The Research and Innovation Directorate invites the University community to submit proposals to the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund 2026. The fund supports research, training, and engagement activities between researchers at the University of Cambridge (or affiliated research institutes) and researchers based at African universities or equivalent research institutions.

The ALBORADA Fund aims to strengthen equitable research partnerships, support capacity building, and catalyze new collaborative research activities that can lead to larger external funding opportunities. Priority is given to projects that establish or expand long-term partnerships and demonstrate genuine collaboration between Cambridge and African researchers.

Eligibility

• Applications must be jointly developed by:
  • A researcher from the University of Cambridge or an affiliated research institute; and
  • A researcher from an African university or equivalent research institution.
• Both applicants must be at postdoctoral level or above.
• Applicants must hold employment contracts with their respective institutions and be supported by their departments.
• The Cambridge applicant serves as the lead applicant for administrative purposes. 

Award Categories and Funding Limits

a. Workshop or Research Training Course Grant

• Up to £15,000
• Supports workshops or research training courses hosted in Africa.

b. Research Catalyst Grant

• Up to £25,000
• Supports collaborative research projects across all disciplines.
• Budgets must be clearly justified.

Eligible Costs

• Research-related travel
• Workshops and training activities
• Research consumables and equipment
• Capacity-building activities 

Ineligible Costs

• Institutional overheads or administration costs
• Salaries of Principal Investigators
• Conference registration and attendance
• Publication charges 

Required Application Documents

Applicants must complete the online application and submit:

• Case for support (research and collaboration plan)
• Itemized budget
• Letter of support from the Cambridge PI’s department/faculty
• Letter of support from the African PI’s institution
• CVs (maximum two pages each) for both applicants
• Details of two independent referees

 Project Duration

• Most projects are expected to run between 6 and 18 months.
• Recommended project start date: Not earlier than 1 December 2026.

 Application Deadline

3 September 2026

For more information on the call, kindly visit: https://www.cambridge-africa.cam.ac.uk/initiatives/2026-call-for-applications/

Interested applicants should notify the Research and Innovation Directorate for institutional guidance and administrative support at rid-grantsmgt@ug.edu.gh with alasante@ug.edu.gh in copy.