The Crick Africa Network (CAN) is offering African Career Acceleration Fellowships supported by LifeArc for early-career biomedical scientists to develop translational scientific programmes and become independent scientists.
The Crick Africa Network (CAN) is looking for ambitious early-career African scientists who can demonstrate strong scientific and leadership potential, a keen interest in translational science, and a commitment to establishing their own research groups and continuing their careers on the African continent.
The Crick Africa Network Career Acceleration Fellowships represent a transformative opportunity for talented researchers in Africa to propel their careers to new heights within the realm of biomedical research and discovery. Created by the Francis Crick Institute in collaboration with partners across the African continent, these fellowships exemplify a commitment to fostering scientific excellence, knowledge exchange, and capacity building in Africa’s scientific community.
At the heart of the Crick Africa Network Career Acceleration Fellowships is the aspiration to bridge geographical and professional gaps. Recognizing the immense potential of African researchers, the program aims to provide a supportive and nurturing environment that allows fellows to advance their research agendas, collaborate with global experts, and contribute to the scientific discourse on a broader scale.
The fellowships provide a comprehensive platform that encompasses mentorship, skills development, and impactful research experiences. Fellows are afforded the opportunity to work within the state-of-the-art facilities of the Francis Crick Institute in the United Kingdom, a hub of scientific innovation and collaboration. This exposure not only enhances their technical skills but also cultivates a deep understanding of the intricate interplay between cutting-edge research and its real-world applications.
Integral to the Crick Africa Network Career Acceleration Fellowships is the emphasis on partnership and collaboration. Fellows are encouraged to forge connections not only with their peers at the Francis Crick Institute but also with fellow African scientists and institutions. This collaborative approach not only enriches the research experience but also paves the way for the establishment of enduring networks that transcend borders and disciplines.
Moreover, these fellowships play a vital role in addressing the brain drain phenomenon that has often affected scientific talent in Africa. By providing opportunities for researchers to flourish on their home continent, the program contributes to reversing the trend and ensuring that Africa’s scientific community thrives, grows, and plays an active role in advancing global scientific knowledge.
The Crick Africa Network Career Acceleration Fellowships are not merely a one-sided endeavor; they are a dynamic exchange that benefits both individual researchers and the larger scientific community. As fellows return to their home institutions equipped with newfound knowledge, skills, and perspectives, they are poised to drive advancements in biomedical research, inspire the next generation of scientists, and contribute to solving pressing health challenges facing Africa.
The Crick Africa Network Career Acceleration Fellowships stand as a testament to the power of collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge transfer in advancing science and research in Africa. By providing a comprehensive and enriching experience, these fellowships empower African researchers to become leaders, innovators, and change-makers who not only contribute to the global scientific landscape but also spearhead transformative advancements within their home continent.
Eligibility Criteria For The Crick Africa Network Career Acceleration Fellowships
To be eligible to apply for the African Career Acceleration Fellowship you must have:
- Citizenship or permanent residency status for an African country
- A PhD in a relevant field with two to five years of postdoctoral experience, or a clinical PhD (MBChB) with at least three years of relevant research experience
- A strong track record indicating potential as a scientific leader on the African continent
- A strong translational science proposal in one of the CAN research areas
- Approached and reached an agreement regarding your proposed science with your mentor in your chosen African partner institute and your chosen mentor at the Crick before submitting your scientific proposal.
Research Themes
All projects should have translational potential. Our definition of translational science is that it serves clinical, commercial, or environmental benefit. It should address a clear unmet medical need and bridge the gap between basic discovery science and product development and can include
- human genetics,
- disease pathogenesis and immunogenetics,
- pathogen genomics or bioinformatics,
- host-pathogen interaction,
- diagnostics and biomarkers,
- pandemic preparedness,
- antimicrobial resistance (AMR), or
- drug and vaccine discovery for development.
Method of Application
Applications are now open until 12 November 2023.
Before you apply
- Before submitting your application, you must read the application notes (PDF).
- If you have questions about the translational potential of your proposed research idea and how LifeArc could support development, please contact Andy Merritt, LifeArc project lead and head of academic engagement, at [email protected].
- Applicants must have identified a mentor at their chosen African partner institute and the Crick before making an application. Crick research labs can be found in our A-Z lab listing.
Submitting your application
- Applications should be submitted through our online academic recruitment portal.
- Only fully completed applications will be considered.
For assistance and advice on potential mentors, please email the Crick Africa Network programme manager Jennifer Brown at [email protected].
Application Deadline: 12 November 2023.
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