Applications are open for the APDD Individual Research Fellowships 2027

Application Deadline: 15 January 2027

Applications are open for the APDD Individual Research Fellowships 2027, an opportunity for African researchers, academics, policy analysts and practitioners to advance research on conflict, peacebuilding and peace and security across the continent.

The fellowship, offered through the Social Science Research Council’s African Peacebuilding and Development Dynamics (APDD) programme, supports research that can strengthen peacebuilding policies, inform decision-making and improve responses to conflict-related challenges in Africa.

For professionals working in universities, research institutions, government agencies and civil society organisations, the programme offers an opportunity to connect research with practical solutions. It also creates space for African perspectives to contribute more meaningfully to regional and international discussions on peace and security.

Interested applicants should review the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare their research proposals well before the 15 January 2027 application deadline.

About the APDD Individual Research Fellowships

The APDD Individual Research Fellowships support African scholars and practitioners conducting research on peacebuilding and related issues. The programme seeks to strengthen African knowledge production and ensure that research findings contribute to scholarship, policy development and practical interventions.

Through field-based research, analysis, writing and professional collaboration, fellows investigate issues relevant to peacebuilding on the continent. Their work can help policymakers, development organisations and other stakeholders better understand conflict dynamics and identify evidence-based approaches to building peaceful societies.

The programme also promotes collaboration between researchers and practitioners, helping bridge the gap between academic research and the realities faced by communities affected by conflict.

For African professionals whose work focuses on peace, security, governance and development, the fellowship provides a platform to develop research with practical relevance and broader influence.

Benefits of the APDD Individual Research Fellowships 2027

Selected fellows can expect several research and professional development opportunities.

• Dedicated research time: Undertake field-based research, analyse findings and develop research outputs on peacebuilding issues.
• Research workshops: Participate in two mandatory workshops designed to strengthen research methods, refine findings and improve the communication of research.
• Mentorship: Learn from experienced senior scholars and other specialists working in peacebuilding.
• Professional networking: Build relationships with African researchers, academics, policy analysts and practitioners.
• Publication opportunities: Contribute to the APDD Working Paper series, African Peacebuilding Policy Review and Analysis, and other programme platforms.
• Career development: Strengthen research, analytical writing, knowledge-sharing and professional collaboration skills.
• Greater visibility: Share African perspectives in regional and international conversations about conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Funding note: The supplied announcement does not specify the fellowship stipend, research grant amount, travel coverage or other financial benefits. Applicants should consult the official programme page to confirm the financial terms before applying.

Eligibility Requirements

The APDD Individual Research Fellowships are open to African citizens who currently reside in an African country. Applicants must also meet the requirements for their professional category.

1. Academic applicants

Applicants applying as academics must:

• Be African citizens currently residing in an African country.
• Hold a full-time faculty or research position at an African university or research organisation.
• Have obtained a PhD no earlier than January 2016.

The announcement also states that applicants who had not been awarded their PhDs by June 2026 would not have their cases prioritised for academic eligibility. Prospective applicants should confirm how this provision applies to their circumstances with the programme organisers.

2. Policy analysts and practitioners

Applicants working in policy or practice must:

• Be African citizens residing in an African country.
• Work with a regional or subregional institution, government agency, nongovernmental organisation, media organisation or civil society organisation based in Africa.
• Hold at least a master’s degree obtained before January 2021.
• Have at least five years of demonstrated research and professional experience in peacebuilding-related activities on the continent.

Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate how their professional experience and proposed research relate to peacebuilding in Africa.

Application Process and Key Dates

The application deadline is 15 January 2027.

Follow these steps to prepare your application:

1. Visit the official programme webpage. Read the latest fellowship announcement and application instructions.
2. Confirm your eligibility. Determine whether you qualify under the academic or policy analyst and practitioner category.
3. Develop a focused research idea. Identify a specific peacebuilding challenge in Africa and explain why investigating it matters.
4. Prepare your application materials. Follow the official requirements for research proposals, academic or professional credentials, and supporting documents.
5. Submit before the deadline. Allow enough time to review your application and address any missing information.

Important dates

• Application deadline: 15 January 2027
• Programme period: The supplied announcement describes a nine-month fellowship, with six months dedicated to field-based research and three months to analysis and writing. However, its stated July 2026–March 2027 period conflicts with the 2027 application cycle and falls before the application deadline. Applicants should confirm the correct fellowship dates with the organisers.

Why You Should Apply: Tips for a Strong Application

The fellowship may be particularly valuable for researchers seeking to influence peacebuilding policy and practice beyond academic publications.

To strengthen your application, consider these practical tips:

• Choose a relevant research problem. Focus on a clearly defined conflict or peacebuilding challenge affecting a particular community, country or region.
• Demonstrate practical value. Explain how your findings could help policymakers, civil society organisations or peacebuilding practitioners make better decisions.
• Show evidence of experience. Connect your previous research, professional responsibilities and relevant achievements to the proposed project.
• Present a realistic methodology. Explain how you will collect and analyse evidence, engage relevant stakeholders and complete the research.
• Highlight African perspectives. Show how your research can contribute context-specific knowledge to wider debates about peace and security.
• Write clearly and precisely. Ensure that your proposal communicates the research question, objectives, methods and expected contribution without unnecessary jargon.

Before submitting, verify the programme timeline, funding arrangements, required documents and application procedure through the official source.

Conclusion

The APDD Individual Research Fellowships 2027 offer African researchers and experienced peacebuilding professionals an opportunity to deepen their research, strengthen professional networks and contribute evidence-based knowledge to peace and security discussions.

If your work addresses conflict prevention, peacebuilding or related policy challenges, consider whether this fellowship aligns with your research goals.

For more information and to apply CLICK HERE

Be one of the first to see new opportunities, Follow Us on social media: Facebook, Whatsapp Channel, LinkedIn