Deadline: 03-Sep-2025
Applications are now open for Africa Open Lab, a GSK initiative aimed at advancing scientific research and strengthening research capabilities across sub-Saharan Africa. The program supports early-career African scientists and clinicians by funding impactful research projects and helping to build R&D capacity in the region.
Africa Open Lab leverages GSK’s expertise and fosters strategic partnerships to tackle Africa’s pressing health challenges. The initiative also aims to help narrow the research gap between Africa and the rest of the world by supporting locally driven studies.
Each award provides up to £100,000 to fund a research project lasting up to 36 months. Funding can be used for equipment, fieldwork, data collection, consumables, and research assistance. In addition to financial support, GSK will offer scientific guidance tailored to each project and may facilitate mentorship opportunities through its global research network.
Training opportunities relevant to the project or career development—such as short courses and institutional visits—can be arranged in consultation with GSK. However, tuition fees for academic degrees or fellowships are not covered.
Eligible applicants must be African scientists in the early stages of their research careers. This includes biomedical scientists, clinical researchers, and public health professionals who have not previously secured a major research grant of over £100,000. Applicants must hold at least a graduate degree, with most expected to have an MSc, PhD, Pharm D, or MD.
Candidates should show a strong commitment to health-related research, evidenced by outputs such as peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or contributions to clinical or policy documents. They must also be employed by a research or academic institution in sub-Saharan Africa, which will sponsor the applicant for the award’s duration.
Eligible applicants must be nationals of a sub-Saharan African country and based at an institution within the region. Those who applied unsuccessfully in previous rounds may reapply if they still meet the criteria. Clinicians are especially encouraged to submit applications.
Proposed research must be relevant to diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis (including drug-resistant forms), drug-resistant bacterial infections, or enteric infections. Projects may focus on disease epidemiology, prevention, treatment, or access to medicines and vaccines. Proposals should generate data strong enough to support future funding applications and outline how the research will address specific health needs and influence policy and practice.
Projects embedded within larger ongoing trials must provide a letter from the lead investigator confirming that the proposal is complementary and not redundant, and that necessary samples will be made available. Research involving drug or vaccine discovery or animal models will not be considered in this round.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review all eligibility criteria carefully before applying.
For more information, visit GSK.
