Deadline: 29-May-2026
The CREATIVE Fellowship Programme is a 30-month EU-funded initiative coordinated by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) to strengthen clinical research capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa. It supports training in clinical trials and epidemiology, MSc education, mentorship, and industry internships for early-career researchers.
The programme places up to 12 fellows across leading research institutions in Ethiopia, Ghana, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, combining hands-on research experience with academic training and professional development.
About the Programme
The CREATIVE Fellowship Programme is funded by the European Union through Global Health EDCTP3 and coordinated by LSHTM, UK. It is designed to develop the next generation of clinical researchers in Africa through structured academic training, practical research experience, and career development support.
The programme focuses on:
- Clinical trials and epidemiology training
- Strengthening clinical research capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa
- MSc-level academic education through distance learning
- Hands-on research placements at African institutions
- Industry exposure through competitive internships
- Mentorship and professional networking
Programme Structure
The fellowship runs for 30 months and combines:
- Full-time research placements at host institutions
- MSc training at LSHTM via distance learning
- Structured mentorship and career guidance
- Optional industry internships
- Professional networking and research collaboration
Host Institutions
Each institution hosts two fellows:
- Haramaya University (Ethiopia)
- Kintampo Health Research Centre (Ghana)
- Medical Research Council Unit (The Gambia)
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit (Uganda)
- Zambart (Zambia)
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute (Zimbabwe)
Fellows remain based in their home country institutions during the programme.
Academic Pathways
- 9 fellows: MSc in Clinical Trials (LSHTM)
- 3 fellows: MSc in Epidemiology (LSHTM)
- Delivered through distance learning alongside fieldwork
Industry Exposure
- Competitive internships in health-related industries
- Practical experience in applied clinical research
- Exposure to global health research environments
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be nationals of Ethiopia, Ghana, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe
- Apply only to a fellowship in their country of nationality
- Hold a first- or second-class honours degree in:
- Natural sciences
- Life sciences
- Epidemiology
- Statistics
- Medicine or related fields
- Have at least 1 year of health research experience
- Be working in academic, governmental, NGO, or industry research settings
- Meet Band B English language requirements
- Be available full-time from October 2026
- Provide two reference letters (including one from current employer)
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Completed online application form
- Updated CV
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of nationality
- Two reference letters
- Personal statement including:
- Motivation for applying
- Academic and professional background
- Expected fellowship outcomes
- Career development plans
- Preferred MSc programme (Clinical Trials or Epidemiology)
Programme Objectives
The fellowship aims to:
- Build strong clinical research capacity in Africa
- Train skilled professionals in clinical trials and epidemiology
- Strengthen regional health research institutions
- Promote international research collaboration
- Improve career pathways in global health research
- Support evidence-based health systems
Expected Outcomes
- Increased number of skilled clinical researchers in Africa
- Stronger research capacity at partner institutions
- Improved expertise in epidemiology and clinical trials
- Enhanced collaboration between African and international institutions
- Greater participation of African researchers in global health research
Why This Programme Matters
The initiative is important because it:
- Strengthens local health research systems in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Builds long-term scientific and clinical research expertise
- Improves global health research equity
- Supports evidence-based healthcare solutions
- Provides structured academic and industry-linked training
- Enhances career development opportunities for young researchers
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying outside their country of nationality
- Missing required research experience
- Incomplete academic documentation
- Weak or unclear personal statement
- Missing reference letters
- Not meeting English language requirements
FAQ
What is the CREATIVE Fellowship Programme?
It is a 30-month EU-funded programme that trains early-career researchers in clinical trials and epidemiology across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Who funds and coordinates the programme?
It is funded by the European Union through Global Health EDCTP3 and coordinated by LSHTM, UK.
How many fellows are selected?
Up to 12 fellows across six African countries.
What training is included?
MSc programmes in Clinical Trials or Epidemiology, hands-on research, mentorship, and industry internships.
Who can apply?
Nationals of Ethiopia, Ghana, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe with relevant degrees and research experience.
When does the fellowship start?
Selected fellows must be available to begin in October 2026.
Conclusion
The CREATIVE Fellowship Programme strengthens clinical research capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa by combining academic training, hands-on research, mentorship, and industry exposure. It develops skilled researchers in clinical trials and epidemiology, supports African health research institutions, and builds long-term capacity for global health innovation.
For more information, visit London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.