We are supporting early career scientists by building research capacity in sub-Saharan Africa.
About
Africa Open Lab is a GSK initiative focused on advancing scientific research and strengthening research capabilities in sub-Saharan Africa. Our mission is to build research and development (R&D) capacity by funding impactful research projects and supporting early career African scientists and clinicians.
By leveraging GSK’s expertise and fostering catalytic partnerships, Africa Open Lab aims to address Africa’s health challenges while narrowing the research gap between Africa and the rest of the world.
We are committed to supporting the next generation of African scientific leaders. By funding locally responsive and globally relevant research, we aim to contribute to the long-term professional growth of early career scientists. Together, we are driving innovation and building a healthier future for Africa.
Our impact
How we’re making a difference
£10m
Investment from 2022-2027
21
Projects funded since 2022 (across 2 calls for proposals)
>400
People trained through capability building initiatives since 2023
Our approach
We have a bold ambition to build research and development capacity in Africa and we have two main ways in which we do this. Firstly, we hold calls for proposals and provide grant funding for innovative research projects to early career scientists and clinicians in sub-Saharan Africa, enabling them to conduct research on high burden disease in the region. Secondly, we focus on enhancing the skills and capabilities of African researchers through training that is specifically targeted at gaps in capabilities we have identified. These include biostatistics, bioinformatics, clinical trial and pharmacovigilance. We leverage both local and international partnerships with academic institutions and industry partners to run workshops, internships and courses to close these gaps. These collaborations ensure sustainability and scalability of our efforts and that the training we deliver is not only impactful but contextually relevant.
Grants
Africa faces significant health challenges. Although it is home to only 16% of the world’s population, it accounts for 26% of the global burden of all disease. Despite this disparity, the continent represents only 2% of global investment in health R&D, and its scientific output represents 2% of the global share.1 Growing the number of researchers in Africa could potentially result in narrowing of the research gap between Africa and the rest of the world. The early career scientists have the greatest challenge in securing funding as they often must compete with more established researchers for the limited opportunities available. Africa Open Lab provides catalytic funding for promising African researchers to give them the kickstart to their career that they deserve.
Up to £100,000 available per award to cover a project for up to 36 months.
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.
There will be opportunities to undertake training activities relevant to achieving the aims of the project or research career development, including short courses and training visits to relevant research institutions, to be agreed in consultation with GSK.
In addition to financial support, 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 mentorship to successful applicants.
Funding is not provided for degree/fellowship tuition fees.
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 institution.
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
The research project – your project must meet the following criteria
Research proposal of relevance to the understanding of the following disease areas:
Malaria
Tuberculosis and drug-resistant tuberculosis
Drug-resistant bacterial infections
Enteric infections
Research may address one or more of:
Infectious disease epidemiology, pathophysiology, aetiology or prevention and treatment of primary disease
Significant gaps in knowledge about the diversity and causes of disease, their presentation, variations in clinical features and responses to medicines and vaccines
Mechanisms for improving access to and appropriate use of medicines and vaccines.
Research should generate significant data to strengthen further funding proposals that could lead to additional grant funding from other organisations and/or research collaborations in the longer term.
Proposals must demonstrate the specific health needs their research will address and how they will engage with specific stakeholders to bring about change in health policy and practice.
Proposals nested in ongoing trials must include a statement from the PI of the main study confirming the study is complementary and not overlapping with the primary aim of the parent study. The PI should also confirm the availability of samples for their use.
Applicants are strongly advised to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria before applying
Projects focused on drug or vaccine discovery or those using animal models will not be considered for this round.
Applications for research grants will be subject to a 2-stage review process. 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.
How to apply:
Please go to the GSK Supported Studies website. You will need to register to access the preliminary concept application form.
Complete the preliminary concept application form and submit it along with your CV (Please use the CV Template provided in the application form).
Completed proposals will be assessed by a scientific panel, including the scientific advisory board of African infectious disease experts and academics from other institutions.
Those assessed as competitive will be invited to submit a full application.
Please note that we will not provide written feedback for unsuccessful applications at the preliminary application stage.
Reviewers will typically assess:
The eligibility of the applicant
The scientific merit of the proposed project
The significance and potential impact of the research
The potential for scaling up the research
The potential impact of the project on your career development.
This comprehensive support from GSK has not only enabled me to successfully conduct my research but has also significantly contributed to my development as an independent researcher and strengthened my position in the African scientific community.
Dr. Adwoa Kumiwa Asare Afrane
Capability building
A core part of Africa Open Lab's mission to build R&D capacity is capability building. We partner with leading African research and educational institutions, as well as international institutions to deliver training that focuses on the main skills gaps in early career researchers. We intentionally partner with institutions that have high levels of expertise and that have a proven track record of delivering high quality education. By consulting with our Scientific Advisory board and collecting feedback from Africa Open Lab applicants, we ensure that the topics we focus on are the expressed needs of the scientists who need the training.
Africa Open Lab (AOL) supports several short courses annually in collaboration with leading African universities and research institutions. These courses address key capability gaps, including biostatistics, bioinformatics, clinical trials, pharmacovigilance, leadership training, and other areas critical to advancing health research in Sub-Saharan Africa. They aim to strengthen the skills of researchers, clinicians, and scientists while fostering collaboration and professional development.
Open to eligible participants, these courses provide hands-on training, expert mentorship, and networking opportunities. Previous courses include:
‘Introductory Course in Epidemiology and Medical Statistics’ (ICEMS) and ‘Essentials in Clinical Trials’ (ECT) by MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM in The Gambia
Microscopy and Bioimaging and Genome Sequencing and Bioinformatics Research by West African Centre of Cell Biology and Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) at the University of Ghana
Epidemiology and Biostatistics Course by the West African Research and Innovation Management Association (WARIMA), in Senegal
While there are currently no open applications for short courses, future opportunities will be announced here. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming courses and application details.
The Africa Open Lab Investigators Workshop, developed by GSK, serves as a dynamic platform to advance scientific research and professional growth across Africa. By fostering collaboration among investigators, GSK statisticians, and global health experts, the workshop delivers tailored training in leadership, data analysis, and statistical methodologies.
The 2024 workshop equipped participants with practical skills such as advanced data analysis, error detection, and bridging the gap between clinical and statistical significance. Personalised one-on-one consultancy sessions further enhanced research design strategies, empowering attendees to refine their projects with expert guidance. Leadership sessions inspired investigators to tackle challenges, embrace their roles as impactful leaders, and drive meaningful outcomes in their fields.
Participants also had the opportunity to present their research projects, gaining constructive feedback to help elevate their work. Additionally, the workshop provided a unique environment for AOL grant awardees to connect, build their networks, and explore collaborative opportunities, fostering a vibrant community of scientific innovation and partnership.
The programme has played a transformative role in my career development, while also creating ripple effects across my research community. The Introductory Course in Epidemiology & Medical Statistics at LSHTM/MRC The Gambia significantly strengthened my technical skills, enhancing the quality and rigor of my ongoing research. Importantly, the programme empowered me to support others, amplifying its broader capacity-building impact.
