Program Structure & Timeline
Your Journey to Research Leadership
The SAHRI Fellowship Program is designed as a complete life cycle approach, supporting exceptional biomedical researchers from academic training through to becoming research leaders and mentors in their communities trough a 3-Phase Development Trajectory.
Each phase builds upon the previous one, creating a seamless progression from academic excellence to practical application and community impact.
Phase 1: Academic Excellence
Master of Science in Tropical Medicine (MTM)
- Location: Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium
- Duration: 24 months (part-time)
- Credits: 60 ECTS credits with flexible, modular structure
Systems Thinking in Biotech Development
- Location: KU Leuven, Belgium
- Credits: 6 ECTS credits
Key Highlights:
- Research-oriented curriculum focusing on diagnosis and management of the most prevalent and re-emerging tropical diseases worldwide
- 15 elective credits from specialized courses
- Master's thesis with original research
- Entrepreneurship and innovation training
- Networking with international experts
Phase 2: Practical Experience
Industry Training Internship at BioNTech
- Location: BioNTech headquarters, Mainz, Germany
- Duration: 6 months
Research Excellence Centers in Africa
- Hands-on experience with researchers from the The East African Consortium for Clinical Research (EACCR) and the Clinical Research Unit of Nanaro (IRSS-CRUN)
- Locations: Research centres in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda
- Duration: 3-6 months
Key Highlights:
- Real-world biotechnology R&D experience
- Hands-on research at best-practice centres
- Exposure to clinical trials and immunotherapies development
- Mentorship from senior researchers and industry experts
- International networking opportunities
- Regulatory aspects of biotech development insights
Phase 3: Return-Home Impact
Implementation Project
- Location: Fellow's home country or region
- Duration: 12 months
- Focus: Translating R&D experience to tackle infectious diseases into community benefits
Key Highlights:
- Design and implement research project addressing local needs
- Apply knowledge in local health context
- Build local research capacity and infrastructure
- Contribute to sustainable health systems
OUR VALUE PROPOSAL
Why Choose SAHRI?
The SAHRI Fellowship offers a research-oriented, modular Master’s program in Tropical Medicine with complementary training in Systems Thinking in Biotech Development. This innovative approach prepares fellows to address complex health challenges from multiple perspectives.
Our comprehensive mentorship network led by expert researchers from the East African Consortium for Clinical Research pairs each fellow with experts from academia and research centers, while the Global Health Office at BioNTech provides industry mentorship, ensuring continuous professional development throughout the program.
Fellows also gain access to a robust global network spanning 8 countries across Africa and Europe, including partnerships with members of the East African Consortium for Clinical Research in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, and the Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro in Burkina Faso. (Meet all our partners)
The program includes a specialized training internship at BioNTech, providing real-world R&D experience in pharmaceutical innovation and valuable industry networking opportunities. Complete scholarship support covers all costs including tuition, accommodation, mobility, and research expenses throughout the 3-year fellowship.
All research projects target infectious diseases of high priority in sub-Saharan Africa, aligned with the EDCTP3 strategic agenda. This ensures fellows’ work directly addresses the most pressing health challenges facing their home countries and the broader region.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Funded by the European Union under Global Health EDCTP3. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of Global Health EDCTP3 nor its members. Neither of the parties can be held responsible for them.