The ESA African Research Fellowships 2026 for African Researchers (Fully Funded to Rome, Italy)

Introduction

Applications are now open for the 2026 ESA African Research Fellowships. The African Research Fellowship (ARF) programme—part of the EO AFRICA flagship initiative of the European Space Agency (ESA), in partnership with the African Space Agency (AfSA), an organ of the African Union, and in coordination with the African Union Commission (AUC)—empowers the next generation of African Earth observation (EO) leaders. Since its launch in 2021, ten outstanding fellows have already advanced their research at ESA.

Research Themes

Applicants are invited to propose a 1-year R&D project focused on one of the EO AFRICA themes, utilizing EO satellite data and advanced analytical methods. The research will be fully integrated into the EO AFRICA R&D Initiative. Fellows will gain access to:

• ESA supported cloud computing resources (e.g. EO Africa Innovation Lab, Space-HPC…) to facilitate collaboration with European scientists in implementing research ideas.
• The EO AFRICA Space Academy and Digital Campus, which offer dedicated training, scientific tools, and a wealth of expertise to support the project.
• A professional network that promotes open research practices and reproducible science.

Eligibility Criteria

African researchers holding a PhD, or a Master’s degree with substantial proven research experience in satellite Earth Observation, satellite remote sensing, or a closely related field. We seek innovators driven to translate data into sustainable solutions.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit a complete application comprising:

• Research Proposal (with the official ARF template, max 10 pages - note: applications not using the provided template will be disregarded)
• Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3 pages) including a list of recent publications
• Copy of valid Identification document (preferably passport)
• Scan of the highest academic diploma (PhD or Master’s).
• Two (2) confidential letters of reference.

Application Timeline

• Open call: 18 March 2026
• Submission of Proposals: 29 April 2026
• Communication of Acceptance: July 2026
• Beginning of Activities in Frascati: October 2026

Benefits

Selected fellows will spend one year at ESA’s ESRIN centre in Frascati, Italy, collaborating directly with ESA experts. The fellowship period will begin in October 2026.