AREF Towards Leadership 2026/2027 Programme: Empowering Future Scientific Leaders in Cape Verde
O AREF Towards Leadership Programme 2026/2027 presents an unmissable opportunity for early-career researchers in Cape Verde, with the aim of strengthening their leadership skills and driving excellence in scientific research across the archipelago. This crucial initiative, promoted by the Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) in partnership with the UK’s Medical Research Council (MRC), recognises the untapped potential of African scientific talent and seeks to provide the tools and support necessary for them to become influential leaders in their respective fields.
Participation in this programme represents a significant step forward for Cape Verde, enabling its researchers to benefit from intensive training and specialist mentoring. The focus lies on developing essential skills that go beyond mere technical expertise, encompassing the intricacies of project management, fundraising, publishing in high-impact journals and building international collaborative networks. By nurturing these capabilities, the programme contributes directly to the creation of a more robust and self-sufficient research ecosystem in Cape Verde, capable of addressing the health and development challenges facing the nation.
The programme’s structure has been carefully designed to be comprehensive and practical, ensuring that participants acquire knowledge and skills that are immediately applicable to their professional contexts. The training aims not only to enhance the quality of research carried out in Cape Verde, but also to increase its relevance and impact at a global level. By equipping researchers to take on leadership roles, AREF is investing in the future of Cape Verdean science, fostering innovation and progress.
For Cape Verde, participation in this programme is a catalyst for the recognition and promotion of its scientific human capital. It is an invitation for its talented individuals to excel and actively contribute to finding solutions to the pressing problems affecting the health and wellbeing of the population. We firmly believe that the success of Cape Verdean researchers in this programme will extend beyond their individual careers, inspiring future generations and cementing Cape Verde’s position on the international scientific research scene.
Deadline for applications: 8 September 2026
Link to applications: https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/09/03/aref-towards-leadership-programme-2026-2027/
