Sobre

Overview

The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellowship supports African university faculty and equivalent researchers applying artificial intelligence (AI) to address significant scientific and engineering challenges. Fellows participate in a two-year programme comprising:

• 12 months in residence at the University of Michigan (starting summer 2027) to develop AI-enabled research.
• 12 months in Africa to implement research, training, and AI capacity-building activities.

The programme aims to advance AI-driven scientific research, strengthen AI in Science capacity across Africa, and foster long-term collaboration between African institutions and the University of Michigan.

Scientific Scope

Eligible research must apply AI methodologies (including machine learning, robotics, Bayesian inference, or simulation) in one of the following fields:

• Biological and biomedical science (excluding research focused on disease diagnosis, prevention, or treatment)
• Earth and environmental science
• Engineering
• Physical science and mathematics

Biological and biomedical proposals must focus on fundamental biological processes or disease mechanisms rather than clinical applications.

Fellowship Support

Selected Fellows will receive:

• Annual stipend of USD 35,000 during residence at the University of Michigan.
• Medical insurance, housing, visa fees, and travel between Africa and the United States.
• Funding for computing equipment, software licences, conference travel, training workshops, and publication costs.
• A USD 50,000 pilot grant upon returning to Africa to implement research, training, and impact activities.
• Mentorship from a University of Michigan faculty host, together with participation in AI training programmes, workshops, and collaborative research activities.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Hold a faculty appointment at an African university, or an equivalent research position at an African research organisation.
• Hold a PhD before 1 July 2027.
• Be an early- or mid-career researcher whose PhD or first faculty appointment began on or after 1 July 2017.
• Propose research within the programme’s eligible scientific domains and demonstrate strong potential to apply AI methodologies.

Applicants are not required to identify a University of Michigan faculty host before submitting the Phase 1 application.

Application Process

The application consists of two stages:

Phase 1
Applicants submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Individualized Training, Research, and Impact Plan (I-TRIP) (maximum four pages).
• (Optional) Letter of support from a University of Michigan faculty host.

Applications with an eligible faculty host letter automatically advance to Phase 2. Other eligible applications will be reviewed for host matching.

Phase 2
Shortlisted applicants submit:

• Updated CV.
• Revised I-TRIP developed with the faculty host.
• AI methodology keywords.
• Research tagline and public summary.
• Three selected research papers.
• Faculty host letter of support.
• Letter from the applicant’s home institution approving leave and confirming reinstatement.
• Contact details for 2–3 referees.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Alignment with the programme’s objectives.
• Research achievements and leadership potential.
• Potential to develop AI expertise.
• Scientific excellence, innovation, and expected long-term impact for Africa.

Key Dates

• Application portal opens: 17 August 2026
• Phase 1 deadline: 5 October 2026 (11:59 pm EDT)
• Phase 2 deadline: 23 November 2026 (11:59 pm EDT)
• Acceptance notifications: Early February 2027
• Programme start: 1 July 2027 (negotiable in special cases)

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official online application portal, which opens on 17 August 2026. Applicants are encouraged to review all programme requirements and prepare the required application materials before submission.