The University of Notre Dame has opened applications for its 2026-2027 Africa Research Grant, an initiative designed to strengthen research partnerships between the university and institutions across Africa. The programme provides seed funding for collaborative research projects that address important challenges and contribute to sustainable development across the African continent.
Notre Dame Africa Research Grant Overview
The grant supports research collaboration between Notre Dame faculty members and African universities, research institutions, non-governmental organisations, and other eligible organisations. Projects may cover different academic disciplines, provided they demonstrate meaningful research objectives and strong collaboration.
Moreover, the programme has two funding categories. Research Development Grants provide between $5,000 and $10,000, while Advanced Research Collaboration Grants provide up to $20,000. Eligible teams involving Notre Dame graduate students may also request an additional $4,000.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host country | United States / African countries |
| Host institution | University of Notre Dame |
| Programme type | Research Grant |
| Funding amount | $5,000-$20,000 |
| Application deadline | January 15, 2027 |
Benefits of Notre Dame Africa Research Grant
- Research funding of $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the project category.
- Additional funding of up to $4,000 for eligible projects involving Notre Dame graduate students.
- Opportunities to establish international research partnerships.
- Support for collaborative research and academic development.
- Opportunities to strengthen research capacity and produce scholarly publications.
- Access to research networks connecting African institutions with the University of Notre Dame.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applications must be submitted by a team led by a full-time University of Notre Dame faculty member.
- The principal investigator must be authorised to receive and manage internal research funding.
- Each research team must include at least one Africa-based collaborator.
- The African collaborator must contribute intellectually and substantively to the proposed project.
- Projects must focus on eligible countries in Africa.
- Graduate students, undergraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and professional staff may participate as team members.
Meanwhile, you should know that this is not an individual scholarship for African students. An African researcher cannot independently submit an application as the principal investigator.
Apply for Notre Dame Africa Research Grant
Interested applicants should first identify a suitable African research partner and develop a collaborative research proposal with the Notre Dame faculty member who will serve as the principal investigator. The team must prepare its proposal in English and explain the research objectives, expected outcomes, collaboration arrangements, and project budget. The Notre Dame principal investigator must then submit the completed application through the university’s official online submission platform using the prescribed application and budget templates. Any other funding supporting the proposed project must also be disclosed.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is January 15, 2027 and also not that applications open on November 2, 2026. For more information concerning the grant program, you can visit their official website through the link below;
Official Website: Notre Dame Africa Research Grant.
FAQs
Can African researchers apply?
Yes, African researchers can participate as collaborators, but the principal investigator must be a full-time Notre Dame faculty member.
How much funding is available?
The programme offers between $5,000 and $20,000, depending on the grant category.
Can students participate?
Students can participate as members of an eligible research team.
Can researchers from different African countries collaborate?
Yes, multicountry research projects are eligible when the participating countries meet the programme’s geographical requirements.
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