African Career Acceleration Awards fund mid-career African researchers to remain in Sub-Saharan Africa and establish their own independent research lines. The programme is unusual: it deliberately funds African scientists IN Africa, not for relocation to the UK. Recipients receive up to GBP 690,000 over five years to set up a research team, equipment, and travel budget at their African host institution, with mentorship from a UK partner researcher. Around 8 to 10 awards per cycle. The 2027 cycle closes 30 September 2026.

Benefits

• Up to GBP 690,000 over five years.
• Researcher salary support (you remain employed by your African host institution).
• Research consumables and equipment budget.
• Hiring budget for a small research team (typically two to three postdocs or PhD students).
• Travel budget for conferences and the UK mentor partnership.
• Mentorship from an established UK researcher in your field.

Eligibility

• Citizen of, and resident in, a Sub-Saharan African country.
• Holding a PhD obtained at least three years and at most ten years before the application deadline.
• Currently employed at, or with a firm offer from, a research institution in Sub-Saharan Africa where you will hold the award.
• Research field aligned with STEM (life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, mathematics).
• Identified UK partner researcher willing to mentor you for the five-year period.
• Have not previously held a major (GBP 500,000 or above) independent research grant.

How to apply

1. Open the Royal Society African Career Acceleration page at the source link to confirm the current eligibility details.
2. Identify your UK mentor partner and agree the partnership in writing.
3. Develop your research proposal in collaboration with your African host institution.
4. Submit the application through the Royal Society Flexi-Grant portal: research proposal (10 pages), CV, host institution support letter, UK mentor agreement, and detailed budget.
5. Submit by 30 September 2026. Shortlisted applicants are interviewed in early 2027. Final awards announced by April 2027 for funding start in September 2027.