GSK Africa Open Lab’s Call for Research Proposals on High-quality Infectious Disease (Up to £100,000 Grants)

Reach us on

The GSK Africa Open Lab’s next call for research proposals focused on funding innovative high-quality infectious
disease research is now open with up to £100,000 available per award. The aim is to fund projects whilst
supporting the professional development of future African research leaders based in Sub–Saharan Africa (SSA).

GSK Africa Open Lab’s Call Focus Areas

Your project must meet the following criteria.
Research proposal of relevance to the understanding of the following disease areas:

Malaria
Tuberculosis or drug-resistant tuberculosis
Drug resistant bacterial infections
Enteric infections

Funding details

The award will offer funding to cover the costs of an appropriate research project including costs
for equipment, field work and data collection, consumables and research assistance. This may
also include relevant training and opportunities for dissemination of the project work in
consultation with GSK
In addition to financial support:
- Also available are funded opportunities for training activities relevant to achieving the aims of the
  project or research career development, including short courses and training visits to relevant
  research institutions in consultation with GSK.
- GSK will provide scientific support throughout the duration of the award term. The level of
  interaction will be determined through the application process and will be tailored to the individual
  needs of the project. GSK will explore links with scientists from academic and research groups in
  Africa and globally to provide additional mentorship to successful applicants. All shortlisted
  applicants may request for statistical support at this stage. The same offer of support will be
  made available to all shortlisted applicants at that stage.
Funding is not provided for degree/fellowships tuition fees
Up to £100,000 available per award to cover a project for up to 36 months.

Eligibility Criteria for GSK Africa Open Lab’s Call

The applicant – you must meet all of the following criteria:

The principal investigator must be an African scientist in the early stages of their research and academic
career, defined as: a basic biomedical scientist, clinically qualified investigator, or public health
researcher, who has not previously competed successfully as principal investigator for a major research
grant (>£100,000); not being more than 5 years past their last postgraduate degree (career breaks,
clinical roles and time out of academic research will be taken into consideration)
The minimum formal qualification required is a graduate degree. Most applicants will be expected to have
a MSc, PhD, Pharm D or an MD. Applicants can hold a lecturer appointment, a junior fellowship, or be in
another research staff position
Must demonstrate that they have a track record and ongoing commitment to health-related research
and the skills and experience required to carry out the proposed work. Evidence of research output,
including publications in peer reviewed journals (including at least one publication as first or last
author), conference publications, presentations at scientific conferences, input into clinical guidelines or
policy documents is required
Employed by a research or academic institution in SSA which will act as the sponsor to the
investigator for the duration of the award. Investigators from all qualifying institutions are welcome to
apply. Additionally, applications are strongly encouraged from investigators from historically
underrepresented population groups and institutions
A national of a sub-Saharan African country and based in an institution in SSA
Unsuccessful applicants from previous calls who are still eligible to apply may submit a new application.
Clinicians are strongly encouraged to apply

How To Apply for GSK Africa Open Lab’s Call

Applications for research grants will be subject to a 2-stage review process (concept and full proposal). Only
those successful at the concept stage will be invited to submit a full application. Recommendations for award
funding will be made based on scientific merit.
Please go to the GSK Supported Studies website available GSK’s Supported Studies Program. Register and submit the completed preliminary concept application on the website under Africa Open Lab accompanied by your CV (Please use the CV Template provided).

Click Here to Apply and for more details

Application Deadline: 3rd September 2025