The programme recognises promising scholars whose research can contribute to a better understanding of violence, conflict and related social challenges. It supports research from different academic disciplines, including social sciences, natural sciences and other related fields.
Approximately a dozen emerging scholars are selected during each fellowship cycle.
Successful applicants receive research funding, mentorship and opportunities to develop their academic work and present findings to wider research communities.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
The African Fellow Awards provide:
A fieldwork research grant of US$10,000 for each selected fellow.
A two-year fellowship period.
An in-person research methods workshop on the African continent.
Mentorship from experienced African and Africanist scholars.
Sponsorship to attend an international conference and present research findings.
Editorial and publication assistance.
Support through a writing workshop designed to help fellows prepare work for international peer-reviewed journals and other research outlets.
The funding is intended to support eligible research activities and should not be treated as an unrestricted personal salary.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be a citizen of any country.
Be aged 45 or younger.
Be currently enrolled in an accredited PhD programme at a higher education institution in Africa.
Be living on the African continent.
Have a research proposal that directly relates to the African continent.
Propose research that contributes to understanding the causes, manifestations or control of violence and aggression.
The foundation welcomes proposals from a range of disciplines.
Research topics may include:
War and armed conflict.
Crime and organised violence.
Terrorism and political extremism.
Family and intimate-partner violence.
Ethnic, racial and religious conflict.
Climate instability and competition over natural resources.
Nationalism and political violence.
Priority is given to research that can help improve understanding of urgent problems and inform policies aimed at reducing violence.
How to Apply
Visit the official Harry Frank Guggenheim African Fellows page.
Read the application guidelines and advice for applicants.
Check that you meet the age, PhD enrolment and residency requirements.
Develop a research proposal directly related to violence or aggression in Africa.
Create an account through the foundation's online application system.
Complete the application and upload the required documents.
Submit your application before 15 January 2027.
Applicants should carefully review the official guidelines before preparing their proposals.
Important Information
Fellowship duration: Two years.
Research grant: US$10,000 per selected fellow.
Target applicants: Emerging African scholars.
Age limit: 45 years or younger.
Academic requirement: Current enrolment in an accredited African PhD programme.
Application opening: 15 November 2026.
Application deadline: 15 January 2027, 11:59 PM ET.
Research focus: Violence and aggression relating to the African continent.
The fellowship is highly specialised. It is intended for doctoral researchers rather than general applicants seeking a professional development programme.
Official Application and Information Links
Source Attribution: Based on the foundation's official African Fellow Awards information and 2027 application dates.
HFG