• Support talented early career researchers to establish an independent research career in African institutions.
• Enable high-quality research that addresses the global development challenges faced by the African continent.
• Provide world-class support, training, mentoring and networking opportunities to benefit early career African researchers.

Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the GCRF research agenda and Global Sustainable Development Goals to ensure that their research aligns within the remit of these programmes.

You can apply for this scheme if you:

• Are a national of a sub-Saharan African country;
• Hold a PhD by the time you apply;
• Are an early career researcher with a minimum of two years of research experience since completing your PhD and no more than eight years of post-doctoral research experience;
• Wish to hold the fellowship in a research institution in an Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible sub-Saharan African country;
• Have a clearly defined scientific research proposal focusing on one or more of the Global Challenge areas outlined in the scheme notes.

Research must be within the Royal Society’s remit of natural sciences, which includes but is not limited to biological research, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics. For a full list, please see the breakdown of subject groups and areas supported by the Royal Society. The Royal Society does not cover clinical medicine (such as patient orientated research and clinical trials), social sciences or humanities, other than when working in partnership with organisations.

Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements, which are explained in the scheme notes.

This scheme provides an award of up to £150,000 per year for two years in the first instance, covering:
Research Fellow's salary, up to £45,000 per year.
Research expenses
- Research assistance
- Equipment costs
- Travel expenses
- Research consumables
Institutional overhead, up to £15,000 per year
The scheme also provides a programme of support and development, including:

• Mentoring
• Training courses
• Opportunities for international collaboration
• Networking opportunities regionally and internationally

Applications should be made through the Royal Society’s grant management system Flexi-Grant®.

Your application will follow the process detailed in the scheme notes, overseen by the FLAIR panel.

Interviews will be held the week commencing 18 November 2019 at the African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, you are advised to keep this week free. You will be notified of the result of the application process by November 2019.

We are committed to supporting applicants with disabilities. If you require a reasonable adjustment during the application process, please contact the team at flair@royalsociety.org to let us know.