Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellowship 2026
AI-Driven Scientific Research Fellowship for African Faculty
Build AI Capacity and Sustainable Research Collaboration
Quick Highlights
Particulars
Details
Programme Name
Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellows Program
Organization
University of Michigan (MIDAS)
Opportunity Type
Fellowship
Funding Type
Fully Funded
Eligible Applicants
African university faculty and equivalent researchers in science/engineering
Location
University of Michigan & African Home Institutions
Duration
2 Years (12 months Michigan + 12 months Africa)
Opens
27 August 2026
Status
Announced (Opening Soon)
Opportunity Overview
Particular
Details
Host Organization
University of Michigan
Institute
Michigan Institute for Data & AI in Society (MIDAS)
Programme
Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellows Program
Programme Type
Faculty Fellowship
Funding Category
Fully Funded
Eligible Applicants
African university faculty and equivalent researchers
Location
University of Michigan & Africa
Application Mode
Online (MIDAS Portal)
About the Organization
The University of Michigan is a leading global research university. Its Michigan Institute for Data & AI in Society (MIDAS) advances data science and AI research across disciplines.
The African Studies Center provides additional support and guidance. The fellowship strengthens partnerships between African institutions and the University of Michigan.
About the Programme
The Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellowship promotes AI-enabled scientific discovery. It supports African researchers applying AI methodologies to critical scientific and engineering challenges.
The two-year fellowship balances international research exposure with local implementation. It builds sustainable AI research capacity across African institutions.
Fellowship Benefits
Benefit
Details
Duration
2 Years
Michigan Residence
12 months at University of Michigan
Africa Residence
12 months in Africa
Institutional Support
Research project development and capacity building
Collaboration
Partnership with leading research university
Knowledge Transfer
Training and capacity-building activities
Networking
Extensive network of collaborators
Research Impact
Address challenges relevant to Africa
Fellowship Objectives
Objective
Details
Research Support
Support AI-enabled scientific research with societal impact
Breakthroughs
Enable research addressing African challenges
Capacity Building
Build sustainable AI research capacity
Collaboration
Foster long-term collaborations with Michigan
Knowledge Exchange
Strengthen African and international scientific communities
Research Focus
Area
Details
Scientific Data Analysis
AI applications in data analysis
Engineering Research
AI-enabled engineering innovation
Environmental Science
Climate and environmental research
Health Research
Biomedical and health applications
Agriculture
Agricultural and food systems
Computational Sciences
Emerging AI-enabled scientific fields
Eligibility Criteria
Requirement
Details
Position
University faculty member based in Africa OR equivalent researcher in African organization
Research Area
Science or engineering research
Interest
Applying AI methodologies to scientific questions
Commitment
Advancing AI research capacity within Africa
Impact
Research addressing African challenges
Eligible Countries
Open to applicants from African countries.
Required Documents
Document
Required
Application Form
Yes (via MIDAS portal)
Research Proposal
Yes
CV/Resume
Yes
Supporting Documents
As per program guidance
Programme Timeline
Event
Date
Applications Open
27 August 2026
Application Deadline
To be confirmed
Shortlisting
After Deadline
Interviews
After Shortlisting
Final Selection
After Interviews
Programme Start
To be confirmed
How to Apply
Step
Action
Step 1
Visit the MIDAS African Faculty Fellowship portal
Step 2
Review eligibility requirements and program guidance
Step 3
Prepare research proposal and supporting documents
Step 4
Complete online application form
Step 5
Submit application when portal opens on 27 August 2026
Selection Process
Stage
Description
Stage 1: Application Screening
Applications reviewed for eligibility
Stage 2: Shortlisting
Qualified candidates shortlisted
Stage 3: Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
Stage 4: Final Selection
Selection based on qualifications and research potential
African university faculty and equivalent researchers in science or engineering.
What is the duration?
2 years (12 months at Michigan + 12 months in Africa).
Where is the fellowship based?
University of Michigan and African home institutions.
When does it open?
27 August 2026.
What is the research focus?
AI-enabled scientific and engineering research addressing African challenges.
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellowship offers exceptional research support for African academics. The two-year model provides meaningful international exposure while building sustainable AI capacity in Africa.
Competition is expected to be high given the fellowship's prestige and funding. Candidates with strong AI research proposals addressing African challenges will stand out. We recommend preparing applications in advance before the 27 August opening.
Best Opportunity For
Category
Suitable
African University Faculty in Science
✓ Highly Suitable
African Researchers in Engineering
✓ Highly Suitable
AI/Data Science Researchers
✓ Highly Suitable
Environmental Science Researchers
✓ Highly Suitable
Health/Agricultural Researchers
✓ Highly Suitable
Researchers Applying AI Methods
✓ Highly Suitable
Competition Level
Category
Level
Overall Competition
High
Eligible Applicants
African faculty and equivalent researchers
Number of Positions
Limited
Application Quality Expected
Very High
CareerFlora Recommendation
Recommendation Area
Details
Overall Rating
5/5 (Prestigious research fellowship)
Funding Opportunity
5/5 (Fully funded with institutional support)
Learning Value
5/5 (AI research and international exposure)
Career Growth
5/5 (Faculty development and global collaboration)
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