African Researchers’ Small Grants Program 2026
Introduction
The African Researchers’ Small Grants Program (SGP VIII) 2026 is inviting applications from African researchers and academics to conduct operational and implementation research on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
The programme is organised by the African Research Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ARNTD) in partnership with the Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD). It is funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through its Global Research and Technology Development portfolio.
SGP VIII supports research that addresses implementation and other programme challenges affecting NTD control and elimination in Africa. Supported research will be aligned with the World Health Organization’s 2030 NTD Roadmap.
The 2026 call has two funding categories:
- Early-Career Grants: Up to USD 30,000 — 4 awards
- Mid-Career Grants: Up to USD 65,000 — 2 awards
Benefits
Successful researchers will receive funding to conduct eligible operational or implementation research on neglected tropical diseases.
The programme provides:
- Up to USD 30,000 for each Early-Career Grant.
- Up to USD 65,000 for each Mid-Career Grant.
- A total of 4 Early-Career awards.
- A total of 2 Mid-Career awards.
- Opportunities to develop practical research experience.
- Experience in grant application preparation and grant management, particularly for young researchers.
- Opportunities to strengthen individual research capacity.
- Opportunities to strengthen African research institutions.
- Support for locally originated and African-led research.
- Opportunities to improve collaboration between researchers, policymakers and programme implementers.
- Opportunities for South-South communication and collaboration.
- Opportunities for community participation in research and agenda-setting.
- Opportunities to develop productive North-South collaborations between researchers and NTD control programmes.
- Opportunities to increase African leadership, involvement and visibility in NTD operational and implementation research.
The programme can also support a clearly defined part of an existing research project or help researchers answer a new research question connected to ongoing work.
Eligibility
The SGP VIII call is targeted at outstanding researchers and academics based at research institutions or universities in Africa.
Applicants must demonstrate that:
- Their proposed research or activity is aligned with their country’s NTD programme interests.
- The proposed work has potential to strengthen individual and institutional research capacity.
- The research will contribute to NTD control and elimination in Africa.
- The proposed research falls within the scope of the SGP VIII call.
Early-Career Grants
The Early-Career category is intended for:
- Early-career researchers
- PhD students who are at the early phase of their research career
The programme also encourages applications from qualified researchers who have taken career breaks because of health conditions and/or family demands.
Mid-Career Grants
The Mid-Career category is specifically for previous SGP grantees from SGP I–VI who:
- Successfully completed their previous SGP research.
- Demonstrated excellence in conducting their previous SGP research.
- Are seeking opportunities to continue, expand or conduct more advanced research within the scope of the SGP VIII call.
Research Focus
The SGP VIII programme supports implementation research addressing neglected tropical disease control and elimination challenges.
The research should align with the goals of the WHO 2030 NTD Roadmap and the applicant’s national NTD programme priorities.
The ARNTD application screening requirements also indicate that eligible research should focus on one or more of the following diseases:
- Trachoma
- Onchocerciasis
- Schistosomiasis
- Leprosy
- Lymphatic filariasis
- Visceral leishmaniasis
The proposed research should address the specific focus areas stated in the SGP VIII call rather than routine NTD programme activities.
Applicants should also demonstrate:
- Clear and relevant research objectives.
- Potential for the research to be scaled up.
- Integrated and innovative disease-specific interventions.
- Institutional and/or individual capacity-building impact.
- Alignment with NTD goals in the applicant’s country.
- Plans for knowledge transfer and dissemination of results.
- Stakeholder engagement around actions resulting from the research.
- A team with the required qualifications and skills.
- A realistic timeline within the funding period.
The grant cannot be used for an existing or routine NTD programme activity. The screening guidance also identifies salaries, tuition fees and conference attendance as disallowable expenditure items.
Deadline
The application period for SGP VIII is:
Opening: 24 July 2026 at 17:00 GMT
Deadline is 24 August 2026 at 17:00 GMT
Applicants should submit their applications before the stated closing time.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the application process provided by ARNTD.
Interested researchers should:
- Review the SGP VIII call requirements carefully.
- Determine whether they qualify for the Early-Career or Mid-Career funding category.
- Develop a research proposal that fits the programme’s NTD research priorities.
- Ensure that the proposed work is aligned with the applicant’s national NTD programme interests.
- Prepare the required application materials and supporting budget using the prescribed templates.
- Make sure the proposed budget does not exceed:
- USD 30,000 for Early-Career applicants.
- USD 65,000 for Mid-Career applicants.
- Submit the application before 24 August 2026 at 17:00 GMT.
Applications are accepted in:
- English
- French
- Portuguese
However, shortlisted applicants must submit their full proposals and additional documentation in English only to remain eligible for the award.
ARNTD provides separate detailed calls for the Early-Career Grants and Mid-Career Grants, and applicants should consult the appropriate call before submitting an application.
Scholarships Expiring Soon
Conclusion
The SGP VIII grant gives African researchers an opportunity to secure research funding and contribute to practical solutions for neglected tropical disease control and elimination across Africa.
Application Link
View the official ARNTD Grants & Funding page and access the detailed Early-Career and Mid-Career calls:
