Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund: A Gateway for Collaborative Research
The Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund offers a significant opportunity for researchers to foster and strengthen collaborations between the University of Cambridge and institutions across Africa. Established with support from The ALBORADA Trust, this fund aims to bridge geographical divides and disciplinary boundaries, enabling impactful research projects. Since its inception in 2012, the fund has supported numerous partnerships, leading to preliminary results that have helped researchers secure larger grants from prestigious bodies. This analysis explores the core aspects of the fund, including its objectives, grant details, eligibility criteria, and the application process, providing a clear overview for interested researchers.
Fund Objectives and Scope
The primary goal of the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund is to initiate and strengthen research collaborations between researchers at the University of Cambridge (or affiliated institutions) and their counterparts in African institutions. The fund covers all academic disciplines, encouraging a broad range of research interests. It has successfully facilitated engagement with researchers from 38 different African countries, demonstrating its wide reach and commitment to pan-African research partnerships. The success of the fund is evident in the number of awards made and the subsequent funding secured by awardees, highlighting its role as a crucial seed fund for larger research initiatives.
Grant Details and Funding Allocation
The Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund provides grants ranging from £1,000 to £25,000. These funds are designed to support essential research activities and capacity building. Specifically, the grants can be used for research costs, such as purchasing necessary reagents, covering fieldwork expenses, or acquiring equipment. Additionally, the fund supports research training activities conducted within Africa, which can include organizing courses or workshops to enhance the skills and knowledge of researchers on the continent. This dual focus ensures that both the research itself and the development of research infrastructure and expertise are addressed.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To be eligible for the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund, applicants must form a joint application, with one researcher based at the University of Cambridge or an affiliated institution and the other based at an African university or research institute. Both principal investigators (PIs) must hold a post-doctoral position or higher and have the support of their respective Heads of Department. It is also expected that both PIs will maintain their employment beyond the award period. While the fund is not primarily for postgraduate students, limited support for them may be considered if it clearly benefits the collaboration between the Cambridge and African PIs. The Cambridge-based applicant typically acts as the lead for administrative purposes, as funds are disbursed through their department.
Application Process and Submission
The application process for the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund is managed through an online form designed for collaborative input. The Cambridge-based applicant must first register using a specific institutional email address (@cam.ac.uk, @sanger.ac.uk, @babraham.ac.uk, @bas.ac.uk, or @niab.com). Once registered, the Cambridge applicant can invite their African counterpart to view and edit the submission. This system allows both parties to contribute to and finalize the application electronically. Researchers are encouraged to visit the official Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund website for detailed instructions and to access the application portal. The deadline for applications is September 3, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund?
The fund aims to start and strengthen research collaborations between researchers at the University of Cambridge and those at African institutions.
What kind of research does the fund support?
It supports research across all academic disciplines, encouraging a wide variety of research interests and partnerships.
How much funding can be received?
Grants typically range from £1,000 to £25,000 to support research activities and capacity building.
Who is eligible to apply for this fund?
Joint applications are required from a researcher at Cambridge (or affiliated institution) and a researcher at an African institution, both holding post-doctoral positions or higher.
