Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellows Program

This fellowship supports African university faculty and research-organisation scientists who want to embed artificial intelligence in their scientific or engineering research; it funds a year of residency and advanced AI training at the University of Michigan, then a second year implementing that capability back at the home institution. The design deliberately guards against brain drain: the second year is the point, not an afterthought. Applicants submit a CV and an Individualised Training, Research and Impact Plan.

Open to university faculty members and researchers employed by African research organisations who hold an active research profile and want to integrate AI into their science or engineering work. Malawi qualifies as an African country, and UNIMA staff apply directly, with no institutional nomination or Northern partner required. Researchers in equivalent professional roles outside universities may also qualify.

Year one residency at the University of Michigan with access to research facilities, advanced AI training and mentorship, and summer AI academies; year two support for implementing the research and building capacity at the home institution; professional development through the African Studies Centre.

Applications open 17 August 2026 through the InfoReady portal linked from the MIDAS programme page. Phase 1 requires a CV and an Individualised Training, Research and Impact Plan (I-TRIP).

Timeline: Applications open 17 August 2026 | Phase 1 closes 5 October 2026 | Phase 2 closes 23 November 2026