The Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund 2026 supports pairs of researchers from the University of Cambridge and African institutions to initiate or strengthen research collaborations across all disciplines. Grants between £1,000 and £25,000 are awarded competitively for research costs and training activities in Africa.
The fund was established in 2012 with generous support from The ALBORADA Trust. To date, 392 awards have been made, enabling Cambridge researchers to engage with colleagues from 38 African countries. Some awardees have leveraged preliminary results to win significant additional funding from bodies like the Royal Society and Global Challenges Research Fund.
Benefits of Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund 2026
- Grants between £1,000 and £25,000
- Funding for research costs such as reagents, fieldwork and equipment
- Funding for conducting research training activities in Africa (e.g. setting up courses/workshops)
Eligibility Criteria for the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund 2026
- Cambridge-based applicant must be from the University of Cambridge or an affiliated institution (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, NIAB, British Antarctic Survey)
- Africa-based applicant must be from an African institution
- Both applicants must be at post-doctoral level or above
- Only applicants with @cam.ac.uk, @sanger.ac.uk, @babraham.ac.uk, @bas.ac.uk or @niab.com email addresses can register
- Cannot pay for overheads, PI salaries, administration costs, bench fees or conference attendance
How to Apply for the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund 2026?
- Cambridge-based applicant must register at the provided link
- Log in to the application form and invite the Africa-based applicant to view/edit the submission
- Both applicants can log in, update, save and submit electronically
- Submit the application before the deadline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund?
It is a fund established in 2012 that supports pairs of researchers from the University of Cambridge and African institutions to initiate or strengthen research collaborations across all disciplines. Grants range from £1,000 to £25,000.
Who can apply for this fund?
Cambridge-based applicants must be from the University of Cambridge or an affiliated institution (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, NIAB, British Antarctic Survey). Africa-based applicants must be from an African institution. Both must be at post-doctoral level or above.
What can the grant be used for?
The grant can be used for research costs such as reagents, fieldwork and equipment, as well as for conducting research training activities in Africa, like setting up courses or workshops.
What cannot be funded?
The fund cannot pay for overheads, PI salaries, administration costs, bench fees, or for researchers to attend conferences.
How much funding is available?
Grants are awarded competitively between £1,000 and £25,000.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to submit an application is 3 September 2026.
How do I apply?
The Cambridge-based applicant must register on the provided link, log in to the application form, and invite the Africa-based applicant to view and edit the submission. Both can then complete and submit electronically.
Can I apply if I cannot register?
If you are eligible but unable to register, you should contact the fund administrators via the email provided on the website.
Are there any terms and conditions?
Yes, successful applicants must agree to the Terms & Conditions outlined in the PDF available on the website. Award letter templates are also provided.
How many awards have been made so far?
To date, 392 awards have been made, enabling Cambridge researchers to engage with colleagues from 38 African countries.
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